New Field Methods Course Offered in May

Many health problems can be ameliorated by simple drinking water and sanitation systems, making life more comfortable for millions of people across the globe. A new Field Methods course, to be offered this May, is a hands-on practicum covering skills necessary for construction and implementation of water and sanitation projects in developing countries. Course modules are chosen to reflect the typical projects and types of skills needed by development workers in organizations such as Peace Corps, USAID, Engineers Without Borders, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). 

The first offering of the course will include training and practice in:

• water quality field sampling and analysis
• community baseline health surveys
• household water treatment technologies
• biosand filter construction
• latrine types and construction
• well drilling and development
• topographical surveying

The emphasis will be on technologies that are appropriate to and sustainable in emerging regions.  The course will meet 6 hours per day for a 3-week period (May Intersession) and will consist of both fieldwork (80-90%) and class time (10-20%). All majors will be welcome to take this course, as the WaTER Center values holistic and multi-faceted solutions to water and sanitation problems.