WATS 6900 §2 – Course Syllabus
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
| Title | Introduction to Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes |
|---|---|
| Course Number | WATS 6900 (to be WATS 5620 from 2022) |
| Semester Offered | Spring |
| Credits | 1.0 credit (1.5 CEU) |
| Level | Graduate / Undergraduate |
| Schedule Type | Hybrid Face-to-Face + Online |
| Cross-Listed As | CEWA 5700 (to be CEWA 5620 from 2022) |
Schedule & Registration
Spring 2021 Registration
- Matriculated Students: Register via Banner
- Non-Matriculated Students: Register via Eventbrite
| Class | Time | Day | Where | Dates | Instructors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intro to LTPBR | 1:30–3:30 PM | Tuesday | Zoom | Jan 19, 26, Feb 2 | See 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.
| Date | Module | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 19 | 1.1 | Background & Scope of Degradation / Build your First BDA |
| Jan 26 | 1.2 | Intro to Low-Tech Tools & Guiding Principles |
| Feb 2 | 1.3 | Partnering with Beaver & Course Wrap-up |
📝 Full module content: Module 1 Resource Hub
Canvas Course Access
All assignments and lecture slides are available on Canvas:
➡️ Spring 2021 Canvas WATS 6900
Course Fees
- Matriculated Students: Standard USU tuition for 1 credit
(approx. $601–$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:
- Understand the scope of riverscape degradation
- Identify a restoration vision for riverscapes
- Recognize low-tech restoration practices
- Use Riverscape Health Principles for assessing conditions
- Distinguish low-tech PBR from traditional approaches
- 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 12–1 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:
| Grade | Range |
|---|---|
| A | 93–100% |
| A- | 90–92% |
| B+ | 87–89% |
| B | 83–86% |
| B- | 80–82% |
| C+ | 77–79% |
| C | 73–76% |
| C- | 70–72% |
| D+ | 67–69% |
| D | 60–66% |
| F | <60% |
Quizzes and assignments are evaluated through Canvas with posted rubrics.
University Policies
✅ Attendance & Excused Absences
✅ Student Code
✅ Academic Integrity
✅ Mental Health Resources
✅ Title IX & Equity
Full policy details: USU Academic Policies