Wayangi Weerasekera / Sri Lanka
"After completing the GroundwatCH master, I would like to apply for a PhD opportunity mainly focusing on groundwater quality, groundwater security and sustainable management. I truly believe that the knowledge I gained through this master programme will be an immense help in finding a worthy PhD opportunity. Further, all my experiences during this period will make me more capable to achieve my targets." Read more

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Explain in detail how groundwater systems function;
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Describe the interactions between groundwater systems, climate, surface waters and land use;
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Use modelling tools for climate and groundwater systems;
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Identify the consequences of global and climate change impacts for groundwater management under uncertainty;
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Plan groundwater-related adaptation solutions for global change.
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Specific learning objectives of the course
The academic programme of GroundwatCH is built on the cornerstones of hydrogeology, climatology, impacts and adaptation, within a framework of human pressures, global and climate change and interdependencies (feedbacks), surrounding the following academic focal areas:
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Hydrogeology;
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Groundwater data collection, interpretation and modelling;
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Climate processes and modelling;
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Groundwater-surface water-climate interactions;
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Integrated river basin and water resources management;
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Groundwater and environmental impacts;
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Groundwater, society and policies;
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Groundwater in adaptation to global change.
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Regarding the key competences and skills that the JMD programme aims to provide, they are linked to each of the thematic areas, several of which provide the basic skills required to address the other, more integrated fields, and ultimately the core thematic field, where the key distinctive and challenging skills and competences can be outlined.
Learning Outcomes
2.1 Level
The intended learning outcomes align with the corresponding MSc level (Level 7 – Master’s degree, 2nd cycle, 120 ECTS) in the Framework for Qualifications in the EHEA, as well as the applicable national framework(s).
2.2 Disciplinary field
The intended learning outcomes of the GroundwatCh program have been formulated using the following Dublin descriptors:
Knowledge and understanding
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Explain and discuss the relevant theories and concepts in groundwater and global change: the physical, chemical and biological processes and interactions between groundwater, surface water, atmosphere, ecosystems and human activities
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Place groundwater and global change knowledge in a broader understanding of water issues, challenges, debates and developments
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Recognise and distinguish different ways of knowing and framing groundwater and global change questions and problems in order to formulate approaches and interventions within an interdisciplinary framework
Applying knowledge and understanding
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Apply concepts, approaches, tools and models to build a comprehensive assessment of the relevant groundwater and global change processes and interactions, and to support management and decision-making
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Integrate groundwater and global change knowledge into interdisciplinary and systemic understanding of water issues and consider complexity and uncertainty in such processes
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Draft research questions, select research methods and techniques, and conduct research in a structured, scientifically sound and ethically responsible manner
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Identify, select and apply results of research to address groundwater and global change issues in societally relevant and sustainable ways
Making judgements
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Interpret information, including research findings, critically in order to formulate evidence-based solutions and/or recommendations for challenges related to groundwater and global change
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Appraise different approaches to assess and address problems related to groundwater and global change, in the context of their potential and limitations, across multiple temporal and spatial scales
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Reflect critically on ethical and sustainability dimensions in current practice and formulate and defend own standpoints
Communication
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Communicate and present effectively, both in writing and orally, making use of information and communication technologies suited for the intended audience and purpose
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Debate and defend findings and insights in a clear, systematic and convincing manner
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Communicate effectively across disciplines and cultures, appreciating other perspectives, to enhance collaborations in teams
Life-long learning
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Further expand knowledge and skills through own initiative
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Reflect on own background and interests in order to identify a personal learning trajectory to realise career objectives and professional development goals