Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

This course has been changed from the previous catalog, the changed field(s) are highlighted in red:

 Course Title:   Introduction to Watershed Management

 Title Abbreviation:   INTRO/WATERSHED MGMT

 Department:    ENVC

 Course #:    101

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5.5

 CIP:    030101

 EPC:    165

 REV:    2018


 Course Description  

Basic geologic processes related to aquatic systems such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Measuring and calculating watershed management parameters encouraging quantitative thinking. Includes map interpretation skills. Introduction to Excel and reading figures/tables.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: MATH 97 or concurrent enrollment or instructor approval. (Lab and field trips required).

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 22

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for ATA degree  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
N/A

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Develop an understanding of basic geomorphologic and fluvial processes related to Pacific Northwest watersheds.
  2. Understand the dynamic geophysical processes shaping watersheds, lakes, and wetlands.
  3. Acquire field experience in sampling and calculation of watershed parameters. Develop basic map and aerial photo interpretation skills.
  4. Activate quantitative thinking through homework and stimulate teamwork building through group work.
  5. Locate, evaluate, and synthesize scientific information. Develop a vocabulary for geophysical sciences.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

1. Information Literacy

Definition: Recognizing when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
1.3 Evaluate information and its sources critically.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.1 Identify and express concepts, terms, and facts related to a specific discipline.

3. Communication

Definition: Understanding and producing effective written, spoken, visual, and non-verbal communication.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
3.1 Recognize, read, and comprehend academic and/or professional writing.

5. Global & Local Awareness & Responsibility

Definition: Understanding the complexity and interdependence of, and stewardship responsibilities to, local and global communities and environments.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
5.1 Understand the impact of their own and other’s actions on local/global communities and environments and how those communities/environments affect them in turn.

8. Mathematical Reasoning

Definition: Understanding and applying concepts of mathematics and logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, both academic and non-academic.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).

9. Scientific Literacy

Definition: Understanding scientific principles, and analyzing and applying scientific information in a variety of contexts.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
9.1 Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental scientific concepts.

10. Technology

Definition: Understanding the role of technology in society and using technology appropriately and effectively.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
10.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the development and impact of technology in human experience (history, global, and local).
10.3 Use technology appropriate to the context and task to effectively retrieve and manage information, solve problems, and facilitate communication.

Course Contents

  1. Watersheds and people; weathering and soils. Mass wasting; erosion.
  2. Glaciers and glaciation; hydrological cycle. Generation of watershed runoff.
  3. Moisture and precipitation. Soil Moisture � movement, storage, and budget.
  4. Energy exchange; water loss. Snow accumulation, melt, evaporation.
  5. Functions of large woody debris. Channel processes and classification.
  6. Best management practices, policy & planning.