Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - GEOG 311 D100

Hydrology (4)

Class Number: 3892

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 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:

Course Details

This course covers hydrology theory and techniques, focusing on water flow in the environment and standard hydrologic problem-solving methods. Structured around the hydrologic cycle, it includes topics like precipitation, interception, evapotranspiration, snow, soil/rock moisture,, groundwater, and runoff generation mechanisms and dynamics. Case studies focus on western North America's hydrology. Lectures introduce concepts for practical application in lab assignments. Labs aim to: 1) teach data analysis, including using open-source software (Python; no coding experience needed), 2) apply theoretical concepts to hydrology data, and 3) introduce standard applied hydrology techniques.

Mandatory, on-campus field trips will occur during regular class meeting times to practice measuring and monitoring things like stream discharge, infiltration rates, and groundwater.

Note: There will be no labs 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
  • Perform basic field hydrology tasks
  • Employ standard analytical techniques commonly used in applied hydrology
  • Write basic computer code to analyze and plot time series data
  • Connect theoretical hydrologic concepts to current water issues

Grading

  • Laboratory assignments: 45%
  • Participation (including field trips and in-lecture exercises): 5%
  • Mid-term exam: 25%
  • Final exam: 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

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


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.