Instructor: Various
Terms Taught: Spring
Credits: 3
Course Description
This graduate course will introduce you to the methods commonly used to model groundwater and vadose zone flow and reactive solute transport in the subsurface of the Earth. The course is deliberately focused on applications of hydrogeological modeling methods to examine important flow and transport processes by making use of modeling software that you are likely to encounter in an environmental consulting environment after graduation. You will be applying mainly the software packages Visual ModFlow and HYDRUS, together with some additional tools, to perform project type exercises throughout the semester. In order to be prepared for the modeling aspects of the class, students will be required to conduct intensive reading/study on theoretical aspects of specific flow and transport modeling approaches before each class
Course Objectives
This course will provide you with a comprehensive background in modeling of groundwater and vadose zone flow and reactive solute transport in the subsurface. The primary objective of the course is to provide you with sufficient training in the fundamental theory and application of groundwater modeling to be able to develop the skill sets required to tackle basic environmental problems that are commonly addressed via flow and solute transport modeling. The focus of this class will be on applying a suite of different hydrogeological modeling methods to examine flow and transport processes in the Earth and to be able to appropriately evaluate the limitations of a model. The course will be designed to provide a hands-on, inquiry driven learning experience. A major task in this class will be the “Modeling Project” whereby you will progressively work on the construction of a flow and transport model from a consultant's point of view. You will have opportunities to work on specific aspects of this model as we progress through the theoretical components of the class. Your model will be completed towards the end of the semester and will count for 30% of your total grade for this class.