Water Science

Catalog description

The course provides an evaluation of chemical, physical, and hydrological processes of surface and groundwater. This course is designed to bridge water-resource disciplines of groundwater hydrology, surface water hydrology, human use including irrigation, drinking, and industrial consumption, flows required for a healthy ecosystem, water chemistry, emerging concerns such as harmful algae blooms, and water quality. The course merges lectures, active learning, computer models, and local field trips to emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of water science. The early lectures start at the molecular level, and the discussion moves through the ecosystem (regional) level. The course covers recent court decisions that affect wetlands and water quality. Students will obtain a basic understanding of water resources, emerging concerns, water quantity, determining groundwater flow direction, sufficient flows for ecosystem health, flash floods, and droughts. Students will be able to perform fundamental aquifer tests and identify management strategies related to water concerns.