Aquatic ecosystems play a crucial role in human health and well-being as a source of drinking water and food (irrigation, fisheries, and aquaculture), recreation, and tourism. Aquatic systems also provide diverse habitats, support high levels of biodiversity and vital ecosystems services and play a vital role in the global carbon cycle and in various nutrient cycles. In this 5-day course we will provide a multifaceted overview of the science on urban aquatic ecosystems and the means by which its robustness can be restored or even improved.