ENVR 150 Hydrology I is an introductory study of water in our environment including its properties, the natural processes which affect it, and climate and weather. Students will gain practical experience in the collection and analysis of field and laboratory data using standard techniques and equipment.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 75 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 2 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Define terminology used to describe various hydrological systems (lakes, rivers, groundwater, weather and climate
- Apply appropriate methods for using, calibrating, and caring for hydrologic equipment in the field
- Collect hydrological data by following recognized hydrometric standards
- Summarize data by filling out appropriate forms, tabulating results, and discussing results
- Apply methods for sampling streams, examining stream characteristics and classifying streams
- Apply methods for sampling lakes and examining limnology characteristics
- Apply methods for predicting flow and discharge in aquifers
- Describe how humans are modifying hydrological systems
- Assess one’s professionalism throughout the course
Teaching and Learning Approach
The class is comprised of two 50 minute classroom sessions in which students participate in lectures, practice
calculations, complete diagrams, watch short videos, relate learning to current events and participate in
educational activities. Each week students will complete a three hour lab which may be inside or at various field
sites. In labs, students will use lab equipment, collect data , carry out calculations, and write-up up lab reports.Learning Resources
Lutz, A. (2025). ENVR 150 Hydrology 1 Course Manual. Castlegar, BC, Selkirk College OnlineDetailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. SEG Orientation / Hydrology Lecture Systems theory Hydrological Cycle
2. Introduction to Hydrology Basic characteristics and properties of water Water Measurements – How? Why?
3. Stream Morphology Identify stream features Describe stream flow Take several stream measurements
4. Stream Discharge Measurements Interpret hydrographs Read stage level discharge graphs Evaluate a variety of methods for measuring stream discharge
5. Lakes and Reservoirs (Limnology) Use terminology to describe lakes and reservoirs Describe Lake Overturn Understand hydraulic (and nutrient) residence time
6. Review & Drainage Basins Identify a watershed on a map, determine area, stream order, drainage pattern, change in elevation, headwaters etc.
7. Lakes and Reservoirs (Morphometry) Measurement of lake depth, surface area, volume Structure – Light penetration, temperature zonation, chemical zonation
8. Midterms
9. Groundwater Movement of surface water into groundwater (porosity, permeability) Types of Aquifers (confined/unconfined)
10. Groundwater Flows Groundwater contamination Darcy's Law
11. Meteorology Insolation – Temperature, sun path, conduction Relative Humidity – Dew point, lapse rates
12. Meteorology Pressure – Wind, major air masses (weather systems) that affect B.C. Precipitation – Orographic lifting, convective lifting, wave cyclones
13. Finish Lectures & Review
14. Final Exam during the exam periodAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Weekly Quizzes | 1-8 | 12% |
| Labs | 2-7, 9 | 20% |
| Lab Exams | 1-8 | 34% |
| Lecture Exams | 1-8 | 34% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.