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WATS 6900 ยง2 โ€“ Course Syllabus

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This course introduces the practice of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes, covering the scope of riverscape degradation, restoration principles, and practical low-tech techniques.


Course Overview

TitleIntroduction to Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes
Course NumberWATS 6900 (to be WATS 5620 from 2022)
Semester OfferedSpring
Credits1.0 credit (1.5 CEU)
LevelGraduate / Undergraduate
Schedule TypeHybrid Face-to-Face + Online
Cross-Listed AsCEWA 5700 (to be CEWA 5620 from 2022)

โ† Back to Spring 2021 LTPBR Courses for Credit or CEU


Schedule & Registration

Spring 2021 Registration

ClassTimeDayWhereDatesInstructors
Intro to LTPBR1:30โ€“3:30 PMTuesdayZoomJan 19, 26, Feb 2See Instructor List

Zoom: Join Weekly Class (Meeting ID: 830 7277 4959)


Course Modules & Meetings

Pre-recorded lectures and readings should be reviewed prior to class discussions.

DateModuleTopics
Jan 191.1Background & Scope of Degradation / Build your First BDA
Jan 261.2Intro to Low-Tech Tools & Guiding Principles
Feb 21.3Partnering with Beaver & Course Wrap-up

๐Ÿ“ Full module content: Module 1 Resource Hub


Canvas Course Access

All assignments and lecture slides are available on Canvas:

โžก๏ธ Spring 2021 Canvas WATS 6900


Course Fees

  • Matriculated Students: Standard USU tuition for 1 credit
    (approx. $601โ€“$2482 depending on residency and program level)
  • Continuing Education (CEU): $265.79 total via Eventbrite Registration

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand the scope of riverscape degradation
  2. Identify a restoration vision for riverscapes
  3. Recognize low-tech restoration practices
  4. Use Riverscape Health Principles for assessing conditions
  5. Distinguish low-tech PBR from traditional approaches
  6. Explain why beaver dam activity is central to many low-tech projects

Required Texts

Free Digital Downloads:

Print copies:

Focus Chapters: 1, 2, and 7 of the Design Manual.


Instructors

  • Joseph Wheaton, Associate Professor (Website)
    Lead Instructor | Office hours: Wednesdays 12โ€“1 PM via Zoom

  • Stephen N. Bennett, Ecologist (Profile)
    Co-Instructor | Office hours: By appointment

  • Nicolaas Bouwes, Aquatic Ecologist (Profile)
    Co-Instructor | Office hours: By appointment

  • Scott Shahverdian, Fluvial Geomorphologist (Profile)
    Co-Instructor | Office hours: By appointment

For questions, please use Canvas messaging.


Grading

Letter Grade Scale:

GradeRange
A93โ€“100%
A-90โ€“92%
B+87โ€“89%
B83โ€“86%
B-80โ€“82%
C+77โ€“79%
C73โ€“76%
C-70โ€“72%
D+67โ€“69%
D60โ€“66%
F<60%

Quizzes and assignments are evaluated through Canvas with posted rubrics.


University Policies

โœ… Attendance & Excused Absences
โœ… Student Code
โœ… Academic Integrity
โœ… Mental Health Resources
โœ… Title IX & Equity

Full policy details: USU Academic Policies


Course Resources