Skip to Content

Welcome to Faculty of Bio-systems and Water Resources Engineering

  The Faculty of Bio-systems and Water Resources Engineering was established through the strategic merger of the former School of Bio-systems and Environmental Engineering and the School of Water Resources Engineering.


Faculty of Bio-systems and Water Resources Engineering

The Faculty of Bio-systems and Water Resources Engineering was established through the strategic merger of the former School of Biosystems and Environmental Engineering and the School of Water Resources Engineering. This integration has strengthened the faculty’s capacity to deliver interdisciplinary education and research in the fields of environmental sustainability, water management, and agricultural innovation.

Currently, the faculty offers four well-structured undergraduate programs:

  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Water Supply and Environmental Engineering
  • Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering
  • Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering

At the postgraduate level, the faculty runs five MSc programs:

  • Soil and Water Conservation Engineering
  • Water Resources Engineering and Management
  • Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
  • Water Supply and Environmental Engineering
  • Hydraulic Engineering
  • Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering
  • Dam Engineering

In addition, the faculty hosts four PhD programs designed to address critical national and regional challenges through advanced research and innovation:

  • PhD program in Natural Resources Engineering and Management
  • PhD in Agricultural Engineering
  • PhD in Water Resources Engineering and Management

As the home of the university’s oldest engineering department, the Faculty takes pride in its legacy of excellence. To date, it has produced over 3,000 graduates who contribute significantly to academic, public, and industrial sectors across Ethiopia and beyond.

Through its dedicated academic staff, modern facilities, and active engagement in research and community service, the Faculty of Bio-systems and Water Resources Engineering remains committed to addressing the water, agricultural, and environmental challenges of the 21st century.

Rationale of the Program

It focuses on: -

  • Quantifying, developing, and managing surface and groundwater resources.
  • Designing and implementing dams, reservoirs, and river basin management systems.
  • Addressing challenges of water scarcity, floods, and climate variability.
  • Designing systems for the abstraction, treatment, and distribution of potable water.
  • Developing sustainable and affordable sanitation and wastewater treatment technologies.
  • Ensuring reliable and equitable access to clean water for urban and rural communities.
  • Designing efficient irrigation and drainage systems to boost agricultural productivity.
  • Promoting water-saving technologies (e.g., drip irrigation) and sustainable on-farm water management.
  • Integrating soil and water conservation practices to combat erosion and land degradation.
  • Applying engineering principles to biological and agricultural systems (Biosystems Engineering).
  • Developing technologies for post-harvest handling, food processing, and storage to reduce losses.
  • Optimizing the use of biological resources for energy and waste management within agro-ecosystems.

The program duration is 5 years and graduates will be hired in any one of the following companies and many more.

  • In healthcare sectors
  • In higher education and institution
  • In medical device manufacturing industries
  • Regulatory bodies and health policy makers (MoH)
  • As sales and service engineers in different companies

Staff and Student Profile

The Department of Biomedical Engineering currently has 9 staff member M.Sc. qualifications, and 2 Technical Assistants. Additionally, 1 staff member are on study leave pursuing doctoral (Ph.D.) programs, and 2 are pursuing master's (M.Sc.) programs. Currently, the number of undergraduate students Active Enrolment is 155.

Laboratory Facilities

The department has recently established two new laboratories for the undergraduate students. To further enrich the educational experience of our undergraduate students, the department has recently inaugurated two new laboratories. These dedicated learning environments are instrumental in developing advanced practical skills, offering crucial hands-on training that directly contributes to their overall skill enhancement and preparedness for professional challenges.

Biomedical Instrumentation Lab

The Biomedical Instrumentation Lab provides students with essential hands-on experience in the principles, design, and application of medical devices used for physiological measurement and monitoring. Students engage with a variety of sensors, transducers, and acquisition systems to capture, condition, and analyze vital biological signals such as ECG, EEG, blood pressure, and temperature. This practical environment allows them to understand the interface between electronics and biological systems, learn to operate and troubleshoot common medical instrumentation, and develop critical skills in data interpretation and safety protocols relevant to clinical and research settings.

Biomedical Workshop:

The Biomedical Workshop focuses on hands-on training in the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of refrigeration units critical to biomedical environments. Students learn about the principles of refrigeration, identify key components, and practice routine procedures such as temperature monitoring, calibration, cleaning, and basic fault diagnosis. This practical experience emphasise the importance of precise temperature control for preserving the integrity of sensitive biological samples, pharmaceuticals, and reagents, as well as understanding safety protocols and regulatory compliance associated with these vital pieces of laboratory equipment.

Some programs at the Faculty of Bio-system

BSc Degree in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering

The Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering (WRIE) program is one of the undergraduate degree programs offered in the Institute of Technology, Hawassa University. The opening of the program is in tandem with the country’s efforts towards developing its water resources in a sustainable way.

The standard period of study for the BSc. Degree in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering is five years with ten semesters (with two semesters per year) for regular program and six years with eighteen semesters (comprising three semesters per year) for weekend program. The WRIE harmonized undergraduate program curriculum is designed in such a way that can equip students with relevant knowledge, skills and attitude to effectively carry out their future duties and responsibilities. Teaching and learning is supported by lecturing, holding tutorials, practical works and home studies. Tuition fees will be charged as per regulation of the university. As graduation requirement Students should comply with the Harmonized Academic Policy regulations. They must take and pass all the required courses to satisfy the graduation requirements and the total number of ECTS required for graduation with Bachelor of Science Degree in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering is 311. Students must also score a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.

MSc in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering

The Water Resources Engineering and Management (WREM) program is one of the postgraduate degrees (MSc) programs offered in the Institute of Technology, Hawassa University. The opening of the program is in tandem with the country’s efforts towards developing its water resources in a sustainable way.

The standard period of study for the MSc. Degree in Water Resources Engineering and Management is two years with four semesters (one year for course work and another one year for research) for regular program and three years with six semesters (four semesters for course work and three semesters for research) for weekend program. The WREM harmonized postgraduate curriculum is designed in such a way that can equip students with relevant knowledge, skills and attitude to effectively carry out their future duties and responsibilities. Teaching and learning is supported by lecturing, holding tutorials, practical works and home studies. Tuition fees will be charged as per regulation of the university. As graduation requirement Students should comply with the Harmonized Academic Policy regulations. They must take and pass all the required courses to satisfy the graduation requirements and the total number of ECTS required for graduation with Masters of Science Degree in Water Resources Engineering and Management. A minimum of Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required in all courses taken. In addition, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required in the core courses of the program. Other requirements are same as those of Hawassa University graduate school, graduation requirements.

PhD in Water Resources Engineering and Management

The Water Resources Engineering and Management (WREM) program is one of the postgraduate degrees (PhD) programs offered in the Institute of Technology, Hawassa University. The opening of the program is in tandem with the country’s efforts towards developing its water resources in a sustainable way.

The standard period of study for the PhD. Degree in Water Resources Engineering and Management is four years with four semesters (one year for course work and another three years for PhD dissertation/research) for regular program. The WREM harmonized postgraduate (PhD) curriculum is designed in such a way that can equip students with relevant knowledge, skills and attitude to effectively carry out their future duties and responsibilities. Teaching and learning is supported by lecturing, holding tutorials, practical works and home studies. Tuition fees will be charged as per regulation of the university. Details of admission and graduation requirement is stated in the program curriculum. Other requirements are same as those of Hawassa University graduate school, graduation requirements.

BSc Degree in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering


Upon successful completion of the B.Sc. degree graduates of Water Resources and Irrigation

Engineering program (WRIE) will have acquired all the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to enable them shoulder the various responsibilities in the sector. Graduate of the program are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and attributes at the time of graduation:

  • Involving in the preparation of policies, plans and programs for water resources identification, development and management;
  • Involving in reconnaissance, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies of water resource development projects; these include technical studies, economic analysis, environmental impact studies and other relevant investigations
  • Planning, designing, construction & management of hydraulic structures such as dams and appurtenant structures, diversion structures, canals and irrigation network structures, water treatment structures and other similar structures.
  • Involve in the study of water resource potential and site selection for large, medium and small scale schemes.
  • Collect and analyze preliminary information & hydrological data for design
  • Implement designs, follow the operation and provide the necessary maintenance for the schemes
  • Planning, design, construction & management of irrigation project including: diversion head work, irrigation water requirement, irrigation network, water application and drainage networks etc.
  • Planning, design, construction & management of flood protection/control projects including: analyzing and predicting pattern of flood & its effect, identification of flood prone areas and design of remedial measures, etc.
  • Consult and supervise water resources development activities ranging from planning to designing, construction, operation and maintenance phases
  • Undertake activities related to watershed management, water and soil conservation and reclamation, river training and restoration, legal and socio-economic aspects of water resources etc.
  • Involve in the establishment and monitoring of hydro-meteorological stations and database,
  • Preparing drawings, contract and bid specifications, cost estimates and reports for waterworks projects,
  • Developing design and construction standards, design aids, technical manuals and handbooks of water works
  • Selecting and utilizing appropriate decision support tools, computer models, for planning, design and evaluation of waterworks
  • Assume office responsibilities in the water sector
  • Undertake basic civil works of buildings, roads etc.
  • Involve in research undertakings on the development of water resource

MSc Degree in Water Resources Engineering & Management


Upon successful completion of the B.Sc. degree graduates of Water Resources and Irrigation

Engineering program (WRIE) will have acquired all the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to enable them shoulder the various responsibilities in the sector. Graduate of the program are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and attributes at the time of graduation:

  • Involving in the preparation of policies, plans and programs for water resources identification, development and management;
  • Involving in reconnaissance, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies of water resource development projects; these include technical studies, economic analysis, environmental impact studies and other relevant investigations
  • Planning, designing, construction & management of hydraulic structures such as dams and appurtenant structures, diversion structures, canals and irrigation network structures, water treatment structures and other similar structures.
  • Involve in the study of water resource potential and site selection for large, medium and small scale schemes.
  • Collect and analyze preliminary information & hydrological data for design
  •  Implement designs, follow the operation and provide the necessary maintenance for the schemes
  • Planning, design, construction & management of irrigation project including: diversion head work, irrigation water requirement, irrigation network, water application and drainage networks etc.
  • Planning, design, construction & management of water supply and sanitary projects including:
  • demand analysis, head work, water supply and waste water treatment plants, distribution network, storm water and sewage network etc.
  •  Planning, design, construction & management of flood protection/control projects including: analysing and predicting pattern of flood & its effect, identification of flood prone areas and design of remedial measures, etc.
  • Consult and supervise water resources development activities ranging from planning to designing, construction, operation and maintenance phases
  • Undertake activities related to watershed management, water and soil conservation and reclamation, river training and restoration, legal and socio-economic aspects of water resources etc.
  • Involve in the establishment and monitoring of hydro-meteorological stations and database,
  • Preparing drawings, contract and bid specifications, cost estimates and reports for waterworks projects,
  • Developing design and construction standards, design aids, technical manuals and handbooks of water works
  • Selecting and utilizing appropriate decision support tools, computer models, for planning, design and evaluation of waterworks
  • Assume office responsibilities in the water sector
  • Undertake basic civil works of buildings, roads etc.
  • Involve in research undertakings on the development of water resource

MSc in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering

Upon successful completion of the M.Sc. Program in the Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, the graduates will have acquired all the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them shoulder the responsibilities such as:

  • Teaching in Universities and Colleges.
  • Planning and designing of complex irrigation and drainage system.
  • Designing complex irrigation structures
  • Management of irrigation systems
  • Monitoring and evaluation of irrigation and drainage projects
  • Asses the environment and social impacts of irrigation projects

PhD in Water Resources Engineering and Management


This PhD program is intended to equip graduates with the following attributes, or knowledge, skills and attitudes:

  • Apply science and engineering principles to the solution of a complex engineering problem in general and their respective specialization in particular
  • Develop various hydrological and hydraulic parameters, and develop and/or modify and utilize water resources management related models to generate required information
  • Play significant role in integrated river basin management related engagements, and provide leadership in designing, supervision and implementation of water resources related development projects,
  • Design and implement development projects related to areas of water resources engineering and management,
  • Initiate and implement demand driven research projects related to water resources engineering and management with high imagination, creativity, and social and environmental consciousness either independently or in teams of multidisciplinary atmosphere,
  • Exhibit high communication, presentation, writing, teamwork and leadership skills,
  • Demonstrate professional ethics and sense of responsibility to work towards national development objectives

Potential employers of graduates of each program

BSc Degree in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering

Potential Employers of Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering (BSc) graduates are:

  • Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy
  • Ethiopian Ministry of Irrigation and Low land Areas
  • Ethiopian Meteorological Institute
  • Ethiopian Water Technology Institute
  • Hydrological and Hydrogeological Institutes and Projects
  • Ethiopian Geological Survey and Mapping Agency
  • Governmental and Non-governmental Water Resources Development Bureau and Projects
  • Governmental and Non-governmental Irrigation Development Bureau and Projects
  • Governmental and Non-governmental Irrigation, Dam and Hydro-power Development Projects and Agencies
  • Governmental and non-governmental organizations for Planning, design, construction & management of Water Supply and Sanitary Projects
  • National and International Research Institutes for water resource and Irrigation development
  • National and International Teaching and Research Institutions
MSc Degree in Water Resources Engineering and Management

Potential Employers of Water Resources Engineering and Management (MSc) graduates are:

  • Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy
  • Ethiopian Ministry of Irrigation and Low land Areas
  • Ethiopian Meteorological Institute
  • Ethiopian Water Technology Institute
  • Hydrological and Hydrogeological Institutes and Projects
  • Ethiopian Geological Survey and Mapping Agency
  • Governmental and Non-governmental Water Resources Development Bureau and Projects
  • Governmental and Non-governmental Irrigation Development Bureau and Projects
  • Governmental and Non-governmental Irrigation, Dam and Hydro-power Development Projects and Agencies
  • Governmental and non-governmental organizations for Planning, design, construction & management of Water Supply and Sanitary Projects
  • National and International Research Institutes for water resource and Irrigation development
  • National and International Teaching and Research Institutions
MSc in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering

Potential Employers of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering (MSc) graduates are:

  • Ethiopian Ministry of Irrigation and Low land Areas
  • Ethiopian Water Technology Institute
  • Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy
  • Ethiopian Geological Survey and Mapping Agency
  • Governmental and Non-governmental Water Resources Development Bureau and Projects
  • Governmental and Non-governmental Irrigation Development Bureau and Projects
  • Governmental and Non-governmental Irrigation, Dam and Hydro-power Development Projects and Agencies
  • National and International Research Institutes for water resource and Irrigation development
  • National and International Teaching and Research Institutions
PhD in Water Resources Engineering and Management

Potential Employers of Water Resources Engineering and Management (PhD) graduates are:

  • Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy
  • Ethiopian Ministry of Irrigation and Low land Areas
  • Ethiopian Meteorological Institute
  • Ethiopian Water Technology Institute
  • Hydrological and Hydrogeological Institutes and Projects
  • Ethiopian Geological Survey and Mapping Agency
  • Governmental and Non-governmental Water Resources Development Bureau and Projects
  • Governmental and Non-governmental Irrigation Development Bureau and Projects
  • Governmental and Non-governmental Irrigation, Dam and Hydro-power Development Projects and Agencies
  • Governmental and non-governmental organizations for Planning, design, construction & management of Water Supply and Sanitary Projects
  • National and International Research Institutes for water resource and Irrigation development
  • National and International Teaching and Research Institutions

Department of Agricultural Engineering

Information from the Department of Agricultural Engineering

  What do you want to promote ?     See more

Department of Water Supply and Environmental Engineering  

Information from the Department of Water Supply and Environmental Engineering 

  What do you want to promote ?     See more

Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering

Information from the Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering  

  What do you want to promote ?     See more