WATS 5620 — Course Syllabus
Catalog Description
An introduction to Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of riverscapes. Covers riverscape degradation, low-tech restoration examples, and restoration principles.
| Title | Introduction to Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes |
| Course Number | WATS 5620 |
| Credits | 1.0 Credit Hour (1.5 CEU) |
| Semester | Spring |
| Level | Graduate/Undergraduate |
| Schedule | Hybrid Face-to-Face Lecture |
| Cross-listed | CEWA 5620 |
Schedule
Spring 2022
- Matriculated students: WATS 5620 Registration
- Continuing Education students: CEWA 5620
| Class | Time | Day | Location | Dates | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intro to LTPBR | 1:30–3:30 pm | Tuesdays | Hybrid (Zoom + Distance Ed Room 204) | Jan 11, 18, 25 2022 | Joseph M. Wheaton (P) |
Canvas and Course Resources
All course outline, modules, and assignments are in Canvas:
Meeting Dates & Topics
| Date | Module | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 11, 2022 | 1.1 | Background & Scope of Degradation / Build Your First BDA |
| Jan 18, 2022 | 1.2 | Intro to Low-Tech Tools & Guiding Principles |
| Jan 25, 2022 | 1.3 | Partnering with Beaver & Synthesis |
Base materials: Module 1 Slides, Lectures, Exercises
Course Fees
Matriculated Students
- USU Tuition for 1 credit (varies by status and program)
Continuing Education Students
- $305 for 1.5 CEUs ($270 course fee + $39 CEU processing)
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Understand the scope of riverscape degradation.
- Identify a vision for healthy riverscapes.
- Recognize various low-tech treatments.
- Apply Principles of Riverscape Health.
- Differentiate Low-Tech PBR principles from traditional methods.
- Articulate the importance of beaver dam activity in LTPBR.
Instructor
Joseph Wheaton
Professor of Riverscapes
Office Hours
For questions, please use Canvas for messaging.
Course Resources
This course uses modules with slides, recorded lectures, and exercises. All are linked from Canvas:
Course Texts
Required Reading
Printed copies available on Amazon, BookBaby, and Anabranch Solutions
Focus on chapters 1, 2, and 7.
Evaluation & Grading
Grades are determined via quizzes and Canvas assignments.
| Grade | Range |
|---|---|
| A | 100–93% |
| A- | 93–90% |
| B+ | 90–87% |
| B | 87–83% |
| B- | 83–80% |
| C+ | 80–77% |
| C | 77–73% |
| C- | 73–70% |
| D+ | 70–67% |
| D | 67–60% |
| F | < 60% |
Rubrics and grading details are posted on Canvas.
Policies & Procedures
Attendance
We follow USU’s Attendance Policy. Participation in live sessions is expected.
Academic Integrity
All students agree to the USU Honor Pledge:
"I pledge, on my honor, to conduct myself with the foremost level of academic integrity."
Other University Policies
✅ Academic Freedom & Professional Responsibility
✅ Withdrawal & Incomplete Grades
✅ Student Code of Conduct
✅ Disability Resource Center
✅ Counseling and Mental Health
✅ Title IX & Sexual Misconduct
✅ SafeUT Crisis App