Programs and Courses for Life Below Water
Management of Aquatic Ecosystems (CBM 537)
“Management of Aquatic Ecosystems” teaches a compherensive overview of aquatic ecosystems including lakes, streams, groundwater, wetlands, estuaries, lagoons, and marine ecosystems. The couse also involves decision making, decision support system tools (monitoring, modelling, databases and geographical information systems), integrated water resources management, contribution of water resources to natural capital and ecosystem goods and services, impacts of climate change, national and international case studies.
Course Objectives:
· Introducing aquatic ecosystems and gaining expertise on the solution of related environmental problems.
· Providing the necessary requirements and abilities for the integrated water resources management.
Topics Covered:
· Introduction to the management of aquatic ecosystems
· Lake ecosystems
· Stream ecosystems
· Groundwater ecosystems
· Wetland ecosystems
· Estuarine and lagoon ecosystems
· Marine ecosystems
· Decision making
· Decision support system tools – Monitoring and modelling
· Decision support system tools – Databases and Geographical Information Systems
· Integrated water resources management
· Contribution of water resources to natural capital and ecosystem goods and services
· Impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystems
· National and international case studies
Course Format:
This elective class consists of fourteen 3-hour lessons, each with a series interactive discussions, recommended readings and additional resources.
Students are required to take a midterm and final exam and assigned a term work on the management of aquatic ecosystems.
Course Outcomes:
· Fundamentals of water management
· Comprehending general characteristics and vulnerabilities of aquatic ecosystems and solving related problems.
· Comprehending the fundamentals of decision making process and integrated water resources management
· Utilizing of decision support system tools
· Awareness on the contemporary issues about aquatic ecosystems management
Course Resources:
· Maurizi, S., Poillon, F. 1992. Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems Science, Technology and Public Policy, National Academic Pres, Washington D.C.
· Mays, L.W. 1996. Water Resources Handbook, Mc Graw-Hill Companies Inc. USA.
· Gönenç, İ.E. 2006. Sürdürülebilir Havza Yönetimi, IGEM Danışmanlık Organizasyon ve Araştırma, Kayhan Matbaası, ISBN 9944-5621-1-4.
· Gönenç, İ.E., 2007 Vadineanu, A., Wolflin, J.P., Russo, R. Sustainable Use and Development of Watersheds, Nato Science for Peace and Security Series – C, Environmental Security, Springer.
· Simonovich, S. 2009. Managing Water Resources: Methods and Tools for a Systems Approach, 680 pages, Published jointly with UNESCO and International Hydrological Programme, Paris, ISBN 9781844075546.
Instructor:
Prof. Dr. Melike Gürel
Istanbul Technical University, Department of Environmental Engineering
Profile: https://research.itu.edu.tr/en/persons/melike-g%C3%BCrel
Programs for Life Below Water
● Earth System Science Master’s and Doctorate Programs
The Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences consists of three main departments: Ecology and Evolution, Climate and Marine Sciences and Solid Earth Sciences. The interdisiplinary approach of the institute provides a scientific support for sustainable life on our planet.
● Coastal Sciences and Engineering Master’s and Doctorate Programs
This department aims to conduct academic research and application studies on the use of coastal resources in the most efficient and sustainable way on behalf of all stakeholders, while preserving the sensitive dynamic balance of the coasts and the diversity of natural life on the coasts.
● Environmental Science Engineering and Management Master’s Program
The programme covers a wide range of research areas including water pollution control and management, water and wastewater treatment technologies, industrial pollution control and management, treatment plant design and operation, water quality and integrated basin management, and circular economy and sustainability.