HYD143
Hydrological Processes in Ecosystems

Grading Policy:

Exams:

• You will take 2 one-hour tests and a two-hour final exam. I recommend that you review course readings, lectures, homeworks, and reports before each test. Try to integrate what you have learned into a coherent structure.
• The first in-class test is scheduled for Friday, February 09.
• The second in-class test is scheduled for Friday, March 02.
• The final exam is scheduled for Friday, March 16 from 8:00-10:0 am.

Homework:

• You will be assigned homework problems related to specific subject areas in the course. Homeworks are designed to simulate real work done by hydrologists. You may discuss the problems with other students in the class, but you must submit your own homework. Do not share spreadsheets, graphs, tables, text, etc. I will grade homeworks on a scale of 100 and return them to you promptly after all students have submitted their homework.
• High speed personal computers and printers are available for your use in Veihmeyer 120. A special user account is available to you and will be made available to you in class. Using these computers to do your homework will help minimize the occurrence of problems that may result in your not finishing assignments on time. Do not leave your homework on those computers for others to see. Do not store files on local hard drives.
• Late Policy: For full credit, homework must be turned in by class time on the due date. You have 2 "grace days" for late homework. That is, you can turn in a total of two homework assignments a day late, one homework two days late, etc. Weekends count as one day. Assignments turned in late without "grace credit" will be penalized by 10% per day. Homework late by more than 5 days will not be graded. Exceptions require either prior arrangement or doctor-validated medical excuse.

In-class Presentation:

You will give two 15 minute presentations (actual length depends on number of students in class) in which you instruct your peers on the key findings of a scientific paper which you will be given in advance. I will grade you based on how well you present all the relevant information in the alloted time (with consideration to past oral experience or lack thereof). I recommend that you use the blackboard and overhead projector to streamline and complement your presentation. Blank overheads may be obtained from Tania Heta in the Hydrology Office or purchased at any office supply store. To serve the other students in the class, you must prepare and distribute a 1 page abstract of the presentation (in your own words) along with an optional second page showing one or two key figures, graphs, or tables that convey the most essential points of the research. The abstract must contain the complete reference citation.

A special reading to help you improve your speaking skills is available by download in .pdf format by clicking here. I recommend that you do your talk 4-8 times in practice before your day arrives.