Type of course

Admission requirements

Water and sewage technology

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in construction engineering, civil engineering, water and sewerage engineering, environmental engineering, HVAC engineering and energy technology. Applicants with other subject combinations (water sciences, sanitary and environmental sciences, hydrology / hydraulics, etc.) are considered separately.

Regulations on admission to studies at UiT state that in order to be admitted to a master's degree program of 120 credits, there are requirements for specialization in subjects, courses or subject groups of a minimum of 80 credits or integrated education of a minimum of 120 credits. For the field of study Water and Sewerage Technology, the requirement for professional specialization in construction, water and sewerage technology, civil engineering and HVAC applies. Applicants with other specializations can be admitted after special assessment. Basic knowledge of water and drainage technology is recommended.

In addition, there is a requirement for basic knowledge of at least 25 credits in mathematics (cf. Mathematics 1, 2 and 3), at least 5 credits in statistics / probability and at least 7.5 credits in physics in accordance with the framework plan for the Bachelor of Engineering.

Application code: 9371

Recommended prerequisites:

A basic course in chemistry and biology; water treatment or equivalent knowledge; water chemistry or equivalent knowledge; fluid mechanics.

Course content

Onsite wastewater treatment systems are a solution to manage wastewater from a single house to a small cluster of buildings. Proper siting, design, operation, and management is essential to meet treatment goals and keep expenses low. The course provides a comprehensive and fundamental background about on-site wastewater treatment design and introduces relevant for systems for local treatment of sanitary wastewater, source-separated greywater and blackwater. Description of treatment processes and effects of discharges to water recipients. Health aspects of wastewater treatment, transport and inactivation of parasites, bacteria and viruses in treatment filters, soil and groundwater. Drainage solutions with source separation in combination with urban agriculture and parks.

A very basic overview of pollutants found in wastewater and their importance from a human health, environmental, design, and regulatory perspective. Septic tanks and their function, selection, design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Water flow through the soil and its role in treating wastewater. Included are details on soil profile, structure, texture, topography, and slope. When site-specific conditions do not allow for an inexpensive septic tank and drain field, alternative and advanced treatment systems are used. Such conditions may include a shallow water table, poor soil conditions, and shallow rock strata and the various categories of such systems described. General concepts of water reuse are discussed, including benefits, regulatory issues, and design. Important operational and management requirements are explored though reviewing diverse case studies concerning the correction of malfunctioning systems.

Excursion to on-site wastewater treatment system to learn how the treatment system works.

Objectives of the course

After passing the course, students must have the following learning outcomes.

Knowledge:

Students will have a deeper theoretical understanding of decentralized treatment solutions for wastewater, and understand how natural processes can be utilized in wastewater treatment. They will have a basic understanding of the challenges in the cold climate, as well as the rules and regulation for the treatment and disposal of treated effluent.

Professional skills:

Students should be able to understand the possibilities and limitations of different on-site wastewater treatment systems and their compatibility with the local condition. Students should also be able to identify and explain which parameters are the basis for dimensioning and choice of technical solution based on local conditions.

General competence:

The students must be able to identify appropriate on-site system for specific local condition. They should be able to assess what effects the discharge may have on health and the environment.

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Lectures, for 2 x 1 weeks (a total of 10 working days), including team-based learning and exercises.

Assignment is a part of the course, and students tackle a practical problem and plan, refine and develop a solution. That solution will be presented in class as a part of the course assessment.