Water and Society (ES)

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Project management encompasses all the methods, tools, and techniques used to organize the execution of a project and achieve its objectives, from the initial concept through to completion.

Practical, real-world scenarios will be incorporated through exercises or case studies to help students develop the right habits and learn how to use project management tools.

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Water lies at the heart of multiple and conflicting issues, visions, and interests. The interplay of these various elements raises questions about integrated water resources management (IWRM) and regulation (particularly through public policy), the balance between collective and private values, and decision-making processes concerning collective issues—in short, governance. Decentralization, water and sanitation services, basin-level management, the European Water Framework Directive, and financial flows, in particular, illustrate various facets of governance.

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The course primarily consists of a detailed overview of the fundamentals of land-use planning: The main legal frameworks and their constant evolution (codes, laws, regulations), as well as the “ doctrines ” that shape their implementation, as well as the various technical “tools”—whether procedures or the preparation of applications (urban planning documents, or public or private construction or development projects). The tools and conditions for dialogue and coordination (examination of the various operational methods), as well as the land management approaches (land management and the tools for managing it), and the assessment of the various issues (financial, socioeconomic, and political), and finally, the decision-making. The various aspects mentioned above are highlighted as factors that determine the success—and thus the successful spatial implementation—of all development projects, regardless of their nature and scale.

Designed to cover all regions, the module also aims to focus on issues specific to coastaland similar areas. Because coastal zones have unique characteristics, a specific approach to these areas is essential to complement general approaches (the Coastal Zone Act, the Water Act, easements, and changes to regulatory frameworks and legislation).

Finally, the underlying theme of this module is the systematic examination of the many debates and issues involved in the confrontation between theemergency (or priority) socioeconomic and the environmental urgency (or priority) environmental, with an understanding of the trade-offs and constant adjustments that this tension gives rise to. The current urgency of the ecological and transitional crisis, as well as the acceleration of confrontations / conflicts of interest are examined and put into perspective.

With regard to the “ management ” of territories—presented in the course title (“From Land-Use Planning to Territorial Management”) as stemming from the land-use planning phase—this theme is also described and analyzed for each of the specific points covered under land-use planning, both as a consequence of the actions taken and as a condition for success —in the medium and long term—of projects being implemented in a territory, regardless of their scale.

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The EU Bibliographic Project consists of training in literature review, including the use of search engines, databases, and bibliographic reference management tools. Students work in pairs on a topic they have chosen themselves, related to their field of study. This literature review culminates in the preparation of a summary and a poster.

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Sociologists of science view controversies as inherent to the process of knowledge production. They refer to (1) situations in which scientists debate and either disagree or reach agreement regarding the data they generate, as well as (2) mobilizations that arise within the context of institutionalized public debates or more informal exchanges. These controversies provide an opportunity to observe science and decision-making in action, as they draw on knowledge that has not yet been established. They offer examples from which to rethink the relationship between science and society—and, in doing so, the challenges of technical democracy—at the intersection of several disciplines.

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English tutorial course for students in the Water Sciences program who are working toward professional proficiency in English.

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By the end of this module, students should be able to understand an economic analysis related to a water management project or policy. They should be familiar with the principles of cost-benefit analysis and know the valuation methods, parameters, and indicators that can be used. They will learn to take a critical look at evaluations and the parameters and indicators used.

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The issue of contaminants in the aquatic environment is addressed from a multidisciplinary scientific perspective (chemistry, geochemistry, microbiology, etc.), while also addressing the regulatory aspects:

• Overview of the main contaminants in the aquatic environment: chemical contaminants such as major elements, trace metals, organic micropollutants (pesticides, hydrocarbons, endocrine disruptors, microbiological contaminants, etc.), radioactive elements, and biological contaminants such as microorganisms, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, etc.

• Focus on certain contaminants based on aquatic environments, taking into account, in particular, the hydrochemical characteristics of the water in relation to the geological and environmental contexts of hydrologic and hydrogeologic basins.

• An overview of interactions between microorganisms and organic and inorganic contaminants, and their impact on the fate of contaminants in the aquatic environment; applications in bioremediation.

These lessons are illustrated using examples from current events, such as antibiotic resistance, and/or the speakers’ research topics.

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This course unit is designed to enable students to gain in-depth knowledge of how aquatic ecosystems function and to identify threats and vulnerabilities in the face of local pressures and climate change.

It will also enable students to 1) understand the specific characteristics of how benthic ecosystems function and the ecological roles of their components, 2) acquire in-depth knowledge of how aquatic ecosystems function, 3) gain knowledge about the impact of chemical and biological contaminants (toxic and pathogenic microalgae), climate change, and human activities on aquatic ecosystems, their functioning, and their components, including the associated socioeconomic repercussions. This course unit will develop monitoring networks for the marine environment and the health of harvested marine animals by addressing mortality issues.

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The EU curriculum is organized into three parts:

1) The Water Cycle and Water Balance
• The Main Water Reservoirs
• The Mechanisms of the Water Cycle
• Water Circulation: From the Global Scale to the Watershed Scale
• Humans: Their Impact on the Water Cycle

2) The Atmospheric Phase of the Water Cycle – Hydrology
• The watershed
• Atmospheric circulation and precipitation
• Evapotranspiration
• Infiltration
• Runoff

3) The underground phase of the water cycle – Hydrogeology
• Porous media and their hydrodynamic properties
• Different types of aquifers
• Piezometric levels and maps

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The “Ocean, Atmosphere, Climate” module aims to present the fundamental principles of atmospheric dynamics and ocean dynamics and offers a critical and well-documented perspective on climate change. The course is based on the analysis of official documents describing global change, well-documented discussions of key issues, and case studies applied to various global contexts.

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This course is divided into two parts: one focusing on surface water and atmospheric water, and the other on groundwater. This course builds on the “Water Cycle” course from the first semester and lays the essential foundation for the specialized courses in hydrodynamics and physical hydrology that will be offered in the second semester. It therefore serves as a transitional course between fundamental knowledge of the water cycle and specialized knowledge related to the study and characterization of surface and groundwater resources.

Lectures combined with integrated tutorials are supplemented by practical exercises in the lab using computers and hydrogeological maps.

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The GIS Practice course consists of training in the use of Geographic Information Systems, covering basic concepts related to geographic information and proficiency in the open-source software QGIS. The majority of the course is devoted to an introduction through a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises. A personalized capstone mapping project allows students, at the end of the course, to apply the concepts they have learned. An introductory lecture by industry professionals provides context for the relevance of GIS approaches in general hydrology.

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This methodological module covers qualitative research techniques and inductive reasoning. Students will be trained to conduct open-ended interviews, carry out field observations, and learn to analyze empirical data. Students will apply these skills by conducting a group investigation into a controversy related to water or the environment (in connection with the material covered in course HAO717T).

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English tutorial course for students in the Water Sciences program who are working toward professional proficiency in English.

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This module presents managerial and multi-criteria approaches to evaluating water services.

The module focuses on the management of drinking water and sanitation services, as well as irrigation water distribution services. It provides students with an understanding of—and a critical perspective on—the management tools used for these services.

The module is organized into three main steps:

• Analysis and evaluation of the economic, financial, and technical performance of water and sanitation services, with a focus on financial analysis and performance indicators for water services
• Environmental assessment, including a comparison of global approaches (Life Cycle Assessment) versus local approaches.
• An Analysis of the Sustainability of Services

The EU draws on concrete case studies to illustrate the various concepts discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the relative nature of performance—a multidimensional concept that evolves over time and varies depending on the perspective considered.

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Historically, the issue of managing access to water resources first arose in relation to river water—which is closely tied to prevailing climatic conditions—and water supplied by man-made distribution systems. It is only more recently that the management of groundwater—which is less prone to short-term shortages (except for aquifers associated with surface watercourses)—has been considered. In most cases, access to these groundwater resources is on an individual basis, with each user (particularly agricultural users) accessing them through drilling at the exact location where they are needed. However, these groundwater resources also require management, as they are increasingly being exploited and, in some cases, even overexploited.

This module addresses the issue of groundwater resource management by first presenting the contributions of each physical science discipline (geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, isotope analysis) and their tools for understanding aquifers (in terms of geology: outcrops, boreholes, well logging, seismic profiles, etc.; in hydrogeology: piezometry, pumping tests, intake/discharge points, withdrawal volumes, etc.): geometry, structure, and hydrological functioning.

He then discusses the importance of groundwater for the various uses for which it is drawn. The economic value of groundwater is thus examined in this section (Qureshi et al., 2012). The challenges involved in determining the volume of groundwater abstractions and the methods used to identify them are also outlined.

He then describes the various problems posed by aquifers: current or future overexploitation of groundwater, deterioration in groundwater quality, the threat of saltwater intrusion, soil salinization, etc.

Finally, it lists the various methods for rebalancing groundwater supply and demand. First, it outlines ways to increase water supply (active groundwater management, substitution between resources) or to prevent the contamination of high-quality water by lower-quality water. Examples: active management of karst aquifers (the Lez system), artificial recharge (e.g., the Seine catchment fields in Paris), inter-seasonal/inter-annual recharge (Llobregat, Catalonia), recharge using wastewater (California), and dams designed to prevent the contamination of freshwater by saltwater.

Second, it outlines solutions that address water demand. These solutions are rooted in two drivers of individual decision-making that can sometimes be combined: the maximization of individual utility and participation in a society that fosters “prosocial” behaviors. The study will explore solutions that directly affect groundwater demand (pricing, quotas, market-based trading of water rights) as well as indirect solutions (purchasing land to create a sanctuary for a resource in need of protection; agricultural or energy policies that can positively or negatively influence the growth of individual withdrawals, etc.).

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This module aims to provide students with a practical understanding of the implementation of IWRM and public participation in water management through an active learning approach.

It is centered on “Cooplage,” a support system for implementing participatory approaches to water management developed by researchers at the UMR GEAU, and the associated Agreenium MOOC, Terr’eau & co.

Students will work in small groups—comprising students from different tracks within the Master’s in Water program—on case studies drawn from the instructors’ ongoing research projects. Learning will take place through the application of certain tools from the “Cooplage” program to their case studies, particularly modeling and participatory simulation in the form of role-playing. To ground their work in real-world context, students will be connected with the stakeholders involved in these case studies. 

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This course is an introduction to quantitative research methods in the social sciences.
It focuses on the use of statistics and the definition of categories to describe the social world, as well as on the objectification of representations.
It offers students the opportunity to put the questionnaire tool into practice by designing a questionnaire, administering it, and analyzing the results.

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Project management encompasses all the methods, tools, and techniques used to organize the execution of a project and achieve its objectives, from the initial concept through to completion.

Practical, real-world scenarios will be incorporated through exercises or case studies to help students develop the right habits and learn how to use project management tools.

View the full page

Water lies at the heart of multiple and conflicting issues, visions, and interests. The interplay of these various elements raises questions about integrated water resources management (IWRM) and regulation (particularly through public policy), the balance between collective and private values, and decision-making processes concerning collective issues—in short, governance. Decentralization, water and sanitation services, basin-level management, the European Water Framework Directive, and financial flows, in particular, illustrate various facets of governance.

View the full page

View the full page

The course primarily consists of a detailed overview of the fundamentals of land-use planning: The main legal frameworks and their constant evolution (codes, laws, regulations), as well as the “ doctrines ” that shape their implementation, as well as the various technical “tools”—whether procedures or the preparation of applications (urban planning documents, or public or private construction or development projects). The tools and conditions for dialogue and coordination (examination of the various operational methods), as well as the land management approaches (land management and the tools for managing it), and the assessment of the various issues (financial, socioeconomic, and political), and finally, the decision-making. The various aspects mentioned above are highlighted as factors that determine the success—and thus the successful spatial implementation—of all development projects, regardless of their nature and scale.

Designed to cover all regions, the module also aims to focus on issues specific to coastaland similar areas. Because coastal zones have unique characteristics, a specific approach to these areas is essential to complement general approaches (the Coastal Zone Act, the Water Act, easements, and changes to regulatory frameworks and legislation).

Finally, the underlying theme of this module is the systematic examination of the many debates and issues involved in the confrontation between theemergency (or priority) socioeconomic and the environmental urgency (or priority) environmental, with an understanding of the trade-offs and constant adjustments that this tension gives rise to. The current urgency of the ecological and transitional crisis, as well as the acceleration of confrontations / conflicts of interest are examined and put into perspective.

With regard to the “ management ” of territories—presented in the course title (“From Land-Use Planning to Territorial Management”) as stemming from the land-use planning phase—this theme is also described and analyzed for each of the specific points covered under land-use planning, both as a consequence of the actions taken and as a condition for success —in the medium and long term—of projects being implemented in a territory, regardless of their scale.

View the full page

The EU Bibliographic Project consists of training in literature review, including the use of search engines, databases, and bibliographic reference management tools. Students work in pairs on a topic they have chosen themselves, related to their field of study. This literature review culminates in the preparation of a summary and a poster.

View the full page

Sociologists of science view controversies as inherent to the process of knowledge production. They refer to (1) situations in which scientists debate and either disagree or reach agreement regarding the data they generate, as well as (2) mobilizations that arise within the context of institutionalized public debates or more informal exchanges. These controversies provide an opportunity to observe science and decision-making in action, as they draw on knowledge that has not yet been established. They offer examples from which to rethink the relationship between science and society—and, in doing so, the challenges of technical democracy—at the intersection of several disciplines.

View the full page

English tutorial course for students in the Water Sciences program who are working toward professional proficiency in English.

View the full page

By the end of this module, students should be able to understand an economic analysis related to a water management project or policy. They should be familiar with the principles of cost-benefit analysis and know the valuation methods, parameters, and indicators that can be used. They will learn to take a critical look at evaluations and the parameters and indicators used.

View the full page

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The issue of contaminants in the aquatic environment is addressed from a multidisciplinary scientific perspective (chemistry, geochemistry, microbiology, etc.), while also addressing the regulatory aspects:

• Overview of the main contaminants in the aquatic environment: chemical contaminants such as major elements, trace metals, organic micropollutants (pesticides, hydrocarbons, endocrine disruptors, microbiological contaminants, etc.), radioactive elements, and biological contaminants such as microorganisms, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, etc.

• Focus on certain contaminants based on aquatic environments, taking into account, in particular, the hydrochemical characteristics of the water in relation to the geological and environmental contexts of hydrologic and hydrogeologic basins.

• An overview of interactions between microorganisms and organic and inorganic contaminants, and their impact on the fate of contaminants in the aquatic environment; applications in bioremediation.

These lessons are illustrated using examples from current events, such as antibiotic resistance, and/or the speakers’ research topics.

View the full page

This course unit is designed to enable students to gain in-depth knowledge of how aquatic ecosystems function and to identify threats and vulnerabilities in the face of local pressures and climate change.

It will also enable students to 1) understand the specific characteristics of how benthic ecosystems function and the ecological roles of their components, 2) acquire in-depth knowledge of how aquatic ecosystems function, 3) gain knowledge about the impact of chemical and biological contaminants (toxic and pathogenic microalgae), climate change, and human activities on aquatic ecosystems, their functioning, and their components, including the associated socioeconomic repercussions. This course unit will develop monitoring networks for the marine environment and the health of harvested marine animals by addressing mortality issues.

View the full page

The EU curriculum is organized into three parts:

1) The Water Cycle and Water Balance
• The Main Water Reservoirs
• The Mechanisms of the Water Cycle
• Water Circulation: From the Global Scale to the Watershed Scale
• Humans: Their Impact on the Water Cycle

2) The Atmospheric Phase of the Water Cycle – Hydrology
• The watershed
• Atmospheric circulation and precipitation
• Evapotranspiration
• Infiltration
• Runoff

3) The underground phase of the water cycle – Hydrogeology
• Porous media and their hydrodynamic properties
• Different types of aquifers
• Piezometric levels and maps

View the full page

The “Ocean, Atmosphere, Climate” module aims to present the fundamental principles of atmospheric dynamics and ocean dynamics and offers a critical and well-documented perspective on climate change. The course is based on the analysis of official documents describing global change, well-documented discussions of key issues, and case studies applied to various global contexts.

View the full page

This course is divided into two parts: one focusing on surface water and atmospheric water, and the other on groundwater. This course builds on the “Water Cycle” course from the first semester and lays the essential foundation for the specialized courses in hydrodynamics and physical hydrology that will be offered in the second semester. It therefore serves as a transitional course between fundamental knowledge of the water cycle and specialized knowledge related to the study and characterization of surface and groundwater resources.

Lectures combined with integrated tutorials are supplemented by practical exercises in the lab using computers and hydrogeological maps.

View the full page

The GIS Practice course consists of training in the use of Geographic Information Systems, covering basic concepts related to geographic information and proficiency in the open-source software QGIS. The majority of the course is devoted to an introduction through a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises. A personalized capstone mapping project allows students, at the end of the course, to apply the concepts they have learned. An introductory lecture by industry professionals provides context for the relevance of GIS approaches in general hydrology.

View the full page

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View the full page

This methodological module covers qualitative research techniques and inductive reasoning. Students will be trained to conduct open-ended interviews, carry out field observations, and learn to analyze empirical data. Students will apply these skills by conducting a group investigation into a controversy related to water or the environment (in connection with the material covered in course HAO717T).

View the full page

English tutorial course for students in the Water Sciences program who are working toward professional proficiency in English.

View the full page

This module presents managerial and multi-criteria approaches to evaluating water services.

The module focuses on the management of drinking water and sanitation services, as well as irrigation water distribution services. It provides students with an understanding of—and a critical perspective on—the management tools used for these services.

The module is organized into three main steps:

• Analysis and evaluation of the economic, financial, and technical performance of water and sanitation services, with a focus on financial analysis and performance indicators for water services
• Environmental assessment, including a comparison of global approaches (Life Cycle Assessment) versus local approaches.
• An Analysis of the Sustainability of Services

The EU draws on concrete case studies to illustrate the various concepts discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the relative nature of performance—a multidimensional concept that evolves over time and varies depending on the perspective considered.

View the full page

View the full page

View the full page

This module aims to provide students with a practical understanding of the implementation of IWRM and public participation in water management through an active learning approach.

It is centered on “Cooplage,” a support system for implementing participatory approaches to water management developed by researchers at the UMR GEAU, and the associated Agreenium MOOC, Terr’eau & co.

Students will work in small groups—comprising students from different tracks within the Master’s in Water program—on case studies drawn from the instructors’ ongoing research projects. Learning will take place through the application of certain tools from the “Cooplage” program to their case studies, particularly modeling and participatory simulation in the form of role-playing. To ground their work in real-world context, students will be connected with the stakeholders involved in these case studies. 

View the full page

This course is an introduction to quantitative research methods in the social sciences.
It focuses on the use of statistics and the definition of categories to describe the social world, as well as on the objectification of representations.
It offers students the opportunity to put the questionnaire tool into practice by designing a questionnaire, administering it, and analyzing the results.

View the full page

The aim will be to examine the role of local governments in environmental matters and the actions taken by state agencies. To this end, the authority of local governments in water management will be considered, as well as the role of intermunicipal cooperation structures in water management and resource protection.

Students must have knowledge of the French judicial system, the hierarchy of norms, and legal balances. An introduction to legal mechanisms (the concept of a contract, the basics of corporate law, etc.) will therefore be helpful. The use of contracts as a means of managing resources (public service delegations and public procurement) will be examined. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter in our region, it is essential to address the treatment of coastal waters.

An examination of the exercise of administrative police powers in the area of water management will be necessary to understand the legal framework governing ICPEs and IOTAs and to address environmental land-use planning and water resource management (SDAGE, SAGE, and other plans).

The law governing waterways in France and the study of the small and large water cycles will provide insight into how risk planning and the implementation of what is known as the GEMAPI jurisdiction have evolved in recent years.

Finally, with a lawyer who specializes in environmental law and has extensive experience in water resource litigation, students will have the opportunity to explore conflict resolution mechanisms.

This will make it possible to examine the extent of public participation in water management, as well as the recognition and assertion of the right to water and the right to sanitation.

A brief overview of EU water law and European environmental law will round out the training.

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All future Master’s graduates—whether in the “Professional” or “Research” track—must master the tools and conventions of effective scientific writing. Improving one’s scientific writing skills is essential for showcasing one’s work and communicating it to peers, colleagues, clients, and others…

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Governance is a polysemic term used in contrast to “government” to refer to a less centralized form of power. The term’s success likely stems from its ambiguity. Indeed, it is a concept sometimes used to challenge central executive power (monarchy, corporate leadership, etc.) in a context where it is perceived as hegemonic, and sometimes used to call for more government in a market-driven context perceived as chaotic, but in which the dominant ideology opposes centralized intervention. It is therefore a concept used to call for both more and less government.

This course unit examines governance from a critical and reflective perspective, with a historical depth that incorporates the evolving trajectories of public action—ranging from globalization and Europeanization on the one hand to decentralization and territorialization on the other—against a backdrop of growing uncertainty, global changes, and transitions. In particular, it explores the following issues in depth:

• Governance? A dominant concept, a critical approach, the institutional and sociopolitical context, its emergence, and its evolution amid global changes?
• Water Policy Development and Governance; The Role of Concepts and Discourses; How Can Governance Models Be Shaped or Changed? How Can Collective Values Promoted by IWRM Be Better Incorporated? The Importance of the Long Term, Historical Depth, and Foresight?
• What scope for action do stakeholders have at the local, national, and international levels? What strategies exist for managing a water basin? An illustration of the diversity of governance models
• Water Governance: Between Integration and Fragmentation?
• Water as an “interconnecting fluid” between stakeholders and ecosystems: How should these interactions and their social implications be governed?

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The three major global irrigation models—large-scale hydraulic systems, community irrigation, and private irrigation—are presented in their historical context, based on an in-depth literature review and examples of specific cases, with a focus on the Mediterranean region.

These three different irrigation models are presented (ideology, construction, water management, agricultural development, stakeholders, etc.) using a theoretical framework based on oxymorons. These models are then illustrated through various real-world examples, presented in PowerPoint presentations, videos, and articles.

The various key references for each type of irrigation system will be presented and discussed. Each irrigation model is discussed with the students, who present their analyses through a guided exercise. Once the three irrigation models are understood, the course focuses on the analysis of rural development models related to irrigation. The analysis is based on a critical examination of the dualist theory of development as applied to irrigation systems.

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The course is structured around case studies focused on the Gironde and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions. It explores, in turn, the role of water in land-use planning—including drinking water, sanitation, flooding, and aquatic environments, such as wetlands. It also explores the roles of various stakeholders in the water and urban planning sectors, while introducing students to careers related to these two fields. The course features extensive discussion and interaction between the instructor and students, with the aim of fostering their critical thinking skills through practical, real-world professional case studies.

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As part of this course unit, students will apply project planning and estimating the time required for each task, the FFOM matrix and the “sabotage” exercise, risk management, organizing and facilitating meetings, and oral project presentations. Other aspects of project management may be addressed on a case-by-case basis, such as financial management, the role of the project manager, relationships with partners, and the use of tools such as to-do lists, Kanban, shared calendars, etc.

Building on the Project Management course from the first year of the master’s program, the Project Management course in the second year is designed to assess students’ mastery of the skills acquired the previous year and to take them further by focusing on a longer-term project (ranging from a few weeks to a few months), whether individual or group-based, and whether a course project or a personal project.

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The EU aims to provide materials to help establish a historical framework and analyze archives on water management.

It explores the history of water management models, the history of hydraulic engineers and hydraulics, and the social and political history of water management in a Latin American country, Ecuador.

It also introduces the departmental archives system.

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Water-related issues are often presented from a purely technical and/or functional perspective. From this viewpoint, the goal would be to “properly” manage the resource (in an equitable, efficient, and environmentally friendly manner, etc.) based on available scientific knowledge. This perspective, however, is unrealistic. Regardless of the geographical scale involved, water management is in fact largely shaped by political considerations.

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Through presentations by professionals, this course provides students with an overview of the various careers and key players in the water and aquatic environments sector in France.

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This is a cross-disciplinary course that draws on a variety of tools and knowledge:

• in the form of a workshop,
• over the long term during the M2: a single project organized in two complementary phases (Interdisciplinary Project 1 and Interdisciplinary Project 2) to achieve common educational and skill-building objectives.

It allows students to carry out an interdisciplinary project from start to finish, in the form of an interdisciplinary study addressing sociopolitical, economic, environmental, and health issues, as well as hydrological or hydraulic modeling, risk management, and more...  

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The goal of this interdisciplinary course is to give students from various academic tracks who are interested the opportunity to organize an event project on a current topic related to water, in line with their personal commitments, their career goals, societal challenges, and issues surrounding global transitions and changes….

The project is led by the students, from its initial planning through its implementation during the event, with occasional support from the faculty at key stages of the project.

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The objective of this course, offered jointly with AgroParisTech’s specialized post-master’s program in “Water Management,” is to provide students with a background in development with a framework for understanding the challenges and the organization of development projects related to water (drinking water, sanitation, and agricultural water).

This teaching unit alternates between testimonials and insights from experts and professionals in the development sector on water-related issues, and testimonials from learners (enrolled in the specialized Master’s program in Water Management) or students who already have international experience in the fields of water or agriculture.

This course unit is offered as an elective to students in the Master’s program in Water Sciences, subject to a cap on the number of students.

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Water resources and their management are often discussed in terms of knowledge and principles established in developed countries in temperate zones. However, countries in the Global South—starting with the Mediterranean and Africa—present us with an extreme diversity of social and environmental situations that compel us to significantly adjust our perspectives and question the validity of certain approaches that are too detached from the reality on the ground.

Researchers working primarily in the Global South draw on their practical experiences to examine the unique characteristics of hydrological and geochemical processes in very dry or very humid tropical regions, the consequences of human activity, and the challenges of managing water resources in a sustainable manner, where possible.

A significant amount of time is devoted to the critical analysis of scientific articles dealing with water resources and their management in the Global South.

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The objective of this learning unit is to present the current and future impacts on all sectors related to the field of water.

How are climate extremes—such as droughts and floods—changing, and which regions are affected by these extremes? How does this impact groundwater and surface water resources, as well as farmland and irrigation methods?

What are the trends regarding rising sea levels and coastal areas? How does this affect current and future population movements, and what solutions can be proposed for coastal management …?

Through a series of lectures delivered by experts in various fields—covering all tracks of the Master’s in Water program—this course unit will present the latest developments in this area.

Through tutorial and lab sessions, students will work in groups on a specific topic (using an example) that combines climate change with a water-related field, in order to provide a concise overview of the subject. This project will be presented in the form of a mini-seminar and will serve as the basis for the assessment of this course unit.

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The aim will be to examine the role of local governments in environmental matters and the actions taken by state agencies. To this end, the authority of local governments in water management will be considered, as well as the role of intermunicipal cooperation structures in water management and resource protection.

Students must have knowledge of the French judicial system, the hierarchy of norms, and legal balances. An introduction to legal mechanisms (the concept of a contract, the basics of corporate law, etc.) will therefore be helpful. The use of contracts as a means of managing resources (public service delegations and public procurement) will be examined. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter in our region, it is essential to address the treatment of coastal waters.

An examination of the exercise of administrative police powers in the area of water management will be necessary to understand the legal framework governing ICPEs and IOTAs and to address environmental land-use planning and water resource management (SDAGE, SAGE, and other plans).

The law governing waterways in France and the study of the small and large water cycles will provide insight into how risk planning and the implementation of what is known as the GEMAPI jurisdiction have evolved in recent years.

Finally, with a lawyer who specializes in environmental law and has extensive experience in water resource litigation, students will have the opportunity to explore conflict resolution mechanisms.

This will make it possible to examine the extent of public participation in water management, as well as the recognition and assertion of the right to water and the right to sanitation.

A brief overview of EU water law and European environmental law will round out the training.

View the full page

All future Master’s graduates—whether in the “Professional” or “Research” track—must master the tools and conventions of effective scientific writing. Improving one’s scientific writing skills is essential for showcasing one’s work and communicating it to peers, colleagues, clients, and others…

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Governance is a polysemic term used in contrast to “government” to refer to a less centralized form of power. The term’s success likely stems from its ambiguity. Indeed, it is a concept sometimes used to challenge central executive power (monarchy, corporate leadership, etc.) in a context where it is perceived as hegemonic, and sometimes used to call for more government in a market-driven context perceived as chaotic, but in which the dominant ideology opposes centralized intervention. It is therefore a concept used to call for both more and less government.

This course unit examines governance from a critical and reflective perspective, with a historical depth that incorporates the evolving trajectories of public action—ranging from globalization and Europeanization on the one hand to decentralization and territorialization on the other—against a backdrop of growing uncertainty, global changes, and transitions. In particular, it explores the following issues in depth:

• Governance? A dominant concept, a critical approach, the institutional and sociopolitical context, its emergence, and its evolution amid global changes?
• Water Policy Development and Governance; The Role of Concepts and Discourses; How Can Governance Models Be Shaped or Changed? How Can Collective Values Promoted by IWRM Be Better Incorporated? The Importance of the Long Term, Historical Depth, and Foresight?
• What scope for action do stakeholders have at the local, national, and international levels? What strategies exist for managing a water basin? An illustration of the diversity of governance models
• Water Governance: Between Integration and Fragmentation?
• Water as an “interconnecting fluid” between stakeholders and ecosystems: How should these interactions and their social implications be governed?

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The three major global irrigation models—large-scale hydraulic systems, community irrigation, and private irrigation—are presented in their historical context, based on an in-depth literature review and examples of specific cases, with a focus on the Mediterranean region.

These three different irrigation models are presented (ideology, construction, water management, agricultural development, stakeholders, etc.) using a theoretical framework based on oxymorons. These models are then illustrated through various real-world examples, presented in PowerPoint presentations, videos, and articles.

The various key references for each type of irrigation system will be presented and discussed. Each irrigation model is discussed with the students, who present their analyses through a guided exercise. Once the three irrigation models are understood, the course focuses on the analysis of rural development models related to irrigation. The analysis is based on a critical examination of the dualist theory of development as applied to irrigation systems.

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The course is structured around case studies focused on the Gironde and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions. It explores, in turn, the role of water in land-use planning—including drinking water, sanitation, flooding, and aquatic environments, such as wetlands. It also explores the roles of various stakeholders in the water and urban planning sectors, while introducing students to careers related to these two fields. The course features extensive discussion and interaction between the instructor and students, with the aim of fostering their critical thinking skills through practical, real-world professional case studies.

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As part of this course unit, students will apply project planning and estimating the time required for each task, the FFOM matrix and the “sabotage” exercise, risk management, organizing and facilitating meetings, and oral project presentations. Other aspects of project management may be addressed on a case-by-case basis, such as financial management, the role of the project manager, relationships with partners, and the use of tools such as to-do lists, Kanban, shared calendars, etc.

Building on the Project Management course from the first year of the master’s program, the Project Management course in the second year is designed to assess students’ mastery of the skills acquired the previous year and to take them further by focusing on a longer-term project (ranging from a few weeks to a few months), whether individual or group-based, and whether a course project or a personal project.

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The EU aims to provide materials to help establish a historical framework and analyze archives on water management.

It explores the history of water management models, the history of hydraulic engineers and hydraulics, and the social and political history of water management in a Latin American country, Ecuador.

It also introduces the departmental archives system.

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Water-related issues are often presented from a purely technical and/or functional perspective. From this viewpoint, the goal would be to “properly” manage the resource (in an equitable, efficient, and environmentally friendly manner, etc.) based on available scientific knowledge. This perspective, however, is unrealistic. Regardless of the geographical scale involved, water management is in fact largely shaped by political considerations.

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Through presentations by professionals, this course provides students with an overview of the various careers and key players in the water and aquatic environments sector in France.

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The goal of this interdisciplinary course is to give students from various academic tracks who are interested the opportunity to organize an event project on a current topic related to water, in line with their personal commitments, their career goals, societal challenges, and issues surrounding global transitions and changes….

The project is led by the students, from its initial planning through its implementation during the event, with occasional support from the faculty at key stages of the project.

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The objective of this course, offered jointly with AgroParisTech’s specialized post-master’s program in “Water Management,” is to provide students with a background in development with a framework for understanding the challenges and the organization of development projects related to water (drinking water, sanitation, and agricultural water).

This teaching unit alternates between testimonials and insights from experts and professionals in the development sector on water-related issues, and testimonials from learners (enrolled in the specialized Master’s program in Water Management) or students who already have international experience in the fields of water or agriculture.

This course unit is offered as an elective to students in the Master’s program in Water Sciences, subject to a cap on the number of students.

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Water resources and their management are often discussed in terms of knowledge and principles established in developed countries in temperate zones. However, countries in the Global South—starting with the Mediterranean and Africa—present us with an extreme diversity of social and environmental situations that compel us to significantly adjust our perspectives and question the validity of certain approaches that are too detached from the reality on the ground.

Researchers working primarily in the Global South draw on their practical experiences to examine the unique characteristics of hydrological and geochemical processes in very dry or very humid tropical regions, the consequences of human activity, and the challenges of managing water resources in a sustainable manner, where possible.

A significant amount of time is devoted to the critical analysis of scientific articles dealing with water resources and their management in the Global South.

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The objective of this learning unit is to present the current and future impacts on all sectors related to the field of water.

How are climate extremes—such as droughts and floods—changing, and which regions are affected by these extremes? How does this impact groundwater and surface water resources, as well as farmland and irrigation methods?

What are the trends regarding rising sea levels and coastal areas? How does this affect current and future population movements, and what solutions can be proposed for coastal management …?

Through a series of lectures delivered by experts in various fields—covering all tracks of the Master’s in Water program—this course unit will present the latest developments in this area.

Through tutorial and lab sessions, students will work in groups on a specific topic (using an example) that combines climate change with a water-related field, in order to provide a concise overview of the subject. This project will be presented in the form of a mini-seminar and will serve as the basis for the assessment of this course unit.

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