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102-0227-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC , NDS D-INFK , D-BAUG

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Systems Analysis and Mathematical Modeling in Urban Water Management

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Max Maurer, Prof. Dr. Eberhard Morgenroth

Number of participants limited to 50.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:13

Abstract

Systematic introduction of material balances, transport processes, kinetics, stoichiometry and conservation. Ideal reactors, residence time distribution, heterogeneous systems, dynamic response of reactors. Parameter identification, local sensitivity, error propagation, Monte Carlo simulation. Introduction to real time control (PID controllers). Extensive coding of examples in Berkeley Madonna.

Objective

The goal of this course is to provide the students with an understanding and the tools to develop their own mathematical models, to plan experiments, to evaluate error propagation and to test simple process control strategies in the field of process engineering in urban water management.

Content

The course will provide a broad introduction into the fundamentals of modeling water treatment systems. The topics are: - Introduction into modeling and simulation - The material balance equations, transport processes, transformation processes (kinetics, stoichiometry, conservation) - Ideal reactors - Hydraulic residence time distribution and modeling of real reactors - Dynamic behavior of reactor systems - Systems analytical tools: Sensitivity, parameter identification, error propagation, Monte Carlo simulation - Introduction to process control (PID controller, fuzzy control)

Resources

Lecture Notes

Copies of overheads will be made available.

Literature

There will be a required textbook that students need to purchase: Willi Gujer (2008): Systems Analysis for Water Technology. Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Further Information

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC , NDS
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

There will be three exams distributed throughout the semester. The second and third exam are written on the computer. The final course grade is calculated as a weighted average of these three exams, with a weighting of 25% for each of the first and second exams and 50% for the third exam. To obtain the credits a grade of 4.0 must be reached in this weighted average. If you miss an exam you will need a certified medical excuse or prior instructor approval, otherwise a grade of 1.0 will be given for that exam. In the case of a missed exam with excuse/approval, a makeup exam will be scheduled that will be fair but comprehensive and challenging. If you write the first exam you are not allowed to withdraw from the course anymore and it will count as your first attempt. If your average grade is below a 4.0 you must retake this course (or at least the three exams) the next time this course is offered.

Registration & Places

Max Places: 50

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Systems Analysis and Mathematical Modeling in Urban Water Management	Fri 08:00-10:00 (ON LI NE) Fri 10:00-12:00 (ON LI NE)	4 h weekly

Offered In

Computer Science Bachelor
- Minor Courses
  - 5. Semester
Environmental Engineering Master
- Majors
  - Major Urban Water Management
    - Systems Analysis in Urban Water Management
  - Major Environmental Technologies
    - Systems Analysis in Urban Water Management
- Elective Modules (For all majors.)
  - EM: Systems Analysis in Urban Water Management (Elective Module for Majors "Resource Management", "River and Hydraulic Engineering" and "Water Resources Management".)
MAS in Sustainable Water Resources (The Master of Advanced Studies in Sustainable Water Resources is a 12 month full time postgraduate diploma programme. The focus of the programme is on issues of sustainability and water resources in Latin America, with special attention given to the impacts of development and climate change on water resources. The programme combines multidisciplinary coursework with high level research. Sample research topics include: water quality, water quantity, water for agriculture, water for the environment, adaptation to climate change, and integrated water resource management. Language: English. Credit hours: 66 ECTS. For further information please visit: )
- Foundation Courses