This intensive 3-day course immerses students in the design and optimization of biological wastewater treatment processes through a Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) approach. Participants will collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to propose, design, and justify a biological treatment solution for a real-world tender: the Le Grau du Roi wastewater treatment plant. The course integrates theoretical lectures, practical calculations, group work, and peer feedback, culminating in a final presentation and debate.
Key Features
Challenge-Based Learning (CBL): Teams tackle a real-world case study, balancing technical, regulatory, and sustainability constraints.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Mix of Montpellier and international students (chemical engineering, environmental science, geochemistry).
Hybrid Format: In-person and Zoom participation (link provided).
Expert Feedback: Instructor-led discussions and peer reviews.
Target Audience
Master’s students in Water, Contaminants & Health (Montpellier).
TOL students from partner universities (Åbo Akademi, ELTE, UiB), bringing diverse perspectives on global water challenges.
Learning Objectives
Understand the principles of biological wastewater treatment (aerobic/anaerobic processes, nutrient removal, sludge management).
Apply process design methodologies to size a treatment plant, considering regulatory compliance, energy efficiency, and cost.
Develop collaborative problem-solving skills in a multicultural, interdisciplinary setting.
Engage in critical debate on technical, environmental, and economic trade-offs in wastewater treatment.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of environmental engineering, chemistry, or biological sciences (e.g., microbial processes, water chemistry, or general environmental science).
Familiarity with fundamental concepts in wastewater treatment (e.g., BOD, COD, nutrient cycles, aerobic/anaerobic processes) is recommended but not mandatory.
Open to: M1 students in Water and Contaminants programs, and TOL students with backgrounds in chemical engineering, environmental analysis, geochemistry, or related fields.
Technical Requirements
Laptop/tablet with internet access for hybrid participation (Zoom) and collaborative tools (Moodle, shared documents).
Software: Basic spreadsheet tools (e.g., Excel) for process calculations and design exercises.
Language & Participation
Working language: English (all materials, discussions, and presentations).
Active participation in group work, presentations, and debates is required.
Program Highlights
Day 1: Introduction to biological processes, group formation, and initial design challenge (objectives, context, and hypotheses).
Day 2: Advanced lectures on biological treatment, deep-dive group work, and progress presentations.
Day 3: Final group presentations, peer feedback, and synthesis debate.
Transcript of records