Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - EASC 304 D100

Hydrogeology (3)

Class Number: 1319

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 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:

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 Occurence and Field Methods
  5. Groundwater Flow to Wells
  6. Regional Groundwater Flow
  7. Recharge and Interaction with Surface Water
  8. Groundwater as a Resource
  9. Groundwaater and Geologic Processes
  10. Groundwater Modeling

Course Organization:
1 two-hour lecture and 1 three-hour laboratory. The assignments are based on the theory component of the course, and these will be distributed during 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

  • Assignments/Projects 40%
  • Exams 60%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

“Applied Hydrogeology”; Fetter, C.W.; 2018, 4th Edition; Waveland Press, Inc.,m 598 pp. ISBN: 978-1-4786-3709-7

“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

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.