Monday, May 9, 2016

Field Methods in Water Quality in Norway

Get into the field! Based in Trondheim, Norway, this seminar will investigate various methods to analyze the quality of lakes, streams, drinking water, and wastewater.


Travel dates: May 21-June 13, 2016

Seminar description:

Based in Trondheim, Norway, this seminar will investigate various methods to analyze the quality of lakes, streams, drinking water, and wastewater.

Students will get hands-on experience learning how to assess water quality. Approximately one week of the course will be spent at the Sletvik field station, near Agdenes, where vertical profiles of various water quality parameters (temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen) will be measured and compared. The other two weeks will be spent in Trondheim studying streams and water and wastewater treatment methods. Students will learn how to measure velocity profiles, dispersion, and respiration in streams.

Additionally, the class will visit drinking water and wastewater treatment plants to learn how these processes differ in Norway compared to the United States. Water samples will be taken for lab analysis including bacterial plate counts, chemical oxygen demand, and total suspended solids. 

Outside of class, students will be able to explore Trondheim’s waterfront, cathedrals, fort, and beaches. There are plenty of hiking opportunities along the fjord and in the hills surrounding the city. Weekend trips will allow for exploration of Norway’s famous mountains and fjords.