Engineering: Building

with Nature 101x

Syllabus

Prof. dr. Jill Slinger

19 February 2016

Collaborative Scope
The development of the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Engineering: Building with Nature
101x represents a collaborative endeavour by the Delft University of Technology and contributors
from the Ecoshape Foundation. In particular Deltares, Witteveen + Bos and the Regional
Development Fund of the European Union have contributed financially to this collaborative
endeavour. In addition, specialists from Deltares, Boskalis, Van Oord, Witteveen + Bos and
Wageningen University have contributed their knowledge and time to this endeavour.
Moreover, this Building with Nature education endeavour rests firmly upon the seminal work of Dr.
ir. Ronald Waterman, who has kindly granted the Delft University of Technology the right to use the
registered trademark Building with Nature and the Building with Nature in this MOOC and other
teaching courses.
In the world of scientific education, there can be no perfect, final product. Accordingly, Delft
University of Technology chooses, together with her collaborative partners, to view the MOOC
Engineering: Building with Nature 101x as it now stands as the first step in an ongoing collaboration
to review and improve the education material related to the Building with Nature concept.

Developed by:
Prof. dr. Jill H Slinger
Associate Professor
Policy Analysis & Hydraulic Engineering
Delft University of Technology

With reference to Building with Nature: Kennisvalorisatie Ecoshape

Welcome
Thank you for joining us, and welcome to the MOOC Engineering: Building with Nature 101x. We
have worked enthusiastically to develop an accessible course, that captures the conceptual challenge
of integrated design without being too difficult. We hope you will find it interesting and will
participate enthusiastically.
We aim to create an open, worldwide community of participants who are interested in exploring the
interface between hydraulic engineering, ecology and society. This MOOC represents the first step in
such an endeavour with its focus on integrated design designing from engineering AND ecological
principles. The course will provide you with valuable insights on how to connect engineering and
ecosystem-based design, which you can apply in your further career. We encourage you to share
your experiences and knowledge within the community, so that we can learn from each other and
develop more practice-based knowledge about applying the Building with Nature concept around the
world.
Thank you for joining us. We hope you will enjoy the MOOC!

On behalf of the course team,

Jill Slinger

Syllabus Content
The syllabus content comprises three sections: Sections A, B and C.
Section A describes the learning goals, prior knowledge, course materials, and rules of the game.
Section B gives a course outline and describes the assignments and grading. The recommended
route through the course is depicted in terms of required activities and the work load per week. A
speed route option (Binge MOOC) is also described.
Section C provides details of the course content per week.

SECTION A

A.1

Learning objectives

Building with Nature is a comprehensive engineering approach that seeks to enhance the use of
natural ecological processes to achieve efficient and sustainable hydraulic infrastructural designs. It
strives for a flexible integration of land in water and water in land using interactions and materials
present in nature (Waterman 2008). Through the course Engineering: Building with Nature 101x, you
will become familiar with this ecosystem-based design concept and its applications in water and
coastal systems. Our aim is that participants will learn both ecological and engineering principles, be
able to explain why they are important, and how they are applied in a number of case studies. We
will not cover whether hydraulic infrastructure should be built or not, nor will we deal with assessing
the impact of infrastructure on the natural environment. Instead, we will focus on how to design
hydraulic infrastructure taking ecosystem processes and materials into account.
Specifically, participants in the course Engineering: Building with Nature 101x will learn:
1. Basic engineering design principles, and basic ecological principles, relevant to the Building
with Nature approach
2. How to assess which principles are applied in several case studies and so form your own
opinion on whether the hydraulic infrastructure is meeting engineering, ecosystem and
societal goals
3. How to apply your new knowledge in assessing the potential for Building with Nature
solutions where you live.
The structure of the course week-by-week is oriented to addressing learning objective 1 within the
first three weeks, learning objective 2 in weeks two to four, and learning objective 3 particularly in
weeks 4 and 5. In the last two weeks (weeks 4 and 5) course participants focus on designing Building
with Nature solutions and reviewing the designs of their peers.

A.2

Prior Knowledge

The course is intended to be accessible to many disciplines, for example engineers, ecologists, and
planners. Because we are teaching an integrated design approach, the material is conceptually
challenging, but the level of disciplinary knowledge required to complete the assignments is not high.
This choice is motivated by the desire on the part of the course development team that as many
people as possible are able to complete the course gaining an understanding of how to integrate
engineering design approaches with ecosystem requirements. The difficulty of the assignments and

the grade allocation are designed to support this aim. All with an interest in ecosystem-based
engineering and an affinity for coastal and water systems are welcome! Experience in engineering
design or ecological consultancy is an advantage, but no prior MOOC training or diploma is required
for enrolment.

A.3

Course materials

The course materials consist in: short video lectures, quizzes, texts on the EdX platform,
questionnaires, case descriptions, six assignments, a peer review forming part of the last assignment,
and contributions on the world map and the discussion forum. There are also links to supplementary
material. This list of material (websites, additional readings, supplementary knowledge clips) is
compiled for those participants who would like to explore beyond what is required for this course
and its assignments.

A.4

Rules of the game

The participants in this MOOC have different backgrounds, different views on the value of nature,
and are at different stages in their career. We ask you to show respect for each other and to avoid
value judgements in your feedback to one other. We do not strive for a particular viewpoint in this
course, but seek to work respectfully and professionally with people holding a diversity of viewpoints
on hydraulic engineering and nature. This acceptance of multiple views lies at the heart of the
working successfully in multidisciplinary projects. We ask you to be analytical and helpful, especially
when participating in the discussion forum. We all can learn from each other, and we look forward to
many interesting discussions and learning moments.

SECTION B
B.1

Course Outline

The week-by-week structure is listed per week below.

Week 1: Introduction to Building with Nature.
Introduction to the Building with Nature concept and its importance first through a few dramatic
examples, and then through a film by Dr. ir. Ronald Waterman, and short video lectures providing
both an engineering and an ecological perspective. Thereafter, participants complete the opinion
poll which forms Assignment 1. Opinions on the eco-friendliness of hydraulic engineering
infrastructures are shared and we explore the diversity of standpoints on nature amongst the MOOC
participants.
Week 2: Engineering design principles
The engineering design process is explained in a series of video lectures and the underlying principles
are distilled. Course participants familiarize themselves with the material first through the
classification exercises on hydraulic structures (Assignment 2.1), and then by evaluating the
application of the engineering design principles in a particular instance and motivating their analysis
(Assignment 2.2). There is ample room for discussion and knowledge exchange in the discussion
forum.
Week 3: Ecological design principles
Ecological building blocks and a wetland ecosystem classification are introduced via video lectures
and reading material. The concept of designing in accordance with ecological principles is explained
in a short video lecture. Course participants then identify different types of aquatic ecosystems in
terms of their form and functioning and assess the character of hydraulic infrastructures sited in such
systems (Assignment 3.1). They also evaluate the application of the ecological design principles in a
particular instance and motivate their analysis (Assignment 3.2).
Week 4: Integrated Building with Nature design
The integrated Building with Nature design process is explained and contrasted with the
conventional engineering design process in a short video lecture. A range of material on the iconic
Sand Engine on the South Holland coast is provided, and the BwN design assignment is demonstrated
using the Sand Engine as example case. Course participants then apply their new knowledge in
assessing the potential for Building with Nature solutions in one of 4 prepared case studies, or in
their locality. Design sketches are made, trade-offs in applying engineering and ecological principles
are explicated, and the opportunities for nature are clarified in part one of Assignment 4.
Week 5: Integrated design review
The peer review part of the Building with Nature Design assignment is undertaken in this week
(Assignment 4 part two). In particular, participants assess the coherence between the engineering
and ecosystem principles and the infrastructure designs proposed by three of their peer. In so doing,

they learn to evaluate the extent to which hydraulic infrastructures meet engineering, ecological and
societal goals.

B.2

Assignments and Grading

There are six required assignments distributed over the five weeks of the course. In addition there
are a number of voluntary quizzes associated with the short video lectures, aiming to help
participants test their knowledge of important points from the videos. The course material also
includes a short questionnaire on views on nature and sustainability in the first week.
The table below details per assignment: the maximum grade allocation, the date on which the
assignments are released, the recommended submission date and the final deadline for assignment
submissions. Dates are written as dd/mm/yyyy.
The course uses a pass/fail structure. To pass the course you need to obtain at least 50% of the total
amount of points that can be earned.

Assignments, Grading and Deadlines

Wk

Max.
Grade

Release Date

Recommended
Submission
Date

Final Deadline

1. Is this an example of Building with Nature?

10%

29/2/2016

7/3/2016

4/4/2016

2.1 Form, Function & Character of Hydraulic

Infrastructures

10%

29/2/2016

14/3/2016

4/4/2016

2.2 Engineering Design Principles

10%

29/2/2016

14/3/2016

4/4/2016

3.1 Form, Functioning of Wetland Ecosystems &

Ecological Character of Hydraulic Infrastructures

10%

29/2/2016

21/3/2016

4/4/2016

3.2 Ecological Design Principles

10%

29/2/2016

21/3/2016

4/4/2016

4. Building with Nature Design Assignment

50%

14/3/2016

R*: 29/3/2016

R*: 4/4/2016

P**: 4/4/2016

P**: 8/4/2016

4, 5
*

Assignment

**

R stands for response which is your assignment. P stands for the peer reviews you have to
submit. Assignment 4 is not completed until you finish the peer reviews!

B.3 Activities, Work Load Week-by-Week and the Speed Route

An overview of the activities that the week-by-week structure requires is provided in Figure 1. The
work load in week 1 is low for all course participants. Week 2 is easier for participants with an
engineering background, but not for participants from other backgrounds. Similarly, week 3 is easier
for participants with an ecology background but not for participants from other backgrounds. Week
4 is demanding for all participants and week 5 does not have a high work load but focusses on
consolidating the learning.
Because the distribution of the work load can vary according to participants background knowledge,
we have chosen to allow participants to move through weeks 1 to 3 at their own pace. This means
that if a student wants to do weeks 1 and 2 quickly and take a little longer over week 3 they may do
so. Week 4 will open two weeks into the course, so that participants can either take longer over the
last assignment or can choose to finish the integrated design assignment quickly. The only potential
delay to a speed route through the course (Binge MOOC) lies in the peer review component of the
last assignment. This can only occur when sufficient participants have submitted Assignment 4 part 1
so that the apportioning of peer review assignments can happen automatically.

Activities week-by-week

SECTION C

C.1

Week 1: Building with Nature - An issue of Trade-offs

Knowledge clip introducing Building with Nature- a worldwide trend by Prof. Dr. Jill Slinger
o Many disastrous floods e.g. Sandy, Katrina, Ike have occurred in recent times. One
would expect people to look to conventional hydraulic solutions, as represented by
the Dutch Delta Plan, which was innovative for its time. BUT no! Newspaper clippings
reveal a search for nature-friendly or nature-enhancing solutions. Building with
Nature is a worldwide trend - the innovation of our time and the way of the future.
Knowledge clips for Perspectives on BwN
o A film from Dr. ir. Ronald Waterman explaining the Building with Nature concept, its
applications along the Dutch coast and in the deltas of the world
o An engineering perspective on Building with Nature by Dr. ir. Mark van Koningsveld
o An ecological perspective on Building with Nature by Dr. Bregje van Wesenbeeck
o Each knowledge clip is accompanied by one or two quiz questions so that course
participants can check whether they have grasped important points from the videos.
The quizzes are not graded.
Week 1 Assignment 1
o Opinion poll on whether hydraulic infrastructure is BwN or not, establishing the
range of participants opinions
o Required assignment forming 10% of the total grade
Survey/questionnaire on Worldviews with regard to nature
o Identifying your own worldview
o Realizing and accepting there are other worldviews
Feedback and Discussion
o Feedback on Assignment 1
o Moderated discussion forum

C.2

Week 2: Engineering Design Principles

Knowledge clip on the engineering design process by Prof. Dr. Jill Slinger
o Material is adapted from Voorendt (2015) and Dym & Little (2004)
Knowledge clips demonstrating the design process by senior engineers
o Designing a storm surge barrier by ir. Ad van Toorn
o Designing a dike by ir. Mark Voorendt
o Each knowledge clip is accompanied by one or two quiz questions so that course
participants can check whether they have grasped important points from the videos.
The quizzes are not graded.
Distilling engineering design principles
o Nine engineering design principles that determine the character of a hydraulic
structure are explained
Week 2 Assignment 2.1
o Identify the Form of an hydraulic structure from an image, next identify its Function
and finally its engineering Character
o Required assignment forming 10% of the total grade
Feedback and Discussion
o Feedback on Assignment 2.1
o Moderated discussion forum
Week 2 Assignment 2.2 as preparation for week 4
o Invitation to select case for week 4 Assignment 4
o Evaluating and motivating the engineering design principles applied to the hydraulic
infrastructure in an image
o Feedback on the assignment is provided
o Required assignment, graded by self assessment, and forming 10% of the total
grade

C.3

Week 3: Ecological Design Principles

Knowledge clips on ecological building blocks

o Biodiversity by ecologist Dr. Bregje van Wesenbeeck
o Types of Ecosystem and Design by ecologist Dr. Bregje van Wesenbeeck
o Each knowledge clip is accompanied by one or two quiz questions so that course
participants can check whether they have grasped important points from the videos.
The quizzes are not graded.
Information on an international classification of wetland ecosystems the primary places
that hydraulic infrastructures are sited
Distilling ecological design principles
o Eleven ecological design principles that determine the character of a hydraulic
structure are explained
o Dos and Donts in terms of the inherent character and functioning of ecosystems
o Design principles that accord with ecosystem character and function
Week 3 Assignment 3.1
o Identify the Form of a wetland ecosystems from an image, next identify its
Functioning and finally its ecological Character
o Required assignment forming 10% of the total grade
Feedback and Discussion
o Feedback on Assignment 3.1
o Moderated discussion forum
Week 3 Assignment 3.2 as preparation for week 4
o Repeated invitation to select a case for week 4 Assignment 4
o Evaluating and motivating the ecological design principles applied to the hydraulic
infrastructure in an image
o Feedback on the assignment is provided
o Required assignment, graded by self assessment, and forming 10% of the total
grade

C.4

Week 4: Integrated Building with Nature Design

Knowledge clip on the Building with Nature design process by Prof. Dr. Jill Slinger
o The integrated nature friendly Building with Nature design process is compared with
the conventional engineering design process.
o The knowledge clip is accompanied by one or two quiz questions so that course
participants can check whether they have grasped important points from the videos.
The quizzes are not graded.
Case material for the Sand Engine
o Films of the Sand Engine on the Dutch coast by Prof Marcel Stive and others
o Supplementary case material to be studies and understood
o Knowledge clip on the first part of the Building with Nature Design Assignment in
which the application to the Sand Engine is illustrated by Prof. dr. Jill Slinger and ir.
Grace Nava Guerrero
Week 4 Assignment 4 (part 1)
o Undertake an Integrated Building with Nature Design Assignment for a case study
selected out of 4 prepared cases or personally researched and selected.
o Demonstrate the ability to apply the H-E-principles to the case
o Submit the required BwN design assignment which forms 50% of the total grade
Discussion Forum
o Moderated discussion forum

C.5

Week 5: Assessing BwN designs

Knowledge clip on peer assessment by ir. Grace Nava Guerrero

o You have made your own BwN design. Now how to following a particular review
process and constructively review the BwN design of other participants is explained.
Week 5 Assignment 4 (part 2)
o Peer review of BwN student submissions
o Evaluate the coherence between the H-E-principles and the proposed BwN design
o Submit the required peer reviews as this means that you receive your grade for the
course.
Supplementary material on value sensitive design by Prof dr. Jeroen van den Hoven and Prof
dr. Ibo van der Poel
Discussion Forum
o Moderated discussion forum
o Rounding off
This completes the detailed description of the course activities per week.