Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis

Taking this exchange programme amounts to following the first semester of our 1-year short degree programme Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis. You will be following two parallel minors with lectures, training sessions and field visits that provide you with expertise in aquatic ecology and water systems. In each minor you will have ample opportunity to put what you have learned into practice when you work on a professional task for an official client.

Minor Water Quality Analysis

This is the ‘biotic’ part of the programme, in which you will describe the ecological status of a Dutch water body, according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD), and analyze the results in contrast with outcomes in another EU country.

Minor Water System Analysis

Although this is the ‘abiotic’ part of the programme, it links to biota. You will study possible future changes for a water system in the EU to be used as a preparation study for area redevelopment. Here you will look into the geophysical features of the system.

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• Completion of at least three years of university studies in a related subject relevant to the study programme, in such a way that the resulting combined study pathway is plausible in its entirety.
• A minimum score of 550 in the TOEFL English test or a formally recognized equivalent, such as the IELTS (level 6.0) or IBT (79).
• The ability to formulate coherently in written English, and to have a vision of aquatic ecosystem analysis. Essay writing may be part of the admission procedure.
• Strong motivation for success in the sector.
• Team spirit and a flexible attitude in an international working environment.

On successful completion of the programme Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis, you will be awarded a certificate.

Programme objectives

Aquatic organisms and monitoring
This part of the programme will enable you to:

• Determine aquatic organisms up to species level.
• Evaluate and report results of monitoring on a professional level.
• Evaluate your role as a practical researcher monitoring and evaluating in a broader professional perspective.

Policies
This part of the programme will enable you to:

• Describe impacts of main water policies for the management of aquatic ecosystems.
• Perform ecological assessment of field data according to the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and to evaluate the methodology.
• Design measurements according to the WFD.

Physical geography
This part of the programme will enable you to:

• Analyze how land use and geological, geomorphological and soil formation processes influence the shape and functioning of European water systems.
• Produce comprehensive maps that serve water system analysis.

Climate
This part of the programme will enable you to:

• Evaluate current climatic changes in comparison to earlier climatic changes and analyze how current climate change will influence European water systems.

Eco hydrology
This part of the programme will enable you to:

• Apply knowledge of the water cycle and ecological key factors to analyze the effect of changes within the water system on flora and fauna communities.

• The NL Scholarship
• Lifelong Learning Programme: Erasmus