Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - GEOG 311 D100

Hydrology (4)

Class Number: 1092

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2025
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 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 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.

Weather permitting, mandatory on-campus field trip(s) will occur to get hands-on experience with applied hydrologic techniques (measuring streamflow and infiltration). Safety information will be provided in writing and discussed prior to the trips.

There will be no lab the first week of lecture.


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) 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


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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.