VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

102-0838-00L 3 Credits MSC , NDS D-GESS , D-BAUG
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Water Supply, Sanitation and Waste Infrastructure and Services in Developing Countries

Lecturers & Examiners: Christian Zurbrügg
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:08:25

Abstract

Introduction to water supply, excreta, wastewater and solid waste management in developing countries. Highlights links between infrastructure, services and health, resource conservation and environmental protection. New concepts and approaches for sustainable sanitation infrastructure and services for developing countries - especially poor urban areas.

Objective

Students receive an introduction to issues of water supply, excreta, waste water and solid waste management in developing countries. They understand the connections between water, wastewater and waste management, health, resource conservation and environmental protection. Besides, they learn how water supply, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure and services can be combined and improved, in order to achieve the development policy goals in terms of disease prevention, resource conservation, and environmental protection.

Content

Overview of the global health situation, water supply, and liquid and solid waste management situation in developing countries. Technical and scientific fundamentals of water supply, sanitation and solid waste management. Material flows in water supply, sanitation and waste management. New concepts and approaches for sustainable sanitation infrastructure and services for developing countries - especially poor urban areas. Exercises: students will work in groups on a case study and develop improvement options for water, sanitation and waste management.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Course notes and further reading will be made available on the ETHZ Moodle portal.

Literature

The selected literature references will be made available on Moodle.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
None
Total course unit grade:End-of-semester examination = 70% and a compulsory continuous performance assessment task which has not to be passed on its own (i.e. group work) = 30%. In group work, the performance of each group member is assessed with the same grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Water Supply, Sanitation and Waste Infrastructure and Services in Developing Countries
  • Mon 11:45-13:30 (HIL E 9)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • 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: )
  • Science, Technology, and Policy Master