WATR 120 Water Quality*

This course is a study of the definition of and the factors affecting thequality of water in natural and municipal waste systems. Students will learn how to assess the quality of water using basic instruments.

Credits

3 Credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

Corequisite

WATR 120L

WATR 120Water Quality*

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

Agriculture

II. Course Specification

Course Type

Program Requirement

Credit Hours Narrative

3 Credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

Corequisite Narrative

WATR 120L

Grading Method

Letter grade

Repeatable

N

III. Catalog Course Description

This course is a study of the definition of and the factors affecting thequality of water in natural and municipal waste systems. Students will learn how to assess the quality of water using basic instruments.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  • Understand the use, and need, to calibrate different types of water quality monitoring instruments. This includes pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and turbidity meters.
  • Differentiate between point source and nonpoint sources of pollution and give examples of each.   
  • Be aware of portable test kits and laboratory procedures for water quality screening and analysis.
  • Know the procedures to correctly sample, preserve, and ship to laboratories water collected from surface and groundwater sources.
  • Know and demonstrate safe laboratory practices when analyzing samples.

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

1. Introduction 2. Chemistry Review 3. Exam Review 4. Nitrogen & Phosphorus 5. pH & Hardness 6. Conductivity 7. Dissolved Oxygen and Microbiology 8. Sediment, Color, Odor 9. Eutrophication & Sulfur 10. Heavy Elements 11. Point and Nonpoint Source Pollution 12. Wetlands 13. Municipal Systems

VI. Delivery Methodologies