M2 - Water-Resource (ER) - LEARNING

This course is based on numerous concrete examples presented by specialists and environmental experts working in engineering offices and companies, EPIC, or research institutes in the water and environment sector. The courses include a field day dedicated to the characterization of the physical properties of rivers and aquifers, as well as to various hydrometric measurement techniques. Specific sessions giving the necessary basis for the exploitation of hydrological and hydrogeological data acquired in situ will also be offered.

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The EU aims to accompany students to the practice and the high level of hindsight on the hydrological modeling of watersheds dominated by agricultural activities and subject to climate change. The UE is articulated around 4 points of view:

1. Watershed hydrology and its place in the history of science,

2. Specificities of agricultural landscapes and implications for modeling ,

3. The problem of changing scales,

4. Practice and critique of hydrological modeling.

The course will provide advanced knowledge on production functions, transfer functions, global and distributed modeling. It will lead the students to the autonomous practice of different hydrological models (Green and Ampt, reservoir, Curve Number, unit hydrograph, cascade of reservoirs, etc.) and to step back on the parameterization, calibration and validation of hydrological models.

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The status of a river according to the WFD includes two aspects: a chemical status and an ecological status. To define the ecological status, several parameters will have to be taken into account, including parameters related to the volume of water (via flow measurement) of the watercourse. In this course, students will be asked to carry out field or laboratory measurements to determine some of the key parameters in the determination of the state of a river or more generally used in hydrological studies (floods, evaluation of the resource...).

4 components will be addressed:

- Hydrometry, with the use of different gauging techniques (point by point method with electromagnetic current meter, ADCP, dilution method, float gauging, radar).

- Soil hydrodynamics, with the use of several infiltrometry methods to determine the saturation conductivity, the sampling of soil cylinders for determination after drying of the porosity, dry density, and water content of the soil.

- the Hydrochemistry component, with :

• a part on the field (sampling and analysis with a multiparameter and a field spectrophotometer) for physico-chemical parameters (temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, TAC, PO4 and NO3, ...)
• a part in laboratory (analysis and quantification of the presence of 4-tert-octlyphenol in a surface water sample, by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS)) to determine the presence of emerging contaminants of the alkylphenol ethoxylate (APEO) family, compounds present in products such as detergents, emulsifiers and solubilizers.

- the Hydrobiology component, with the presence or absence of certain species taken into account: fish, invertebrates, macrophytes (aquatic plants) and diatoms (unicellular algae), in order to determine specific indices (RPI, NBI, RMI, DBI) relating to the biological quality of the watercourse.

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This course focuses on natural mineral waters and thermal waters whose specificities and characteristics make them particular resources in terms of exploitation, management and protection of their deposits. The students will be trained to the technical and regulatory/health aspects specific to the exploitation of these resources, in particular thanks to the interventions of professionals of the sector and to the visit of an exploitation site. They will also be made aware of the management and protection of this type of aquifer in order to be able to propose study protocols to be implemented in situ to characterize and protect these resources and thus acquire hydrogeological expertise for this type of aquifer.

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This course is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to collect hydrometric data (in the broadest sense) in the field and to apply them to different types of case studies in order to conduct an engineering/research project in hydrogeology.

This EU is divided into two parts:

• A first week entirely realized on the field in the department of Pyrenees Orientales;
• A second week in the classroom, in order to analyze and interpret the data acquired in the field.

During the^first week, the first 3 days are devoted to the acquisition of various technical skills in hydrometry (in the broad sense) in situ, so that the students are then "project managers" during the last 2 days during which they will work on a case study to be solved by project groups. They will then be divided on 2 experimental sites on which the projects to be carried out will be declined. The subjects will be presented in more detail at the beginning of the course so that the previously defined groups can propose an experimental protocol to be carried out in situ, enabling them to solve their problem. The supervisory team will validate the envisaged protocols the day before the experiments start.

During the^second week, the students will analyze their data acquired on their field-project, and will share the different analyses and interpretations of these data in order to propose a presentation and a report integrating and synthesizing all these results, which will be used to evaluate their work.

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This course includes a theoretical part allowing the understanding of transfers and a more practical part combining field work, numerical modeling and environmental studies. Quantitative hydrogeology is approached through analytical and numerical solutions allowing to account for the transfers in the underground environment.

This EU addresses in particular:

1) mathematical tools and fundamental equations at the basis of analytical and numerical modelling;

2) Principles of numerical modeling (FDM); 

3) the typical methodology allowing the realization of a 3D numerical model for the simulation of flows and ;

4) analysis of scenarios integrating climatic or anthropic forcings for an optimal management of the water resource.

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The UE "hydrological/hydraulic modeling and flood risks" proposes the study of the phenomenon of flood genesis, flood propagation and floods. The module aims to enable students to acquire skills in hydrological and hydraulic modeling of processes at the watershed and river scales:

1) The production function to separate rainfall into runoff and infiltration;

2) The transfer function on the slopes and via the river system, overflow and flooding ;

3) The construction of a project rainfall and synthetic hydrograph;

4) Applications of hydrological and hydraulic flood models.

The UE also includes a field day (acquisition of in situ data for hydrological/hydraulic modeling purposes, in situ analysis of flood risk).

The tutorials focus on practical applications on watersheds and rivers in France and abroad using spatialized hydrological flood models (e.g. ATHYS, MHYDAS) and hydraulic models (HEC-RAS, Diffusing Wave, Kinematic Wave, etc.): rainfall/discharge data analysis, use of hydrological/hydraulic models, parameterization/calibration/validation of models, analysis of the impact of development scenarios (dyke, dam, etc.).): analysis of rainfall/flow data, use of hydrological/hydraulic models, parameterization/calibration/validation of models, analysis of the impact of development scenarios (dike, dam, etc.).

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This course covers the concepts of mass and heat transfer in aquifers as well as the characteristics of low to high energy geothermal energy.                                                                                                                                                                                                             

The vulnerability of the groundwater resource will be assessed and, if necessary, methods to protect the aquifer from pollution will be evaluated. Different techniques to clean up aquifers will also be discussed, in particular through the answers provided by numerical simulation tools.

The principles of geothermal energy will also be discussed through examples of specific devices based on the three types of geothermal energy (from shallow to very deep, from low temperature to very high temperature).

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This EU is based on the Mediterranean Vidourle watershed and the new experimental site of the Multi-Scale Observatory of Flood Dynamics and Subterranean Hydrodynamics in Karst environments (MEDYCYSS - OSU OREME -SNO KARST). 

A first day in the field allows to present the geographical, geological and climatic context, as well as the different geomorphological elements, the different orogenetic phases and their links with the vegetation. A stop on the experimental site allows to present the measuring devices (pluviometer, flow tower, probes measuring the temperature and the humidity of the soil...) used, before approaching the problem of the hydrological risk with the flood control dam of Conqueyrac. A more theoretical part will allow to redefine the notions of geomorphology, hydrogeomorphology and will approach the soil vegetation atmosphere transfers.                            

The second field day, around the experimental site located near the Causse de Pompignan, is devoted to field measurements: infiltrations in the soil to determine the hydraulic conductivity at saturation, sampling of soil cylinders to determine the porosity, the water content, the density, measurements on the vegetation, flow measurement.   

The last part of the course is devoted to hydrological modeling with the initiation to the HEC-HMS software within the framework of practical exercises, aiming at estimating the available water resource at the scale of the BV (including the evapotranspiration component), and predicting the flows during floods caused in particular by Cevennes episodes. The data measured in the field will be reinvested in this modeling work.

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These karstic hydrosystems represent an important proportion of the groundwater supplying the population in France, but also on the whole Mediterranean rim. They also play an important role in the so-called Cevennes floods (or existing on the Mediterranean rim), especially in their management. These hydrosystems are also characterized by important interactions between surface water and groundwater: either active losses located in rivers, which directly feed the associated karstic aquifer, or major karstic springs at the origin of rivers or streams. A presentation of these hydrosystems and their functioning, of their study method, will be realized within this UE. The aspect " Surface water - Groundwater interaction " will be particularly treated in this UE, through the study :

• Artificial tracings: Techniques, Methods of realization (theoretical and practical), Methods of analysis and interpretation. Artificial tracing
• Signal processing and rainfall-flow modeling, especially of karst springs that are the source of rivers.

These teachings will take place in the form of theoretical courses, but also of practical work with the processing of artificial tracing data or the processing of spring flow signals. A day field trip will allow to realize various experiments on a karstic hydrosystem, in particular an artificial tracing.

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The purpose of this EU is

1) provide students with an overview of the value and power of isotopic geochemical and dating tools for understanding the functioning of hydrosystems/aquifers,

2) to bring them to masterthe context in which these tools can be applied 

3) to give the necessary knowledge to understand and deepen these techniques.

This UE is based on theoretical knowledge (CM) and concrete case studies (TD/TP).

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This course allows students to carry out an engineering project in its entirety, in the form of an interdisciplinary engineering study related to environmental or health impacts, hydrological, hydraulic, hydrogeological modeling, risk management, etc.

This 5 ECTS UE is divided into 2 UE: a 2 ECTS UE in S3 (Interdisciplinary Project 1 Water Resource), followed by a 3 ECTS UE in S4 (Interdisciplinary Project 2 Water Resource). These 2 UE are inseparable, the second being the finalization of the first.

During the EU Interdisciplinary Project 1 Water Resource, the steps will be:

1. Presentation of case studies by teacher-researchers, researchers or engineering professionals (problematic, field, data available and to be collected, actors, call for tender...) on themes related to water resources management, risks (flooding, drought, contamination) or more broadly to environmental impacts. (end of September)
2. Gestation phase of the project (constitution of project groups and definition of the resolution methodology) in connection with the UE "Project management 2
3. Data collection, context analysis, contacts, bibliographic research
4. Pre-project defense (mid November)
5. Start of the study (data acquisition, planning of field days, use of specific software, ...)

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This UE consists in the realization of a personal work which must lead to a bibliographical synthesis. The topic will be related to the problematic of the research internship that will be carried out in S4 but could possibly include related scientific topics.

This synthesis work will be presented in the form of a report which will have to be in adequacy with the formalism required for the writing of books and scientific articles. The document will serve as a bibliographic basis for the research internship report. The exercise of application requested in the framework of the UE " Scientific writing " will be a prerequisite to initiate the work of bibliographic synthesis, via the problematization of the subject of your synthesis, the elaboration of key words, etc...)

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This course will cover project planning and estimation of work time per task, the SWOT matrix/sabotage exercise, risk management, organization and facilitation of meetings and oral presentation of the project. Other elements of project management can be addressed on a case-by-case basis such as financial management, the role of the project manager, relationships with partners, the use of tools such as the to-do list, Kanban, the shared calendar, etc.

In the continuity of the Project Management UE of the Master 1, the Project Management UE of the Master 2 aims at verifying the assimilation of the skills acquired the previous year and at going further by relying on a longer project (a few weeks to a few months), individual or in group, study project or personal project.

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Every future Master's graduate, whether in a "Professional" or "Research" profile, must master the tools and codes of effective scientific written communication. Improving one's scientific writing skills is essential to enhance one's work and communicate it to one's peers, colleagues, clients...

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The module is divided into 3 sequences:                                            

(1) Climate variability and change: definitions, principles, greenhouse effect, climate simulations, disaggregation, scenarios and impacts ;                                                                                            

(2) Hydrological modeling: numerical structures and representations, input and control data, state variables, parameter calibration, objective functions and optimization methods, parameter analysis and equifinality, robustness and transferability, sensitivity to climate forcing;                                                

(3) Hydrological modeling tutorials: prepare data, calibrate models, simulate flows, produce graphical output to analyze simulations, simulate the impact of climate change on flows.

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This UE corresponds to the realization of a work of synthesis relating to a relevant problem for the structure where the alternation takes place (new techniques, new processes, new markets...). Once the problem has been identified and formalized, based on a rigorous state of the art, a phase of implementation and realization of the approach is expected, as well as a phase of analysis of the results specifying the way in which they can be implemented, particularly within the framework of the host structure.

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The objective of this course is to present the current and future impacts on all sectors associated with water.

What is the evolution of all the climatic extremes such as droughts or floods, and of the regions impacted by these extremes? How does this impact on groundwater and surface water resources, on agricultural surfaces and irrigation methods?

What evolution on the rise of sea water and on the coastline? How does this impact the movement of current and future populations, what solution to propose on the management of the coastline ...?

Through various conferences given by specialists in different fields, and affecting all the courses of the Master Water, this EU will present the latest advances on this subject.

Through the sessions of TD and TP, the students will be brought to work in group on a topic in particular (this through an example) associating Climate Change with a domain of Water, to present in a synthetic way this subject. This work will be presented in the form of a mini-seminar, and will be the subject of the evaluation of this UE.

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This UE concerns the students registered in the profile "Alternant" of the Master Water-Resource. It integrates the different phases spent within the host structure and thus corresponds to the valorization of the work done by the students within the framework of the apprenticeship or the continuing education (professionalization contract). It constitutes a major phase for their future insertion, most often in the structure that offered them the apprenticeship contract or the professionalization contract.

The themes are varied and concern various issues in the water and environment sectors.

A phase of formalization of a problem addressed in the host structure, a phase of implementation of an approach, as well as a phase of realization and analysis of results are expected. The whole is to be returned according to the terms defined between the host structure and the educational referent.

A thesis is required for the academic evaluation. This dissertation may be completed by deliverables requested by the host organization, which may or may not be integrated into the dissertation.
The confidentiality of the evaluations (written and oral) is possible.

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The objective of this course, which is shared with the post-master's specialized master's degree in "Water Management" at AgroParisTech, is to provide students with a development profile with reference points on the challenges and organization of development projects on the theme of water (drinking water, sanitation, agricultural water).

This course alternates between testimonies, feedback from experts and professional development actors on water issues and testimonies from students (Specialized Masters in Water Management) or students who already have international experience in the field of water or agriculture.

This UE is opened in option for the students of the master sciences of water according to a numerus clausus of students.

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We often approach water resources and their management through knowledge and principles established in developed countries of the temperate zone. However, the countries of the South, starting with the Mediterranean and Africa, offer us an extreme diversity of social and environmental situations that force us to significantly modify our points of view and to question the validity of certain approaches that are too far removed from the reality of the field.

Researchers working mainly in southern countries use their concrete experiences to reflect on the specificity of hydrological and geochemical processes in very dry or very wet tropical regions, the consequences of anthropization and the challenges of sustainable management of water resources.

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

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