Courses - Watershed Sciences

Courses

WATS 1020

Watershed Science Professional Orientation - 1 credit
Introduction and orientation to natural resource/environmental disciplines and related professional careers for Watershed Sciences majors. Discussion of education, curricula, faculty, professional societies, and employment opportunities. Graded Pass/Fail only.
Semester(s) Taught: F ^DE
Syllabus: Fall 2012 (Dr. Charles Hawkins)
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Watershed and Earth Systems

WATS 1200 BLS

Biodiversity and Sustainability - 3 credits
Provides students with an understanding of the biodiversity dilemma and the impact our species is having on natural ecosystems. Today, species extinctions occur at an alarming rate. These losses of biodiversity occur because of changes humans have made to the habitats and biogeochemical cycles of our planet The last third of the course focuses on ways to mitigate these impacts.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp
Syllabus: Fall 2012 (Dr. John Olson)

WATS 2250

Introductory Internship/Co-op - 1-3® credits
Introductory-level educational experience in internship/cooperative education position approved by department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

WATS 3000 DSC (Cancelled Spring 2013)

Oceanography - 3 credits
Examines fundamental interrelationships between physical environment of the oceans and the life forms they support. Suitable for nonbiologists.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (elective option)

WATS 3100 DSC/CI

Fish Diversity and Conservation - 3 credits
Systematics, physiology, ecology, evolution, and conservation of major groups of marine and freshwater fishes. Stresses functional morphology, physiological ecology, and community interactions explaining fish abundance and distribution. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010 or 1610 or 1620.
Semester(s) Taught: F ^DE
Syllabus: Fall 2012 - Weekly Class Schedule (Dr. Phaedra Budy)
NR Majors requiring this course: Environmental Studies (an animal course option), Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Recreation Resource Management

WATS 3110

Fish Diversity Laboratory - 1 credit
Focuses on field collection, identification, and habitat relationships of freshwater fishes in North America. Prerequisite: WATS 3100 (may be taken concurrently).
Semester(s) Taught: F
Syllabus: Fall 2012 (Dr. Phaedra Budy)
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

WATS 3600

Geomorphology - 4 credits
Geomorphic processes, origin of landforms and surficial deposits. Emphasizes fluvial and hillslope landscape elements, and surficial geologic mapping. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: GEO 1010 or 1110 or GEOG 1000. Also taught as GEO 3600.
Semester(s) Taught: F
(Course website) - (Dr. Joel Pederson)
NR Majors requiring this course: Geography (Physical Geography emphasis elective option)

WATS 3700 CI

Fundamentals of Watershed Science - 3 credits
Study of water movement, hillslope processes, and nutrient movement in catchments, and its relevance to the properties, land use, and management of watersheds as natural resource units.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp ^DE
Syllabus: Spring 2011: (Dr. Helga Van Miegroet)
NR Majors requiring this course: Environmental Studies, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Forestry, Geography (Geographical Analysis and Bioregional Planning emphasis elective option, Physical Geography emphasis), Geography Teaching, Recreation Resource Management, Watershed and Earth Systems

WATS 3820 DSC/QI

Climate Change - 3 credits
Emphasizes physical basis of climate (climate dynamics), as well as the mechanisms and processes for its fluctuations on sub-seasonal to interannual time scales (climate variations) and on regional to hemispheric/global time scales. Prerequisite: GEO 1110 or GEOG 1000. Also taught as PSC 3820.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2010 (Gillies/Shih-Yu (Simon) Wang)
NR Majors requiring this course: Environmental Studies (Human Impacts on the Environment emphasis), Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (elective option), Geography (Physical Geography emphasis), Watershed and Earth Systems

WATS 4250

Advanced Internship/Co-op - 1-9® credits
Internship/cooperative education work experience; increased complexity to help student gain a more professional level of experience. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

WATS 4310 (dual listing 6310)

Wetland Ecology and Management - 3 credits
Explores the physical, chemical, and biological structure of wetlands. Focuses on the major types of wetlands found in North America, as well as their ecology and management; U.S. wetland policy and mitigation; and regional, national, and global impacts on restoration of wetlands. Prerequisite: WATS 3700.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2010 (Dr. Karin Kettenring) Spring 2011
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

WATS 4490 (dual listing 5490)

Small Watershed Hydrology*** - 4 credits
Detailed exploration of concepts of hydrologic processes in small, wildland watersheds. Concentrates on recent research findings concerning key hydrological processes. Particular attention paid to study of partitioning of water in the hydrologic cycle, sources for runoff generation, snow and snowmelt, and erosion. Features process modeling and parameter estimation techniques as related to wildland systems. Prerequisites: MATH 1100 or 1210; and WATS 3700.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2011 (Dr. Patrick Belmont)
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Geography (Physical Geography emphasis), Watershed and Earth Systems

WATS 4500 (dual listing 6500)

Limnology: Ecology of Inland Waters - 3 credits
Ecosystem analysis of physical, chemical, and biological interactions in lakes and streams. Application of these concepts for managing aquatic system. Graduate students write an additional research paper and present a lecture. Prerequisite: CHEM 1210.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp ^DE
Syllabus: Spring 2012 (Dr. Wayne Wurtsbaugh)
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Watershed and Earth Systems

WATS 4510

Aquatic Ecology Practicum - 3 credits
Integration of limnological theory and methods of conducting field and laboratory analyses of physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Students will design and conduct their own research project within the framework of a general water quality or fishery issue addressed by the class. Development of analytical, statistical, and writing skills. Field trips required. Prerequisites: WATS 4500; STAT 3000 (may be taken concurrently).
Semester(s) Taught: F
Syllabus: Fall 2012 (Dr. Wayne Wurtsbaugh)
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (capstone option), Watershed and Earth Systems (capstone option)

WATS 4530 (dual listing 6530)

Water Quality and Pollution - 3 credits
Reviews biological and social problems caused by point and nonpoint source water pollution; toxicology; abiotic and biotic water quality parameters; and use criteria of the Clean Water Act. Graduate-level class will require additional readings of the peer-reviewed literature and an additional class meeting to have in-depth discussions of those readings. Each graduate student will be responsible for making a presentation at the beginning of class, and leading the discussion.
Semester(s) Taught: F
Syllabus: Fall 2012 - Class Schedule Fall 2012 (Nancy Mesner)
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (capstone option), Watershed and Earth Systems (capstone option)

WATS 4650 (dual listing 6650)

Principles in Fishery Management - 3 credits
Emphasizes management of fish populations within context of community and ecosystem dynamics. Stresses use of simulation models to assess effects of growth, recruitment, and mortality on age-structured populations.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp ^DE
Syllabus: Spring 2010 (Dr. Brett Roper)
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

WATS 4930 (dual listing 6920)

Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis - 3 credits
Builds proficiency in geoprocessing in GIS to solve spatial problems. Topics include: data acquisition, webGIS, georeferencing, vector and raster analyses, surface interpolation, DEM construction, morphometric analysis, modeling, geoprocessing, and error assessment. Course will be taught the first ten weeks of the semester. Enrollment in a lab section is mandatory.
Prerequisites: GEOG 1800
Semester(s) Taught: Sp ^DE
Syllabus: Spring 2011 Spring 2011 Course Website (Dr. Joe Wheaton)
NR Majors requiring this course: Environmental Studies (Planning and Analysis emphasis), Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Geography (Geographical Analysis and Bioregional Planning emphasis, Physical Geography emphasis), Watershed and Earth Systems

WATS 4931 (dual listing 6921)

GIS Research Projects - 2 credits
Students will undertake an independent research project that requires use of advanced GIS, geoprocessing and spatial analytical techniques. Students will present their research at a peer-reviewed poster session and synthesize findings in a mock manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal of their choice. Course will be taught in the last five weeks of the semester.
Prerequisites: WATS 4930
Semester taught: Sp (Dr. Joe Wheaton)
NR Majors requiring this course: Environmental Studies (Planning and Analysis emphasis), Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Geography (Geographical Analysis and Bioregional Planning emphasis, Physical Geography emphasis), Watershed and Earth Systems

WATS 4950

Special Topics - 1-3® credits
Individual study and research upon selected watershed sciences problems.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

WATS 4960

Directed Readings - 1-3® credits
Provides one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

WATS 4970

Undergraduate Research - 1-3® credits
Individual or team research. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

WATS 4980 (dual listing 6800 and 7800)

Watershed Sciences Departmental Seminar - 1 credit
Exposes students to new developments in research and management in the fields of watershed sciences. Features participation by students, faculty, and guest lecturers. Graduate students should register for only one semester each year, but attend all year. Undergraduate students are only required to register once. Graduate students will participate in an additional reading and discussion group for the seminars. Graded Pass/Fail only.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp (Current schedule of speakers)
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Watershed and Earth Systems

WATS 5150 (dual listing 6150)

Fluvial Geomorphology - 3 credits
Focuses on physical processes in streams that control their shape, plan form, slope, bed material, and distribution of channel bars. Emphasizes field analysis of these topics, and application of geomorphology to aquatic ecology and environmental restoration. Also taught as GEO 5150/6150.
Semester(s) Taught: F
Syllabus: Fall 2012 (Rebecca Manners) Fall 2010 (Dr. Jack Schmidt)
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (elective option), Geography (Physical Geography emphasis elective option), Watershed and Earth Systems

WATS 5170 (dual listing 6170)

Fluvial Geomorphology Lab - 2 credits
Field analysis focuses on physical processes in streams which control their shape, plan form, slope, bed material, and distribution of channel bars. Application of geomorphology to aquatic ecology and environmental restoration. Also taught as GEO 5170/6170.
Semester(s) Taught: F
Syllabus: Fall 2012 (David Dean) Fall 2010 (Dr. Jack Schmidt)
NR Majors requiring this course: Geography (Physical Geography emphasis elective option), Watershed and Earth Systems

WATS 5200

Fish Habitats** - 3 credits
Examines biological and social factors influencing aquatic ecosystems and fish habitats within the context of forest management. Analyzes ecological relationships of fish habitats within forest ecosystem, and how these are influenced by forest management practices. Provides examples of forest habitat issues in major regions of North America, illustrating that both biological and social factors must be considered in developing management strategies and programs.
Semester(s) Taught: F (Even Years)
Syllabus: Prior Year Syllabus - Fall 2007 (Dr. Nick Bouwes)
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Watershed and Earth Systems (elective option)

WATS 5330 (dual listing 6330)

Large River Management - 3 credits
Focuses on constituencies participating in modern management of large river basins, including water developers, irrigators, municipalities, power consumers, recreationists, environmentalists, and scientists. Primary examples drawn from Colorado, Columbia, Rio Grande, and Missouri river basins.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp (not currently taught)

WATS 5490 (dual listing 4490)

Small Watershed Hydrology*** - 4 credits
Detailed exploration of concepts of hydrologic processes in small, wildland watersheds. Concentrates on recent research findings concerning examining key hydrological processes. Particular attention paid to study of partitioning of water in the hydrologic cycle, sources for runoff generation, snow and snowmelt, and erosion. Features process modeling and parameter estimation techniques as related to wildland systems. Additional oral and written assignments required for graduate students. Prerequisites: MATH 1100 or 1210; and WATS 3700.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2011 (Dr. Patrick Belmont)

WATS 5550

Freshwater Invertebrates - 3 credits
Ecology, collection, and systematics of freshwater aquatic invertebrates. Focuses on insects, but also covers crustaceans, molluscs, and annelids. Several weekend field trips and a collection are required. Prerequisite: One year of general biology or zoology, or permission of instructor. Also taught as BIOL 5550.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2010 (Dr. Scott Miller)
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

WATS 5640 (dual listing 7640)*

Riparian Ecology and Management - 3 credits
Explores structure and function of riparian ecosystems and management options for maintaining sustainable ecological function. Prerequisites: NR/BIOL 2220, WATS 3700.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2010 (Scott, Follstad-Shah)
NR Majors requiring this course: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (elective option), Watershed and Earth Systems (elective option)

WATS 5650

Analysis of Fisheries Data with R - 2 credits
Designed for individuals planning to work for agencies and for individuals who cannot afford expensive statistical programs, such as SAS. Advantages of using R include greater number of statistical options than are included in Excel (or other spreadsheet software programs), ability to produce presentation-quality figures, and availability as an open-source (free) software program.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2009 (Dr. Brett Roper)

WATS 5660

Watershed and Stream Restoration - 2 credits
Overview of the current theory and practice of watersheds and streams. Emphasizes field visits with restoration projects and specialists. Prerequisites: WATS/WILD 5490/4490, WATS/GEO 5150, WILD 5610 (or equivalent). Currently taught through Regional Campuses and Distance Education as a summer short course.
Semester(s) Taught: Su (Dr. Jack Schmidt) (Stream Restoration Short Course Homepage)
Syllabus: Fall 2010

WATS 5670

Watersheds and Stream Restoration Practicum - 2 credits
Capstone experience. Development of a restoration plan for a site, involving site planning and design. Currently taught through Regional Campuses and Distance Education as a summer short course.
Semester(s) Taught: Su (Dr. Jack Schmidt) (Stream Restoration Short Course Homepage)

WATS 5680 (dual listing 6880)

Paleoclimatology* - 3 credits
Covers climate through the past four billion years of geologic time. Explores driving forces behind climate changes. Examines data and methods used in paleoclimate research. Includes discussion of literature and stresses local paleoclimate records. Three lectures per week, along with field trips. Prerequisite: GEO/WATS 3600 or permission of instructor. Also taught as GEO 5680/6680 and PSC 5680/6680.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2010 (Dr. Joel Pederson)

WATS 6120 (dual listing 7120)

Aquatic Production Biology** - 2 credits
Review of current literature on bacterial, algal, invertebrate, and fish production in lakes, rivers, and the sea. Particular emphasis is placed on whole-ecosystem productivity studies.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp (Dr. Todd Crowl)

WATS 6150 (dual listing 5150)

Fluvial Geomorphology - 3 credits
Focuses on physical processes in streams that control their shape, plan form, slope, bed material, and distribution of channel bars. Emphasizes field analysis of these topics, and application of geomorphology to aquatic ecology and environmental restoration. Also taught as GEO 6150/5150.
Semester(s) Taught: F
Syllabus: Fall 2012 (Rebecca Manners) Fall 2010 (Dr. Jack Schmidt)

WATS 6170 (dual listing 5170)

Fluvial Geomorphology Lab - 2 credits
Field analysis focuses on physical processes in streams which control their shape, plan form, slope, bed material, and distribution of channel bars. Application of geomorphology to aquatic ecology and environmental restoration. Also taught as GEO 6170/5170.
Semester(s) Taught: F
Syllabus: Fall 2012 (David Dean) Fall 2010 (Dr. Jack Schmidt)

WATS 6200

Watershed Analysis** - 2 credits
Explores watershed analysis, which is a procedure used to characterize the human, aquatic, riparian, and upland features, conditions, processes, and interactions within a watershed. Watershed analysis includes ecosystem analysis at the watershed level, providing a systematic way to understand and organize system information for the purpose of understanding the consequences of management actions prior to implementation.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp

WATS 6230 (dual listing 7230)

Fish Ecology** - 2 credits
Reviews current literature on physiological, behavioral, population, and the community ecology of fishes. Particular emphasis placed on current literature relevant to management of sport and endangered freshwater species.
Semester(s) Taught: Fall (Taught odd years, second half of the semester)
Syllabus: (Dr. Nick Bouwes)

WATS 6240

Graduate Internship/Co-op - 1-9® credits
Graduate-level educational experience in internship/cooperative education position approved by department.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

WATS 6260 (pending EPC approval)

Watershed Sciences Graduate Student Induction Course - 1 credit
Introduces students to the big questions in Watershed Sciences and the Department community. Students learn about nearby watersheds and the rich diversity of approaches and technologies available to address research questions. Five day field course. No prerequisites.
Semester Taught: Fall (1 week before classes start)
Course Website

WATS 6310 (dual listing 4310)

WATS 6330 (dual listing 5330)

Large River Management - 3 credits
Focuses on the scientific basis of river management and the constituencies participating in modern management of large rivers, including water developers, irrigators, municipalities, power consumers, recreationists, environmentalists, and scientists. Primary examples drawn from Colorado, Columbia, Rio Grande, and Missouri river basins.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp (not currently taught)

WATS 6400

Communicating Science: A Short Course for Graduate Students - 1 credit
This course will help improve student’s abilities to communicate scientific ideas and results to peers and the public. The course is designed for new graduate students who have not yet prepared their theses proposals or presented their pre-project seminars. Pass/Fail only.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: (Dr. Charles Hawkins)

WATS 6500 (dual listing 4500)

WATS 6520

Applied Hydraulics** - 3 credits
Basic fluid mechanics applied to wildland watershed systems and directed at nonengineering students. Explores nature of fluid state, fluid motion, and steady uniform and varied flow in open channels, under both subcritical and supercritical conditions. Surveys concepts of boundary layers, turbulence, convection, dispersal, and wave formation in unsteady flows. Emphasizes problem formulation and solving. Prerequisites: WATS 5490/4490; MATH 2280 (recommended). Also taught as CEE 6520.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp (not currently taught)

WATS 6530 (dual listing 4530)

WATS 6550

Assessment of Abundance and Related Parameters for Biological Populations - 3 credits
Students learn to estimate population abundance and associated error bounds using mark-recapture, area-swept, declining catch, line-transect, and other techniques. Emphasizes sampling design considerations to match objectives of an assessment to appropriate/feasible level of accuracy and precision.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2010

WATS 6650 (dual listing 4650)

WATS 6680 (dual listing 5680)

Paleoclimatology* - 3 credits
Covers climate through the past four billion years of geologic time. Explores driving forces behind climate changes. Examines data and methods used in paleoclimate research. Includes discussion of literature and stresses local paleoclimate records. Three lectures per week, along with field trips. Prerequisite: GEO/WATS 3600 or permission of instructor. Also taught as GEO 6680/5680 and PSC 6680/5680.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2010 (Dr. Joel Pederson)

WATS 6700

Restoration Ecology - 4 credits
Provides an understanding of ecological restoration, how to determine restoration goals, how to establish targets, and how to determine what are good measures of success. Teaches restoration implementation, best practices for restoration monitoring, and how to develop and sustain community support for restoration. Also taught as WILD 6700.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2010 (Dr. Karin Kettenring)

WATS 6800 (dual listing 4980 and 7800)

Watershed Sciences Departmental Seminar - 1® credit
Exposes students to new developments in research and management in the fields of watershed sciences. Features participation by students, faculty, and guest lecturers. Graduate students should register for only one semester each year, but attend all year. Undergraduate students are only required to register once. Graduate students will participate in an additional reading and discussion group for the seminars. Graded Pass/Fail only.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp (Current schedule of speakers)

WATS 6820 (dual listing 7820)

Stream Ecology - 3 credits
Explores structure, function, and dynamics of flowing water ecosystems.
Semester(s) Taught: F (not taught Fall 2012)
Syllabus: Prior Year Syllabus - Fall 2010 (Dr. Charles Hawkins)

WATS 6850 (pending EPC approval)

Geomorphic Change Detection: Restoration Monitoring - 1 credit
Instills background theory of geomorphic change detection and sediment budgeting in rivers and surveying with repeat topographic surveying. Builds proficiency in applying principles to real datasets using GCD software. 1 credit; 3 day workshop. No formal prerequisites. ArcGIS experience recommended.
Semester Taught: Summer (2012, May 7-9)
Course Website (Dr. Joe Wheaton)

WATS 6860 (pending EPC approval)

Partnering with Beaver in Restoration Design - 1 credit
Covers stream/river restoration and conservation methods that partner with beaver as ecosystem engineers. Builds appreciation of beaver ecology and complex feedbacks between beaver activity, hydrogeomorphic responses, riparian vegetation and fish ecology. 1 Credit; 3 day workshop. No prerequisites.
Semester Taught: Fall
Course Website (Dr. Joe Wheaton)

WATS 6870

Ecology Seminar - 1® credit
The Ecology Center schedules regular seminars throughout the school year with ecological scientists from other institutions participating. Ecology majors are required to attend a minimum of 10 such lectures. Graded Pass/Fail only. Students should register for fall semester, but attend through spring semester. Also taught as BIOL 6870, ENVS 6870, PSC 6870, and WILD 6870.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp (Current Schedule)

WATS 6900

Graduate Special Topics - 1-6® credits
Offers credit for special assignments, reading, and seminars beyond regularly scheduled courses.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su ^DE

WATS 6900 (Special Topics)

Graduate Special Topics - Ecological Foundations of Natural Resources Management - 3 credits - online only
The overall aim of this course is to make direct links between principles of ecological theory and applied aspects of natural resource management. The specific aims are to: Understand how knowledge of ecological concepts and theories can assist natural resource managers. Develop an understanding of current environmental issues from both an ecological and an economic perspective as well as proposed solutions to environmental problems. Appreciate the complexity, functions and value of ecosystems. Become familiar with manipulating data. Explore basic modeling methods to help understand and address specific ecological questions.
Semesters Taught (F, Sp)
Syllabus: Fall 2010 (Cooley)

WATS 6900 (Special Topics)

ST: Hydroclimatology - Spring 2013
Section 001
Instructor: Dr. Jiming Jin

WATS 6900 (Special Topics)

ST: River/Riparian Restoration Ecology - Spring 2013
Section 005
Instructor: Dr. Karin Kettenring

WATS 6900 (Special Topics)

ST: Comparative Analysis of Fish Production - Spring 2013
Section 006 and 007
Instructors: Drs. Wayne Wurtsbaugh and Brett Roper

WATS 6900 (Special Topics)

ST: Design and Analysis of Mark-resight Studies with a Focus on Using MARK - Summer 2013
May 7-12, 2013
Co-sponsored by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) - UCFWRU, Wildland Resources, and Watershed Sciences
To accurately assess trends in populations or evaluate management actions, such as a new dam or habitat restoration, wildlife and fishery researchers need to accurately estimate population size, vital rates, and movement patterns.
Flyer with complete details - Webpage
Registration form
Semester Taught (Summer)
Instructors: Drs. Mary Conner and Robert Al-Chokhachy. Program Coordinator: Dr. Phaedra Budy

WATS 6900 (Special Topics)

ST: Freshwater Algal Ecology - Summer 2013
May 7-10, 2013
Class will combine lectures, labs, and field exercises to introduce the study of freshwater algae and their role in aquatic ecosystems.
Flyer with complete details - Webpage
Instructors: Drs. Brian Laub and Wayne Wurtsbaugh

WATS 6900 (Special Topics)

ST: Partnering with Beaver in Restoration - Fall 2013
Dates: TBA
Instructor: Dr. Joe Wheaton
Webpage
Syllabus: Fall 2012

WATS 6910

Directed Study - 1-6® credits
Offers credit for special assignments, reading, and seminars beyond regularly scheduled courses.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

WATS 6915

GIS Fundamentals 1 credit
This intensive four week crash course is GIS and is intended for graduate students who are new to GIS or to serve as a refresher for those who have not used GIS for awhile. Students will build proficiency in producing maps in ArcGIS and disseminating interactive maps via Google Earth/Google Maps.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp^DE
Syllabus: (Dr. Joe Wheaton)

WATS 6920 (dual listing 4930)

Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis 3 credits
Builds proficiency in geoprocessing in GIS to solve spatial problems. Topics include: data acquisition, webGIS, georeferencing, vector and raster analyses, surface interpolation, DEM construction, morphometric analysis, modeling, geoprocessing, and error assessment. Course will be taught the first ten weeks of the semester. Enrollment in a lab section is mandatory.

Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2010 Spring 2010 Schedule (Dr. Joe Wheaton)

WATS 6921 (dual listing 4931)

GIS Research Projects - 2 credits
Students will undertake an independent research project that requires use of advanced GIS, geoprocessing and spatial analytical techniques. Students will present their research at a peer-reviewed poster session and synthesize findings in a mock manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal of their choice. Course will be taught in the last five weeks of the semester.
Prerequisite/Restriction: WATS 6920
Semesters(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: See Dr. Joe Wheaton's Website for updated information

WATS 6940

Snow Hydrology - 3 credits
Focuses on snow science, including atmospheric formation, precipitation, distribution on the landscape, metamorphosis prior to melt, and snow pack melt dynamics. Also covers related issues, such as snow melt modeling, remote sensing, water supply, and biogeochemical cycling. Prerequisites: WATS 3700 or 4600 or PSC 5600 or CEE 3430, or permission of instructor. Also taught as CEE 6940.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp (not currently taught)

WATS 6960

Gradate General Ecology - 4 credits
General concepts, history, and issues in all major areas of the science of ecology including: environmental biophysics; and physiological, behavioral, evolutionary, community, ecosystem, and applied ecology in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Also taught as BIOL 6960, ENVS 6960, PSC 6960, and WILD 6960.
Semester(s) Taught: F
Syllabus: Fall 2010 (Dr. Charles Hawkins)

WATS 6970

Thesis Research - 1-12® credits
Offers credit for field or laboratory research at master’s level. Graded Pass/Fail only.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

WATS 6990

Continuing Graduate Advisement - 1-9® credits
Offers credit for students currently enrolled in a master’s program, who are not currently taking classes. Students may be conducting research or waiting for final approval from School of Graduate Studies. Graded Pass/Fail only.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

WATS 7120 (dual listing 6120)

Aquatic Production Biology* - 2 credits
Review of current literature on bacterial, algal, invertebrate, and fish production in lakes, rivers, and the sea. Particular emphasis is placed on whole-ecosystem productivity studies.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp (Dr. Todd Crowl)

WATS 7230 (dual listing 6230)

Fish Ecology* - 2 credits
Reviews current literature on physiological, behavioral, population, and the community ecology of fishes. Particular emphasis placed on current literature relevant to management of sport and endangered freshwater species.
Semester(s) Taught: Sp
Syllabus: Spring 2010 (Dr. Nick Bouwes)

WATS 7640 (dual listing 5640)

WATS 7800 (dual listing 4980 and 6800)

Watershed Sciences Departmental Seminar - 1® credits
Exposes students to new developments in research and management in the fields of watershed sciences. Features participation by students, faculty, and guest lecturers. Graduate students should register for only one semester each year, but attend all year. Undergraduate students are only required to register once. Graduate students will participate in an additional reading and discussion group for the seminars. Graded Pass/Fail only.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp (Current schedule of speakers)

WATS 7820 (dual listing 6820)

Stream Ecology - 3 credits
Explores structure, function, and dynamics of flowing water ecosystems.
Semester(s) Taught: F
Syllabus: Fall 2010 (Dr. Charles Hawkins)

WATS 7900

Graduate Special Topics - 1-6® credits
Offers credit for special assignments, reading, and seminars beyond regularly scheduled courses.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

WATS 7910

Directed Study - 1-6® credits
Offers credit for special assignments, reading, and seminars beyond regularly scheduled courses.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

WATS 7970

Dissertation Research - 1-12® credits
Offers credit for field or laboratory research at doctoral level. Graded Pass/Fail only.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

WATS 7990

Continuing Graduate Advisement - 1-9® credits
Offers credit for students currently enrolled in a doctoral program, who are not currently taking classes. Students may be conducting research or waiting for final approval from School of Graduate Studies. Graded Pass/Fail only.
Semester(s) Taught: F,Sp,Su

_______________
®Repeatable for credit. Check with major department for limitations on number of credits that can be counted for graduation.
^DEThis course may be available through Regional Campuses and Distance Education (RCDE), and may be offered through multiple delivery methods. Current RCDE offerings may be viewed at: http://distance.usu.edu/
*Taught 2010-2011.
**Taught 2011-2012.
***This course is taught alternating years. Check with department for information about when course will be taught.