Course Learning Outcomes/Competencies

Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:

1.     Define terms that are fundamental to understanding forest hydrology

2.     Describe basic measurement methods, units and instruments used in hydrology

3.     Describe the hydrologic cycle

4.     Explain the water balance equation and how its various elements are affected by forest practices

5.     Describe how different kinds of precipitation can affect water quality, quantity and regimen

6.     Contrast water flow, quality and regimen in different climates (e.g., B.C. coast vs. B.C. Interior)

7.     Explain the concept of hydrologic response

8.     Describe watersheds with respect to characteristics such as stream order, shape, size, drainage density, slope, soils & surficial materials, bedrock and vegetation

9.     Compare watershed characteristics to streamflow patterns as shown in the stream hydrograph

10.   Describe simple watershed models such as the Unit Hydrograph and Rational methods

11.   Understand basic concepts of stream hydraulics and fluvial geomorphology as it applies to wildland streams

12.   Describe the processes of surface and mass erosion

13.   Understand the concept of watershed management including watershed assessments, protection and rehabilitation.

14.   Describe legislation and guidelines related to forest and range watersheds, riparian areas and community watersheds

15.   Describe the rationale behind riparian area management and protection laws and guidelines

16. Describe the impacts of forest harvesting, road construction and maintenance, and silvicultural practices on water quantity, quality and regimen.