Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - EASC 304 D100

Hydrogeology (3)

Class Number: 1952

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2020
    Tue, 3:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 101 and PHYS 102 or 121 or 126 or 141; and 12 additional units in earth sciences, physical geography or environmental science. All with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the basic concepts and principles governing the flow of groundwater in the subsurface environment. These are used to develop an understanding of aquifers and their physical properties, groundwater sustainability and management, and interaction of groundwater with surface water. In addition, as a foundation course in fluids in geologic media, this course has relevance to the oil and gas and mining industries, as well as to engineering applications such as dewatering. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

General:
This is an introductory course in physical hydrogeology. As a foundation course in fluids in geological media, this course has relevance to the oil and gas and mining industries as well as to environmental and engineering applications. The objective of the course is to introduce the basic concepts and principles governing the flow of water in the subsurface environment (i.e. groundwater), and to use these to develop an understanding of aquifers or oil reservoirs and their physical properties. The course forms the basis for environmental courses EASC 315, EASC 405, EASC 410 and EASC 416, which introduce respectively groundwater chemistry, impacts of climate and environmental change on water cycles and resources, groundwater contamination and transport, and field methods in hydrogeology. The course is also required for EASC 420 (Petroleum Geology).

Course Topics:
1. Water and the Hydrologic Cycle  
2. Principles of Groundwater Flow  
3. Properties of Aquifers        
4. Geology of Groundwater Occurrence  
5. Groundwater Flow to Wells
6. Regional Groundwater Flow
7. Recharge and Interaction with Surface Water
8. Groundwater as a Resource
9. Groundwater and Geologic Processes and Field Methods
10. Groundwater Modeling 

Course Organization: 1 online two-hour lecture and 1 online three-hour laboratory. The assignments are based on the theory component of the course, and these will be distributed during the online lab time. There is also a laboratory project that will be distributed and worked on during lab time over the course of several weeks.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Educational Goals:
Knowledge Development: Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of subsurface fluid flow, encompassing fluid potential and its relation to hydraulic head, hydraulic gradients, and the hydraulic properties of the subsurface to quantify fluid pathways and rates of movement in the subsurface.  

Knowledge Application: Apply knowledge of the principles of subsurface fluid flow to solve practical problems at different spatial and temporal scales, encompassing natural flow and flow that may be altered, for example, due to pumping, interaction with surface water, and interactions at the near surface.
 
Scientific Methods: Employ scientifically-based approaches to obtain, analyze and interpret data (geological, geophysical, hydrological and hydrogeological) and critically evaluate the scientific findings.  

Analytical Skills: Employ calculation and graphing features of a spreadsheet for analyzing and interpreting data.

Communication Skills: Write a comprehensive report, in the form of a consulting report, which describes and synthesizes data and scientific findings.

Grading

  • Laboratory Assignments 25-40%
  • Laboratory Project 20-40%
  • Midterm Exam 0-20%
  • Final Exam 0-35%

NOTES:

The fall offering of EASC 304 is via remote instruction.

The technology requirements for successfully completing this course will include: a computer or tablet, internet access and a means of scanning files for upload (e.g. a camera on a tablet or phone). A microphone is strongly recommended (built-in fine). Camera is optional. We may use both Canvas and Zoom for course delivery. Specialized software is required and will be accessible via remote log-in to SFU computer laboratory machines.    

Mode of teaching:

Lecture: synchronous but recorded, with recording available for a limited time

Laboratory: synchronous for introduction/demonstrations, asynchronous completion

Exams: asynchronous

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

“Applied Hydrogeology”; Fetter, C.W.; 2018, 4th Edition; Waveland Press, Inc.,m 598 pp. 
ISBN: 9781478637097

“Groundwater” by R.A. Freeze and J.A. Cherry (free on line) http://hydrogeologistswithoutborders.org/wordpress/textbook-project/

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).