Decentralized/On-site wastewater treatment systems
About the course
The course can be taken as a single course.
Decentralized wastewater treatment systems are designed to treat and manage domestic or small-scale wastewater at or near the source of generation, typically individual homes, businesses, or small communities. Proper siting, design, operation, and management are essential for achieving treatment goals while keeping expenses low.
The course provides a comprehensive and fundamental background on on-site wastewater treatment design and introduces relevant systems for the local treatment of sanitary wastewater, source-separated greywater, and blackwater. Descriptions of treatment processes and the effects of discharges on water recipients are covered. Health aspects of wastewater treatment, including the transport and inactivation of bacteria, and viruses in treatment filters, soil, and groundwater, are also addressed. In cases where site-specific conditions do not permit an inexpensive septic tank and drain field, alternative and advanced treatment systems are employed. Additionally, important operational and management requirements are explored through the review of diverse case studies addressing the correction of malfunctioning systems.
An excursion to an on-site wastewater treatment system will be arranged to provide a hands-on understanding of how the treatment system works.
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 ects-credits, there are requirements for specialization in subjects, courses or subject groups of a minimum of 80 ects-credits or integrated education of a minimum of 120 ects-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 ects-credits in mathematics (cf. Mathematics 1, 2 and 3), at least 5 ects-credits in statistics / probability and at least 7.5 ects-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.
Objectives of the course
After passing the course, students must have the following learning outcomes.
Knowledge:
Understand the principles behind on-site wastewater treatment and its importance for managing domestic or small-scale wastewater and gaining practical, hands-on experience through field excursions to on-site wastewater treatment systems, providing insights into how these systems operate in practice.
Professional skills:
Able to design and operate on-site wastewater treatment systems.
Able to assess and select appropriate technologies under different situations.
Can understand regulations related to on-site wastewater treatment and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.
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.
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 mandatory coursework.
Language of instruction and examination
EnglishSchedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Examination
| School exam | Duration: 3 Hours |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Individual assignment | Grade: Approved – not approved |
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