1 ES476 HYDROLOGY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Winter 2010 - Western Oregon University 3 CR W 4:00 - 7:00 PM Rm 216-218 NSB INSTRUCTOR: Dr. S. Taylor OFFICE: RM 210 / RM104 Natural Sciences Bldg OFFICE HOURS: M 2-4 P.M.; F 12- P.M. PHONE: (w) 838-8398 (cell) 541-760-9216 By Appointment WEB SITE: www.wou.edu/taylor E-MAIL: [email protected] COURSE DESCRIPTION: Water is the most important natural resource on Earth, and its ubiquitous occurrence is what makes our planet unique in the solar system. The science of hydrology is the study of water, its mode of occurrence, and related physical processes. This course focuses on (1) the conceptual understanding of hydrologic processes, (2) the interaction between atmospheric, surface, and groundwater regimes, and (3) an introduction to quantitative analysis. Course topics include the global hydrologic cycle, physical properties of water, aquifer and groundwater systems, surface water and watershed analysis, and introduction to quantitative techniques. Class lab exercises are designed as skill-building tools that promote the use of current computer technologies with a special emphasis on hydrologic data collection and analysis. REQUIRED TEXT: Cech, T.V., Principles of Water Resources, 3rd Ed., Wiley & Sons, ISBN 978-0-470-13631-7, 546 p.. ADDITIONAL READING: Journal articles, text readings, and lab exercises, to be provided by the instructor. THE PROFESSOR'S PHILOSOPHY ON UPPER DIVISION EARTH SCIENCE / GEOLOGY COURSES: The upper division Earth Science / Geology course sequence is designed for goal-oriented students who are willing to work hard, play hard, have fun, and learn in-depth skills / concepts in a professional academic setting. By default, our student population is very diverse with a wide array of skills, interests, and career goals. The student population ranges from Earth Science majors with focused career objectives, to Geology / Earth Science minors to Science Education majors. As such, the professor is charged with serving a diverse array of student interests and career goals in the most professional manner possible. The problem-solving and technical skills acquired via training in the Earth Sciences are highly valuable (and marketable), regardless of career track. Students are expected to actively participate in the learning process and make a significant contribution to the academic integrity of the Earth Science program at Western Oregon University. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide graduates with the academic skills that will enable them to be highly competitive in graduate school or the career marketplace. GO TEAM! CLASS NOTES: A comprehensive set of instructor class notes are available for download via the internet. The class web site is at URL http://www.wou.edu/taylor ... and follow the links to the "ES476" home page. The class notes are available as Adobe Acrobat Reader files (*.pdf file). Acrobat Reader is free and is installed on many campus PC's. For home installation, Acrobat Reader is also available for download at the class web site, but you will be responsible for properly installing the software. Based on prior student suggestions, I have assembled my class notes and made them available. These notes may be freely printed at any campus internet station (e.g. ITC Bldg - Student Lab, Library, local department computer labs). The notes are in outline form and are very comprehensive. "Exam Study Guides" will also be posted on the web site as the term progresses.2 EVALUATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: Student performance will be evaluated on the basis of 2 exams (Midterm, Final) and lab exercises. The following is a breakdown of evaluation points and letter grades: Midterm Exam 100 pts 27% Final Exam 120 pts 32% Midterm Lab Portfolio 60 pts 16% Final Lab Portfolio 65 pts 17% Weekly Class Participation 30 pts 8% __________________________________________ TOTAL: 375 pts 100% Final Grading Scale ______________________________________________________________ Percent Range Letter Percent Range Letter of Total Points Grade of Total Points Grade _______________________________________________________________ 94-100% A 77-79% C+ 90-94% A- 73-76% C 87-89% B+ 70-72% C- 83-86% B 67-69% D+ 80-82% B- 63-66% D 60-62% D- <60% F _______________________________________________________________ Exams: Exams will be administered at evenly spaced increments throughout the semester; the final will be 20% comprehensive with test material drawn from throughout the term. Exams will largely consist of essay questions and homework-type problems. Warning: the exams are very comprehensive and will likely require a full 2+ hours to complete, please plan accordingly. Make-Up Exams: Under NO circumstances will make-up exams be administered without prior arrangement (at least five days) and good reason. Please show up on exam day! Class and Lab Assignments: Class and lab assignments will be worked BOTH during class time and outside of class time each week. You will have lab, reading, and homework assignments that may take up to 3 or 4 hours to complete outside of class time, maybe more in some cases, depending on your skill levels and ability. Please plan your schedule accordingly. Due dates for class exercises will be prescribed by the instructor. Late work will be accepted up to 1 week after the due date, but will be automatically assessed a penalty of -20% of the point total. Due to the volume of students assigned to the instructor each term, he will not be able to grade the lab exercise work in detail. The homework and lab assignments will be checked for completeness, with questions randomly chosen for content and accuracy. Grade points will be assigned on the basis of these two criteria. Exercise answer keys will be posted on the class web site by the instructor. It is your responsibility to: (1) check your work against the lab / homework keys, (2) make sure you understand how to complete the exercises, (3) find help if you have trouble with lab exercises, and (4) study / learn the exercise skills and material for the exams. A NOTE ABOUT INCOMPLETES: No incomplete grades will be given during the last week of class. If you have a problem that warrants an incomplete, make arrangements prior to the last week (no exceptions!!). FIELD TRIP(S): Local field trips and field exercises may be scheduled during the term