Spring 2019 - EASC 603 G100
Field and Lab Techniques in Hydrogeology (3)
Class Number: 5879
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 14, 2019
Sun, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Dirk Kirste
dkirste@sfu.ca
1 778 782-5365
Office: TASC 1 Room 7411
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Prerequisites:
Undergraduate courses in physical and chemical hydrogeology (or equivalent) and consent of the department.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Theoretical and applied aspects of physical hydrogeology and aqueous geochemistry are linked by providing students with hands-on experience using hydrogeological equipment (data loggers, pumps, chemical sampling equipment), implementing sampling and testing protocols, and using state-of-the-art laboratory analytical facilities. Weekly field and lab based exercises are required.
COURSE DETAILS:
General:
This course is intended to link the theoretical and applied aspects of physical hydrogeology and aqueous geochemistry by providing students with hands-on experience using hydrogeological equipment (data loggers, pumps, chemical sampling equipment), implementing sampling and testing protocols, and using state-of-the-art laboratory analytical facilities. The course involves weekly field and lab based exercises.
Prerequisite: undergraduate courses in Aqueous Geochemistry and Hydrogeology. Approval of instructor.
Course Topics:
1. An Introduction to Field and Lab Techniques
2. Flow System Characterization
3. Infiltration Measurement Techniques
4. Instream Methods
5. Water Quality Sampling
6. Water Quality Analysis
7. Hydraulic Response Tests
No exams. Submit weekly/ biweekly assignments.
Course Organization:
One 1-hour lecture and one 4-hour lab (field or lab) weekly.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Learning Outcomes
Field Skill Development: students are given hands on experience with a range of field tasks common to the hydrogeological profession including surveying, use of dataloggers, and water level meters; water chemistry sampling procedures, instrument calibration; field testing methods for assessing aquifer properties; and the installation and measurement protocols for vadose zone and instream techniques.
Laboratory Skill Development: students learn how to prepare solutions, standards and samples for analysis on various analytical instruments used in the chemical analysis of water samples. They learn how to start up and operate the instruments including analytical method development, sample data entry and instrument calibration, as well as undertake appropriate QA/QC protocols and data extraction.
Analytical Skill Development: students learn how to analyze and make interpretations from hydrogeological datasets, inclusive of geological, hydrogeochemical, and hydrogeological datasets. Understanding of sources of data uncertainty.
Data Management and Computing Skills: Students develop data management skills (large number of datasets) and hone skills in spreadsheets (calculation, graphing), geochemical modeling and plotting (specialized software).
Writing Skill Development: Students complete a series of exercises, written in a professional manner, that provide an overview of the site, the tasks completed, the results and interpretation.
Cooperation and Team Building Skills: Students are assigned to a small group (2-3 per group) and given responsibility for collecting all data related to one particular monitoring well. The larger group must then coordinate how data will be assembled and shared.
Grading
- Hydrogeology Report 40%
- Hydrogeochemistry Report 20%
- Pumping Test Report 20%
NOTES:
The field sites are situated primarily at the SFU Burnaby campus.
Be aware that during the field work there will be some hiking and heavy lifting of equipment. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn. Details regarding safety will be discussed prior to the field work.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Detailed course notes and readings will be provided. Students should bring a waterproof field notebook, a calculator, ruler and a USB key for data storage. Appropriate field clothing should be worn on field days.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Applied Hydrogeology 4th Edition. Fetter, C.W. 2001. Prentice Hall 598pp
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
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