Hydro Engineering

The specialist study program of Hydro Engineering is carried out through course modules, where one compulsory module and one elective module are enrolled. In the context of the practical application of recent scientific and professional knowledge, the modules deal with specific aspects of the design and management of hydrotechnical structures, whether they are intended for the use of water, for the protection against harmful effects of water or for water protection. In this sense, the study is focused on understanding and solving specific problems according to the needs or affinities of the participants.

Within the compulsory module Fundamental Hydrotechnics, new and advanced methods for complex hydraulic and hydrological analyses are interpreted and applied as a basis for solving specific problems of hydraulic engineering. The Environmental Engineering module teaches multiple connections between the built and natural environment, with an emphasis on implementing the concept of sustainability. The Engineering Modelling module includes the practical application of mathematical models and computer programs in analyzing and planning specific technical solutions, as well as modelling interactions between different structures and the environment. The River Hydrotechnics module deals with advanced procedures for analyzing and modelling hydromorphological processes in watercourses and their restoration by applying “green” solutions, as well as obtaining energy mainly from small hydropower plants as a renewable source. The Ports and Waterways module teaches modern trends in port and harbor engineering from the aspects of design, building technologies, and construction problems, with emphasis on maintenance and the impact of these structures on the environment. The Drainage & Irrigation Systems module includes the process of optimization in specific conditions, in order to ensure comprehensive water management in the context of sustainable agricultural production.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The study is open to individuals who have completed an appropriate university graduate program or a university integrated undergraduate and graduate program, or individuals who have completed a professional graduate program, provided they pass additional exams and have at least five (5) years of professional experience in the field of study. During their studies, applicants must have earned a minimum of 60 ECTS credits in subjects related to civil engineering, including at least 30 ECTS credits in the field of hydro engineering.

Applicants apply for the program based on a public call issued by the Faculty no later than May 1 of the current year for the following academic year.

For more information, please refer to the Ordinance on Specialist Studies.

STUDY PROGRAM

Students' obligations include attending classes, taking exams, and completing a final specialist thesis. Teaching is conducted through two modules (mandatory and elective modules) in the form of lectures, seminars, design exercises, and practical exercises.

All students enroll in the mandatory module (Foundations of Hydraulic Engineering), and completion of this module, with attendance and passing, is valued at 8 ECTS credits. In addition to the mandatory module, students also enroll in one elective module (Engineering Modeling, River Hydrotechnics, Environmental Engineering, Ports and Waterways, Drainage & Irrigation Systems), which earns them 22 ECTS credits upon completion.

A total of 60 ECTS credits must be earned in the program, including at least 30 ECTS credits from coursework, i.e., passing exams, and 30 ECTS credits from the final specialist thesis.

The study is conducted over a period of one (1) year divided into two semesters. In the first semester, classes are organized, while in the second semester, students work on their final specialist thesis.

Students are required to complete the program within a maximum period of two (2) years from the date of enrollment.

Specialist Thesis

The student submits the topic for the specialist thesis upon enrollment in the second semester.

The topic proposal must include: the title suggestion in Croatian and English, justification of the topic, research aim and plan, research methodology, expected contribution of the thesis. Along with the topic proposal, the applicant submits a brief curriculum vitae detailing their research and professional activities, as well as a list of published works.

The accepted topic is valued at 4 ECTS credits.

After accumulating 30 ECTS credits from coursework and completing the specialist thesis, the student initiates the assessment process of the thesis. The evaluation committee, which may be the same as the one for topic approval, reviews the completed thesis. A positively evaluated thesis is valued at 20 ECTS credits. The applicant with a positively evaluated thesis has the right and obligation to publicly defend their work. A successful defense of the thesis is valued at 6 ECTS credits.