Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - EASC 304 D100

Hydrogeology (3)

Class Number: 1291

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2021
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 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:

General:
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 Occurrence 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. Groundwater 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:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of subsurface fluid flow, encompassing measurement of hydraulic head, hydraulic gradients, and the hydraulic properties of the subsurface to quantify fluid pathways and rates of movement in the subsurface.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the controls on fluid movement 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 (infiltration).
  • Employ scientifically-based approaches to analyze and interpret data (geological, geophysical, hydrological and hydrogeological) and critically evaluate the scientific findings.
  • Write a comprehensive report, in the form of a consulting report, which describes and synthesizes data and scientific findings.
  • Develop transferrable skills in spreadsheet calculations and graphing, time management, and organization of a long document.

Grading

  • Quizzes and Microteaching 5%
  • Laboratory Assignments 25%
  • Laboratory Project 20%
  • Midterm Exam 15%
  • Final Exam 35%

NOTES:

The fall offering of EASC 304 is via remote instruction with in-person exams.

The technology requirements for successfully completing this course will include: a computer or tablet, internet access and a means of scanning files for upload (e.g. a camera on a tablet or phone). A camera is required and microphone is strongly recommended (built-in fine). We will use both canvas and zoom for course delivery. Specialized software is required and will be accessible via remote log-in to SFU computer laboratory machines.    

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

“Applied Hydrogeology”; Fetter, C.W.; 2018, 4th Edition; Waveland Press, Inc.,m 598 pp. 


ISBN: 9781478637097

“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

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.