Water Justice and Health (Part 1)

Overview

Clean freshwater is a vital component in the maintenance of all living organisms. Clean freshwater is a vital resource for all the processes of our modern life. Clean freshwater is a rare and precious commodity, and access to it is not guaranteed. During this course we will look at the main aspects of water on the planet; as a natural resource, as a tool for developing our modern world and as a commodity. This course will concentrate on developing an appreciation for freshwater as a resource and help the learner to understand the precarious position we are in as we increase our demands on water through industry, agriculture and our domestic needs and what it means for individuals and communities who lack access to clean, freshwater to meet their basic daily needs.

Programme

During the course, learners will cover the following topics:

Unit1 - Introduction to Water and the Hydrosphere.  The first week will concentrate on delivering and understanding of water in its natural state, helping learners develop an appreciation of the central role water plays in all living organisms on Earth.

Unit 2 - Water as a Resource Freshwater has always been in great demand and many civilizations down the years have tried, for better or worse, to control it, coral it and own it. In week 2 we will look at the ways in which the modern world sets out to control and own the water we need, not just for our survival, but to power our industries as both a product and a resource.

Unit 3 – Agriculture. Agriculture is by far the biggest user of water, averaging 75% of all freshwater used around the world. In week 3 we will look at the part water plays in the production of crops, how plants use water and why they need so much.

Unit 4 - Water Pollution. Pollution is probably the most destructive force in our fight to save our dwindling water supply. Pollution is an unknown quantity, arising from many different sources and composed of varied and often unknown elements. During this week we will look at the development of wastewater treatment as a way to ensure the safety of water produced by domestic and urban sources.

Unit 5 - Water Justice & Health. In the final week of the course, we will look at the issues around water security and access and how this affects the health and wellbeing of communities.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Learners will develop an understanding of the nature of water and the hydrological cycle on Earth.
• Learners will develop an understanding of how water is used as a resource in the UK and globally.
• Learners will develop an understanding of the impacts of water pollution in removing freshwater access from individuals and communities.
• Learners will develop an analytical view of social issues surrounding water access and water security.
• Learners will develop desktop research skills and an appreciation of quality information sources within the topic.
• Learners will develop formal written report and presentation skills, including referencing.

Assessments

1. Presentation Slides; Who uses my water? (500 words, 30%).
2. Project; Case study (1500 words, 70%)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• • Internet access.
  • Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit.
  • Use of the Chrome web browser where possible.