LV EN RU DE FR

Management of River Basins I

Course developers

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to explain the territorial dimensions and the connections between key environmental management issues, including water supply, flood risk, water quality, and habitat conservation and restoration, as well as to develop skills in designing the concept of an integrated river basin management plan.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After completing the study course, the student will be able to:
1. Understand the territorial dimension and its connection with key environmental management issues, including water supply, flood risk, water quality, and habitat conservation and restoration (assessed through 2 tests).
2. Describe the social and political context of integrated river basin management (assessed through 2 practical assignments).

3. Analyze and interpret geospatial and temporal data, drawing appropriate conclusions related to integrated river basin management. Be capable of developing the concept of an integrated river basin management plan based on existing data and documentation (assessed through 2 practical assignments and 2 seminars).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Territorial dimension and its connection between the main problems of environmental management (1 hour);
2. Hydrological cycle and water supply of the river bain (1 hour);
3. 1st practical work (2 hours);
4. Flood risks in the frame of river basin (1 hour);
5. 1st seminar (2 hours);
6. Impact of river basin structure on water quality (1 hour);
7. 1st formal test (2 hours);
8. 2nd practical work (2 hours);
9. Conservation and restoration of habitats at the level of the river basin (1 hour);
10. Social and political context of integrated river basin management (1 hour);
11. 3rd practical work (2 hours);
12. Use of geospatial data and observation time series in integrated catchment management (1 hour);
13. 2nd seminar (2 hours);
14. Basic principles for the development of an integrated river basin management plan (1 hour);
15. 2nd formal test (2 hours);

16. 4th practical work (2 hours).

Requirements for awarding credit points

Credit. Attendance of classes, completion and defense of four practical assignments, participation in two seminars, and passing of two tests.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

1. The student must independently prepare for two formal tests on the topics covered in the lectures.
2. The student shall perform studies of scientific and practical literature and analyses the obtained findings according to the topics of seminars.
3. Development of practical works takes place in the auditorium. The descriptive part of the submitted paper (work), the graphic material and its design should be performed independently, following the requirements of guidelines for the student research paper (work) and other instructions.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

1. General information: The course grade depends on the total points accumulated during the semester, including tests and practical assignments. A maximum of 100 points can be earned, corresponding to a 10-point grading scale.
2. Tasks and point distribution:
a. Two tests, each worth up to 10 points (maximum 20 points).
b. Four practical assignments, each worth up to 10 points (maximum 40 points).
c. Two seminars, each worth up to 10 points (maximum 20 points).
d. Attendance of all classes (maximum 10 points for 100% attendance).
e. Submission of practical assignments in the e-learning system by the specified deadline (maximum 10 points).
3. Credit requirements:
A minimum of 70 points must be accumulated during the course to pass.
Grading scale:
•Fail: 0–69 points

•Pass: 70–100 points

Compulsory reading

1. LVGMC. 2021. Upju baseinu apgabalu apsaimniekošanas plāni un 2.perioda Plūdu riska pārvaldības plāni 22.12.2021.-2027.g. Latvijas Vides ģeoloģijas un meteoroloģijas centrs. [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 20.04.2022.] Pieejams: https://www.meteo.lv/lapas/vide/udens/udens-apsaimniekosana-/upju-baseinu-apgabalu-apsaimniekosanas-plani-/upju-baseinu-apgabalu-apsaimniekosanas-plani-un-pludu-riska-parvaldiba?id=1107&nid=424 [Skatīts 17.02.2022]
2. Noteikumi par Latvijas būvnormatīvu LBN 224-15 "Meliorācijas sistēmas un hidrotehniskās būves": Ministru kabineta noteikumi Nr.329 [tiešsaiste]. Pieņemts: 30.06.2015. Stājas spēkā: 01.07.2015. [skatīts 20.04.2022.] Pieejams: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/274993-noteikumi-par-latvijas-buvnormativu-lbn-224-15-melioracijas-sistemas-un-hidrotehniskas-buves-

Notes

The course is included in limited choice electives of the academic master's study programme "Environmental, Water and Land Engineering" full-time studies.