Course Description: Hydrogeology is the study of the interaction of water with geological materials. We will track water through the hydrologic cycle, starting with surface water, and movement of water through aquifers. Emphasis will be on aquifer properties and groundwater movement. Well design, contaminant transport, and water law will also be covered. Regional examples will be integrated into the class as much as possible. By the end of the class you should have a firm grasp of the hydrologic cycle and the flow of water through aquifers.

Interesting Links:
Website for your book, Applied Hydrogeology
Water Resources of South Dakota
National Water Quality Assessment Program
Water Resources, USGS
Learn more about the properties of water

Lecture: MWF 11:00 -11:50 pm, AK 203
Required Textbook: Fetter, C.W., 2001, Applied Hydrogeology, 4th Edition
Prerequisites: MATH 102, ESCI 101 or instructor consent.

In Class Labs: Occasionally, we will perform laboratory-style activities during lecture time. Questions will be provided to go along with the lab, and lab reports will be due typically a week after they are completed. Lab activities will be performed in groups, for the most part.   

Problem Sets: Problem sets will be assigned on a weekly basis. Questions will be mostly derived from problems given at the end of each chapter.
-Problem sets will be due a week from when they are assigned.
-Please do your own work
-Show all of your calculations.
-Include appropriate units and significant figures.
For some assignments (I will let you know which ones), Microsoft Excel can be used. In these cases please email me your Excel file as an attachment.
Please turn assignments in on time. The grade for late assignments will be reduced by 10% for each day late. I am available if you need help during office hours or by appointment.

Exams: Three exams covering lecture material, problem sets, lab exercises, and readings will be given during the semester. Exam format will include mathematical problems as well as short answer questions. Bring a calculator and a sharp pencil with eraser. A one-page piece of paper containing pertinent equations can be brought to the exam (to be turned in after each exam). The final (3rd) exam will be much like the others, but with a few additional questions relating back to material from the whole class.

Case Study: You are assigned to write a case study about a hydrogeological problem (For example: Land subsidence, Groundwater contamination, Water law and/or disputes). A 6 page, typed double spaced report complete with references (at least 5) will be due. A separate handout containing specific information about content and format of this report and the due date will be provided. You must have your topic approved by me before hand.

Field Trip: A field trip will be scheduled, pending good weather, later in the semester.

Grading: Grades will be based on the following:
Problem sets                ~25%
Other assignments      ~20%
Case Study                  ~10%
Exams                          ~45% 
Total:                            100%
Exams 1 and 2 will be worth 100 points each, and the final exam 3 will be worth 150 points.
Grades will be assigned as follows: >90%, A; 80-89%, B; 70-79%, C; 60-69%, D; <60%, F.

ESCI 473/573 Tentative Syllabus