Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - GEOG 311 D100

Hydrology (4)

Class Number: 5788

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2020
    Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 213 or 214; GEOG 251 or one of STAT 201, 203 (formerly 103), 205, or 270.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the hydrologic cycle, with an emphasis on the hydrology of British Columbia; description and analysis of the processes of water movement and storage measurements and analysis of hydrologic data. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an introduction to the theory and techniques of the field of hydrology. Students will learn concepts and physical principles of water flow in the environment, as well as standard techniques that are used to solve hydrologic problems. The course is structured around the hydrologic cycle and will cover interrelated topics such as: precipitation, interception, evapotranspiration, snow and glacier hydrology, soil moisture, rock moisture, groundwater, runoff generation and stream flow. Case studies and examples covered in the course will emphasize the hydrology of western North America.

Lectures will focus on introducing key concepts to provide a foundation for their practical application in the laboratory assignments. The objective of the laboratory assignments are: 1) to introduce general approaches to practical data analysis (e.g., fitting relations to data, error analysis), 2) to provide experience in applying theoretical concepts to the interpretation of hydrology data, and 3) to introduce some of the standard techniques of applied hydrology (e.g., flood frequency analysis).

Notes
There will be NO labs during the first week of class.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the completion of this course students will be able to:

Describe the physical processes responsible for the transfer of water within and between the components of the hydrologic cycle
Describe the theory and application of standard hydrologic instrumentation
Employ standard analytical techniques commonly used in applied hydrology
Connect theoretical hydrologic concepts to current water issues

Grading

  • Laboratory assignments: 35%
  • In-class quizzes: 5%
  • Mid-term exam: 30%
  • Final exam: 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no single textbook that covers all of the material presented in the course. Students are strongly encouraged to use the following recommended textbook in addition to resources provided in class, which is available at the bookstore and will be placed on course reserve at the library:

Dingman, S.L. 2015. Physical Hydrology, Third Edition, Waveland press. ISBN-13: 978-1478611189; ISBN-10: 1478611189

Registrar Notes:

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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS