BEE 4710

Introduction to Groundwater

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Fresh water has become a limited resource in many parts of the world. In arid and semi-arid regions, groundwater levels are declining at unsustainable levels. In several industrial areas, groundwater is contaminated and unsuitable as potable water. This course will address the sustainability and pollution of groundwater by first understanding the theory of saturated and unsaturated flow and contaminant transport under ideal conditions. Subsequently, we learn to simplify groundwater systems in complex subsurface environments to obtain practical solutions. At the end of the course, the learned material will be put in a broader context as they are affected by natural or human actions. Throughout the course, guest speakers will discuss topics of current interest related to water.

Prerequisites MATH 1110 and MATH 1120, or MATH 1910 and MATH 1920.

Exploratory Studies (CU-SBY)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SP, 2024SP, 2023SP, 2022SP

Learning Outcomes

• Explain processes and parameters that affect the transport and fate of water and chemicals in the subsurface environment.
• Articulate why (ground)water is an important resource that we need to conserve for future generations.
• Predict where water and spills go in the landscape using conceptual, analytical, and simulation models.
• Assess whether anthropological activities can pose a threat to groundwater.
• Work collaboratively.

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