Sanitation Systems Planning and Design for Urban Environments

Rapid urbanization requires smart, adaptable waste management solutions that protect public health and the environment. This course teaches you how to approach sanitation as an integrated system rather than a collection of isolated infrastructure projects. You will move from understanding basic hygiene concepts to designing comprehensive sanitation frameworks that work in low-resource settings and complex urban landscapes. What you'll learn: - Understand core terminology and the functional components of modern sanitation systems - Analyze urban contexts to select appropriate and affordable sanitation technologies - Apply integrated planning frameworks for citywide and neighborhood-scale interventions - Evaluate waste treatment and resource recovery options within a circular economy - Design sanitation solutions tailored for informal settlements and high-density areas - Practice selecting technology combinations that ensure long-term climate resilience and sustainability The curriculum begins with foundational definitions and system logic before moving into specific technology selection and strategic planning methodologies for various socio-economic contexts. This course is designed for beginners, community planners, and environmental students, with no prior engineering experience required. Start your journey toward building cleaner, healthier urban communities today.