DOI
https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2002.0110

Summary
The integration of mathematical models to teaching wastewater treatment engineering is presented in the paper. The authors emphasize the importance of providing students the sufficient background of designing the numerical models and interpreting simulation results. They discuss possible integration strategies, such as demonstration, simulations, model building, and understanding of numerical models and name the categories and examples of software that can be used in numerical modelling. Other factors important in the integration of numerical models, such as clear definition of learning objectives, level of course, students’ background, time available, are considered.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The authors present a usage of wastewater treatment engineering in teaching process as wastewater treatment is governed by the complex interaction of biological, chemical and physical processes in the environmental engineering. Authors state that although modelling usually aims at including only the most important process in the mathematical formulation, models in teaching have higher complexity as they must demonstrate the interaction between processes. The importance of complexity level and proper consideration of learning goals is also noted. The combination of demonstration, numerical simulation and model building enhance students’ engagement in the subject and develop system thinking skills as students have to specify and define the problem, use prior knowledge and provide mathematical formulation of the problem, use simulation tools to solve the problem, design and perform the experiment, validate model.

Point of Strength
The authors discuss teaching the wastewater treatment in engineering, the main steps and stages and the approaches which can be applied to develop system thinking and achieve learning goals.