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
- Tuesdays 12:00–13:00 (in NR360 or via Zoom)
- Group office hours: Wednesdays 12:00–1:00 (Zoom Link)
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