A new course will help engineers, builders and planners figure out how to deal with urban water shortages in a more chaotic future environment.

The dual impacts of rapid urbanisation and climate change could make cities around the world dramatically less liveable, unless fundamental changes are made to the way they are planned.

Monash University’s new online course, Water for Liveable and Resilient Cities, will let students explore the concept of water sensitive cities with some of the world’s leading experts and researchers.

The course will be lead by Professor Rob Skinner, Director of the Water for Liveability Centre, who says it will explore the complex and multidisciplinary nature of designing cities that are resilient to the impacts that prolonged periods of drought can have on the liveability of urban areas.

But climate change is not just about hot and dry weather – cities also need to be resilient to the impacts of more frequent and intense flooding events.

Water sensitive cities could provide for more effective management of all aspects of the water cycle.

The course will address issues including:

· how can cities be designed to better protect themselves from climate extremes and flooding;

· how we can better harvest and recycle stormwater;

· how can we use water to plan more liveable cities in the face of climate change and population growth.

Drawing on case studies from around the world, students will apply principles of water sensitive urban design in the context of the towns and cities where they are living.

The course will focus on finding the institutional, regulatory and cultural preconditions required to ensure successful transitions to water sensitive cities.

Classes start this week, no previous experience or knowledge is required, only the commitment of a few hours a week.