Hydrogeology involves the study, analysis, and interpretations of the movement of a fluid (water) through some solid "skeleton" or matrix (sand and gravel, fractured bedrock, etc.) Because we are here to understand a moving fluid, one of the languages that we must use is mathematics. Hydrogeology is a "quantitative" discipline. Characteristics, parameters, and populations related to ground water are not only understood descriptively (qualitatively), but are truly best understood quantitatively.
The primary objectives of GEOL441, Hydrogeology, are to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and tools that are necessary to understand and question the hydrologic cycle, and specifically, ground water sources, occurrence, movement, and resources. In addition, you will learn to read, access, and critically evaluate the scientific literature, and use some of the tools of the research and professional hydrogeologist.
During the course of the semester you are asked to read a large part of Applied Hydrogeology (Fetter, 1993), one of the most widely used textbooks for undergraduate hydrogeology courses. In addition, you will be exposed to the current state of the discipline by examining the professional hydrogeological literature, and be exposed to some of the classical work that paved the way for refined understanding and development of the foundations and paradigms in hydrogeology. I also hope that you will acquire the requisite knowledge to critique current research hypotheses and theories. You are strongly encouraged to ask questions in your reading, the lecture environment, on your assignments, and in the laboratory.
To the extent that we are able, you also will be exposed to some of the "state of the science" tools and equipment. We will apply the textbook and lectures to situations in the lab, the office, and the field. All of the equipment in the department is also available for you in any research endeavors you design; BE CREATIVE IN THE SCIENTIFIC QUESTIONS THAT YOU GENERATE AND THE APPROACHES YOU DESIGN FOR SOLVING THEM!! You also are welcome to browse through and borrow whatever resources (books, journals, etc.) that I may have in my office.
I. Lectures, Reading Assignments, and Lecture Exams
Lectures will be given during scheduled class hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Throughout the semester the class should be conducted in a discussion format, particularly with respect to any outside reading. Always bring your text and any handouts to class. Reading assignments (given in a separate schedule) in the text (Fetter, 1993) should be prepared prior to the appropriate class meeting. Additional reading assignments from the classical and recent literature will be distributed throughout the semester or placed on reserve in the science or departmental library.
A midterm and final exam will be administered; check course schedule for exam dates. Exams will cover all material in lecture, reading, lab, prob. sets, etc. No make-ups will be given without prior arrangements for valid reasons. As they are planned now, exams are in-class and open-book. You will be given sufficient notice of any change in status of exams. The emphasis on exams will be interpretation of hydrogeologic situations as opposed to simple repetition of facts.
II. Problem Sets and Laboratory Exercises
You will have a number of problem sets during the semester that will apply principles covered in lecture and reading. Problem "sets" may include literature reviews/oral critiques and unannounced quizzes. Laboratory exercises will be a further extension of lecture and reading and will comprise field, lab, and office experience; with prior discussion and design, you may make labs an integral part of your semester project.
You should "outfit" yourself with some of the standard items needed for typical lab and office work. These items include (but are not limited to):
All exercises (problem sets as well as labs and project deadlines) must be completed by the due-date and in a professional manner. Care should be taken to assure that a neat, organized, understandable, and concise product is the result of your work. Penalties will be assessed as follows for late work.
III. Course Grading: Your course grade will be based on the following:
You will complete a semester project that focuses on some hydrogeological topic of interest to you and discussed with me. The project may/should integrate with the weekly lecture and laboratory sessions. Again, BE CREATIVE IN THE SCIENTIFIC QUESTIONS THAT YOU GENERATE AND THE APPROACHES YOU DESIGN FOR SOLVING THEM!! The overall objective of the project is for you to combine many techniques of water resources investigations during an examination of a pertinent issue. Field work is encouraged for the projects, as well as team investigations. Each of you must make an appointment (or stop by to see me during office hours) during the week of September 28 (you can always come and see me earlier if you wish) to discuss topic development for your semester research project. I strongly encourage you to browse the hydrogeological literature...BEFORE YOU ARE TOLD TO BROWSE THROUGH IT.
Completion of the semester project will include the preparation of a paper and appropriate accompanying maps, figures, and graphs. The results of your study will be presented orally to the class and Department during the final laboratory session.
You should get used to reading the scientific literature! You will use the library, inter-library loan, and be expected to compile a significant bibliography by the end of the semester.
Periodicals: In the Library
Doss' office
I-L Loan
U.S. Geological Survey publications often deal with topic and site-specific hydrogeologic problems. Some of those series are:
Books: General geology texts and books are located in the "QE" area of all science libraries, hydrogeological texts are in the "GB" area, and water resource volumes are in the "TD" stacks. These are general guidelines with much overlap and other areas of the stacks where hydro-related stuff is found. Try browsing the stacks.
Partial list of available equipment: