M.Sc(Eng) and M(Eng) in Water Quality Engineering

The M(Eng) and MSc(Eng) specialising in Water Quality Engineering aims to produce graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage effectively in theory, design, modelling and operation of biological and chemical wastewater and sludge treatment systems. To protect surface water quality and prevent the de-oxygenation and eutrophication, municipal wastewater treatment is required. In South Africa (and many other countries in the world) the preferred technology for this is the biological nutrient (N&P) removal (BNR) activated sludge system. The masters degree programmes are aimed at producing engineers and scientists with high-level and in-depth knowledge and understanding of bioprocess engineering so that they can competently and effectively use steady state and dynamic simulation models for the design and operation of municipal wastewater treatment plants comprising primary treatment, BNR activated sludge, secondary settling tanks, flotation thickening and stabilisation of waste sludge by aerobic and/or anaerobic digestion unit operations in a plant wide integrated way. The steady state and dynamic WWTP unit operation models are based on bioprocess engineering and mathematical modelling principles with supporting information from several scientific disciplines such as chemistry, microbiology and biochemistry. Upon completion of this curriculum the modern approach of modelling and simulation to wastewater treatment plant design and operation can be embraced with deeper insight, advanced knowledge and greater confidence.

Curriculum

• Advanced Introduction to Wastewater Treatment (core)
• Urban Hydrology & Modelling Urban Drainage Systems (core)
• Sustainable Water Management (core)
• The Activated Sludge System (elective)
• Solid/Liquid Separation in Water and Wastewater Treatment
• Sewage Sludge Treatment and Biosolids Handling
• Steady State Design of Biological Nutrient Removal Systems
• Modelling and Simulation of Wastewater Treatment Systems
• Integrated Wastewater Treatment Plant Design
• Aquatic Chemistry for Water Engineers
• Advanced Chemical, Physical and Biological Processes Modelling
• Non-Sewered Sanitation Systems