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101-0259-00L 3 Credits MSC , NDS D-ARCH , D-BAUG

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River Restoration

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Volker Weitbrecht, Dr. Christine Weber, Dr. Matthias Mende, Jantina van der Meer, Simone Knecht-Hipp

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:22

Abstract

Based on enhanced understanding of river morphodynamics and the ecosystem of riverscapes, the course introduces different river engineering techniques. It copes with the different expectations (space for agriculture, water for energy production, flood protection...) towards riverscapes in modern society.The students work on a project study with the goal of restoring a given river section.

Objective

During this course, the students learn how to - describe the most important relations in river morphodynamics and their impact on the ecosystem of riverscapes - elaborate solutions within river restoration, dealing with the different societal expectations towards riverscapes. - deal with personal, social and technical obstacles in the planning of a river restoration project.

Content

River restoration aims to reestablish near natural processes in riverscapes to increase habitat quality and biodiversity. Based on enhanced understanding of river morphodynamics, the course introduces different engineering techniques with focus on sediment transport processes and flood protection. In addition, the course aims to cope with the different expectations (space for agriculture, water for energy production, flood protection, nature protection...) towards riverscapes in modern society. During the semester, the students work on a project study with the goal of restoring a river section with a certain focus topic. It follows a student-centered apporach, with field trips, a role play and interactive coaching sessions together with river restoration experts from engineering practice.

Resources

Lecture Notes

No lecture notes

Literature

Literature recommendations are given during the semester

General Information

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

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Problem-solving interactive group project aiming at the restoration of a given river section with a certain focus topic (technical report with presentation, peer-review of other group’s report); additional written reflective elements during the semester.

Registration & Places

Max Places: 32
Signup End: 27.02.2024

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	River Restoration Remark: Self-exploring excursion to project area in week 3. 02.05.2024: Excursion (whole day). Until FS22 course was in German (former title: «Revitalisierung von Fliessgewässern»)	Thu 09:45-11:30 (HCP E 47.4) Thu 11:45-12:30 (HCI J 7) 29.02 Date 10:15-13:00 (RZ D 8) 14.03 Date 09:45-12:30 (HIT F 11.1) 14.03 Date 09:45-12:30 (HIT F 13) 21.03 Date 12:45-15:30 (HCP E 47.3) 28.03 Date 12:45-15:30 (HCP E 47.3) 11.04 Date 09:45-12:30 (HIT F 11.1) 11.04 Date 09:45-12:30 (HIT F 13) 23.05 Date 10:15-13:00 (RZ D 8) 30.05 Date 10:15-13:00 (RZ D 8)	3 h weekly

Offered In

Civil Engineering Master
- Major Courses
  - Major in Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management
- Project Based Courses
Environmental Engineering Master
- Majors
  - Major River and Hydraulic Engineering
    - Compulsory Modules
      - River Systems
- Elective Modules (For all majors.)
  - EM: River Systems (Elective Module for Majors "Environmental Technologies", "Resource Management", " Urban Water Management" 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: )
- Elective Courses (Electives: 6 credits has to be achieved.)
Landscape Architecture Master
- Specialized Courses (The specialized courses are freely selectable and offer students the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge in certain areas of landscape architecture. The details for the performance assessments are regulated in Art. 27.)