Description
Water resources engineering is the quantitative study of the hydrologic cycle -- the distribution and circulation of water linking the earth's atmosphere, land and oceans. Surface runoff is measured as the difference between precipitation and abstractions, such as infiltration (which replenishes groundwater flow), surface storage and evaporation. Applications include the management of the urban water supply, the design of urban storm-sewer systems, and flood forecasting. Hydraulic engineering consists of the application of fluid mechanics to water flowing in an isolated environment (pipe, pump) or in an open channel (river, lake, ocean). Civil engineers are primarily concerned with open channel flow, which is governed by the interdependent interaction between the water and the channel. Applications include the design of hydraulic structures, such as sewage conduits, dams and breakwaters, the management of waterways, such as erosion protection and flood protection, and environmental management, such as prediction of the mixing and transport of pollutants in surface water. Hydroelectric-power development, water supply, irrigation and navigation are some familiar applications of water resources engineering involving the utilization of water for beneficial purposes. More recently, concern for preserving our natural environment and meeting the needs of developing countries has increased the importance of water resources engineering.
Civil engineers play a vital role in the optimal planning, design and operation of water resource systems. Job opportunities in hydrology and water resources are quite varied. Positions are available in large and small consulting firms, and at all levels of government (municipal, provincial and federal). Particularly in Quebec, due to its abundant water resources, hydrology has played an important role in the social and economic development of the province.
Recommended courses
In order to achieve a specialization in the area of Water Resources and Hydraulics Engineering at the undergraduate level, the following courses are:
- Strongly recommended:
CIVE-428 Water Resources and Hydraulics Engineering
CIVE-550 Water Resources Management - Recommended:
EPSC-549 Hydrogeology
CIVE-553 Stream Pollution and Control
CIVE-570 Waves and Coastal Engineering
CIVE-571 Hydraulic Machines
CIVE-572 Computational Hydraulics
CIVE-573 Hydraulic Structures
CIVE-574 Fluid Mechanics of Water Pollution
CIVE-575 Fluid Mechanics of Air Pollution
CIVE-576 Hydrodynamics
CIVE-577 River Engineering
CIVE-579 Water Power Engineering
CIVE-585 Groundwater Hydrology
MIME-434 Turbomachinery
