Course syllabus

Groundwater Modelling and Contaminant Transport
Grundvattenmodellering och föroreningstransport

VTGN05, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2024/25
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED V
Date of Decision: 2024-04-17
Effective: 2024-05-08

General Information

Main field: Water Resources Engineering Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: MWLU1
Elective for: V4-vr, W4-vr
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The aim of the course is to deepen and develop the student's knowledge, skills and approach within the field of hydrogeology as a tool to manage and solve complex problems concerning water supply, waste treatment and urban/rural planning and construction in a way, which takes into account the needs of the inhabitants and the general goals for development of a sustainable society. Groundwater Modelling and Contaminant Transport is one of the core courses within an advanced specialization or a Master's Programme in Water Resources Engineering.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

Contents

Hydrogeology. Groundwater occurrence, behaviour and flow in various kinds of aquifers. Groundwater flow and properties governing the flow characteristics. Groundwater quality and quality characteristics. Hydrochemical composition, equilibrium and chemical processes. Contamination processes and contaminant transport. External additions including acidification.

Two minor and two major compulsory assignments resembling of qualified consultant commissions. In the assignments the students are expected to use their theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to solve a complex groundwater-engineering problem emphasizing sustainability of groundwater resources and risk of contamination. By means of modelling tools like MODFLOW, SEEP2D and MT3DMS within GMS and PHREEQC, the students will simulate and describe for example environmental effects of changing groundwater exploitation patterns at municipal water works or of lowering the groundwater table at civil engineering construction works and also groundwater chemical effects of leakage from deposits of mining waste or infiltration of acid rain.

The assignments are tackled in small groups of two students with frequent possibilities to consult a teacher, at least four hours per group of two in addition to eight hours scheduled advicing in a bigger group. Every student shall work with at least three different students during the four assignments. Peer review of two assignments. All assignments are presented as written technical reports and at least one assignment shall be presented orally at seminars and every student shall act as opponent and take active part in discussions at least once. Detailed written and oral feedback from the teachers to each group of two students .

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: Two minor and two major compulsory project commissions/assignments with written and oral presentation of the results and conclusions. The assessment of the assignments concerns structure and presentation as well as content and treatment, evaluation and valuation of information related to hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, groundwater modelling and contaminant transport. The performance of the assignments are weighted based on their scope and size to obtain the final mark of the course.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0115. Name: Assignments on Groundwater Flow.
Credits: 4.0. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Assessment of written report and oral presentation and opposition at seminar.
Code: 0215. Name: Assignments on Groundwater Transport and Chemistry.
Credits: 3.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Assessment of written report and oral presentation and opposition at seminar.

Admission

Admission requirements:

The number of participants is limited to: No

Reading list

Contact

Course coordinator: Léa Lévy, lea.levy@tg.lth.se
Course coordinator: Universitetslektor Gerhard Barmen, Gerhard.Barmen@tg.lth.se
Teacher: Gerhard Barmen, Gerhard.Barmen@tg.lth.se
Teacher: Léa Lévy, lea.levy@tg.lth.se
Teacher: Universitetslektor Jan-Erik Rosberg, Jan-Erik.Rosberg@tg.lth.se
Course homepage: https://www.tg.lth.se/utbildning/examensarbete/

Further information

The course is given in English.