Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Interdisciplinary exploration of the interactions between plants and hydrologic processes, with an emphasis on primary literature. Topics covered include evapotranspiration, subsurface water storage in time and space, plant water relations, isotopes in water, biogeographical patterns, modeling, field methods, and the role of ecohydrology in Earth’s climate system. Mandatory field trip.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description: Interdisciplinary exploration of the interactions between plants and hydrologic processes, with an emphasis on primary literature and field study. Topics covered include evapotranspiration, subsurface water storage in time and space, plant water relations, isotopes in the water cycle, biogeographical patterns, modeling, field methods, and the role of ecohydrology in Earth’s climate system.

One 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour seminar weekly, plus two full-day back-to-back field trips.

The course will also cover the process of science communication, including a study of the elements and format of peer-reviewed journal articles and presentation skills.

Seminars will consist of student-led, instructor-moderated discussions of one primary research article from the peer-reviewed literature each week. Some background readings will also be assigned.

The mandatory field trips will provide an opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience with field methods and learn about local ecohydrological processes. The field trips will occur on March 29th and 30th, 2026, at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge and at Burns Bog in Delta. The field trip on the 30th will replace the regularly scheduled lecture/seminar that day.

Further field trip details: Your mandatory supplementary fee (up to $250) covers transportation costs. Students should expect to be responsible for their own daytime snacks and outdoor wear (footwear, jackets, backpacks, etc.). Be aware that during the field trips there may be periods of strenuous hiking, hiking close to cliffs and crossing roads with busy traffic. Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn. Further details regarding safety, meals, accommodation and field supplies will be discussed prior to the field trip. Students must at all times remain compliant with all student responsibilities, regulations, and policies as outlined in the current Academic Calendar, as well as relevant regulations and policies as outlined in the SFU Policy Gazette. This includes, but is not limited to, expected student conduct and the maintenance of appropriate medical insurance coverage.

There will be no labs the first week of class.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Clothing for being outdoors in potentially inclement weather (rain, cold) on field trip

REQUIRED READING:

RECOMMENDED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: