Course Overview: This course focuses on the integrative principles of stream and groundwater ecology as a means of exploring the natural history and ecology of flowing waters. Streams and rivers are a biophysical composite of channel, hyporheic and floodplain environments. The goal of the course will be to introduce students to: a) the physical, chemical, and biological organization of streams, b) current theories in stream, groundwater and watershed ecology, c) watershed perspectives for studying flowing waters and interpreting the effects of man's activities on streams and rivers, and d) lab and field skills for conducting stream research. The class will meet 3 times per week (MWF 9:30-10:20) w/lectures on Monday/Wednesday with student-led discussions of research papers, etc. on Friday.

Textbook & Readings: There will be two required textbooks:

Allan, J.D. 1995. Stream Ecology: structure and function of running waters. Chapman and Hall, London, UK. 388pp.

Hauer, F.R. and G.A. Lamberti. 1998. Methods in Stream Ecology. Academic Press, San Diego, CA. 674 pp.

Additional required readings will available through the CNR Copy Center (Rm 22).   Scientific papers used during literature review sessions will be readily available through the UI/WSU libraries. 

Field Studies: Field studies will be an integral part of the class. There will be three all-day field trips (Saturdays) during the first half of the semester.  Local field trips to the Clearwater & St. Joe Rivers will review watershed concepts, river and stream hydraulics, channel morphology and aquatic chemistry and invertebrate sampling protocols. Class presentations on significance of field studies will be scheduled for Friday, November 7th.

Literature Review Sessions: On Fridays, there will be student-led discussions of three research papers pertinent to lecture topics for that week. The student will be the primary discussion leader and prepare a short handout (1-2 pages), which identifies the paper’s strengths, weaknesses and important findings. Discussion leaders will rotate from week to week throughout the semester.

Exams: Two exams will be given during the semester. Each exam will focus largely on materials covered in class prior to the exam, though testing will be cumulative in nature. The format of these exams will be largely essay with some definitions and problem sets.

Evaluation Criteria: (Total Points for Semester = 500)
2 Exams (mid-term & final exam, 100 pts each)        - 200
Field studies & presentation of results                     - 150
Discussion of scientific papers/class participation     - 150

Grade Scale:
                            A -- 90-100%
                            B -- 80-89%
                            C -- 70-79%
                            D -- 60-69%

Expectations of Students:

Be prepared for class discussions; read assignments before lecture.
Diligently work to obtain a broad working knowledge of stream ecosystems and their management in forest & rangeland environments (headwaters to lowland alluvial valleys).
Actively participate in all class activities

Office Location/Hours:

CNR 103D, ph: 208-885-9712
Office hours will be by appt.
Email: braatne@uidaho.edu

Additional Reference Texts on Library Reserve:

Gilbert, J. et al. (eds). 1994. Ground-water ecology. Academic Press, NY.

Giller, P.S. and B. Malmqvist. 1998.  The Biology of Streams and Rivers. Oxford Press, NY.

Gordon, N.D., R.A. McMahon and B.L. Finlayson. 1992. Stream hydrology: an introduction for ecologists. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, UK.

Jones, J.B. and P.J. Mulholland (eds). 2000. Streams and Ground Waters. Academic Press, NY. 

Leopold, L. B. 1994. A View of the River. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA. 

Mount, J.F. 1995. California Rivers and Streams. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.

Naiman, R.J., R. Bilby (eds). 1998.River Ecology and Management. Springer-Verlag, NY.

Wohl, E.E. 2000.  Mountain Rivers. American Geophysical Union, Washington, DC.