20 points
Lectures/Labs: Wednesday 11:00am – 12:50pm
Course Lecturers: Dr Daniel Kingston – daniel.kingston@otago.ac.nz and Dr Sarah Mager – sarah.mager@otago.ac.nz
The objective of this paper is to explore different approaches to hydrology: modelling and empirical observations. These two methodologies are critical to understanding the epistemology of modern hydrology, that is, how knowledge is generated about hydrological problems.
Hydrological models are the cornerstone of understanding hydrological exchanges and the outcomes of these models are critical to managing water resources. Models offer the advantage of determining exchanges or processes not readily observable or quantifiable in the field, as well as projecting into the future.
Empirical studies, on the other hand, are equally as valuable as these establish baseline measurements and quantify parameters that are needed to feed into numerical models, and can be used to validate model outputs.
This course is structured around two projects that employ these methodologies to different conceptual problems in hydrology, as well as an awareness of central themes to contemporary hydrological research.
GEOG461 is divided into two modules and assessed by two problem-based learning projects: a presentation and an essay.
The paper will be delivered via a series of 2-hour workshops, self-directed reading and self-directed exercises. Each project is designed as semi-guided inquiry-based learning exercise with a strong emphasis on self-directed and collaborative learning. During this course you will be required to read widely and critically reflect on your reading.
Details
A survey of mountain and cold climate hydrology, with an emphasis on catchment scale processes, datalogger programming, instrumentation and analytical techniques.
Hydrological models are the cornerstone of understanding hydrological exchanges and the outcomes of these models are critical to managing water resources. Models offer the advantage of determining exchanges or processes not readily observable or quantifiable in the field, as well as projecting into the future. Empirical studies, on the other hand, are equally as valuable as these establish baseline measurements and quantify parameters that are needed to feed into numerical models and can be used to validate model outputs. GEOG 461 is structured around one project that employs these methodologies to different conceptual problems in hydrology, as well as an awareness of central themes to contemporary hydrological research.
| Paper title | Mountain Hydrology |
|---|---|
| Paper code | GEOG461 |
| Subject | Geography |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,409.28 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Eligibility
This paper is available to students at or above 400 (i.e. graduate) level.
Please contact Dr Sarah Mager or Dr Daniel Kingston for further information on the recommended background for this paper.
- Contact
- geography@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Course Instructors: Dr Sarah Mager and Dr Daniel Kingston
- Paper Structure
GEOG 461 is delivered through a short lecture programme, supplemented by self-directed readings and exercises. The paper also contains workshops to develop skills in hydrological modelling. During this course you are expected to read widely and critically reflect on methods, applications, and analytical techniques in hydrology. The assessment is comprised of student-led presentations, small critical reflection assignments and/or analytical reports, and a final write-up project that draws together the scope of work developed throughout the course.
- Teaching Arrangements
One 2-hour workshop per week.
- Textbooks
- No textbook is required, but wide reading of resources is expected and guided by a reading list.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Interrogate climatological influences on catchment hydrology
- Explore the role of climate change on stream flow
- Understand the uncertainties associated with hydrological modelling
- Undertake statistical analysis of hydrological data
- Understand the application of hydrogeochemical techniques for determining hydrological pathways and chemical weathering
- Develop critical reading skills, synthesizing literature and research skills
