Aquifer-Dependant Natural Systems (250MAG007) – Course 2025/26 PDF
Syllabus
Learning Objectives
Understand the physical, chemical, and biological processes associated with the interaction between aquifers and other natural systems. Gain in-depth knowledge of the hydrological functioning of the unsaturated zone, the hyporheic zone, and coastal systems, and how they interact with the aquifer. Develop skills to model and assess the behaviour of these systems under natural and human-impacted conditions. Be able to interpret problems and use data for diagnosis and decision-making.
Total hours of student work
| Hours | Percentage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supervised Learning | Large group | 45h | 100.00 % | |
| Self Study | 80h | |||
Teaching Methodology
There are 3 hours per week of face-to-face classes in the classroom. In these classes, concepts and content are explained, with examples and problem solving. Three modelling sessions will take place in the computer lab, unless all students prefer to use their laptops in the classroom. The main and supplementary support materials will be provided through the ATENEA virtual campus.
Grading Rules
The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.
Four practical assignments are proposed to be completed at home during the course, and an exam is held at the end of the semester. The final grade is calculated as FG = 0.6 * EG + 0.4 * PG, where EG is the exam grade and PG is the average grade of the practical assignments.
Bibliography
Basic
- Freeze, R. Allan; Cherry, John A. Groundwater. Englewood Cliffs (N.J.): Prentice-Hall, cop. 1979. ISBN 9780133653120.
- Bear, Jacob. Dynamics of fluids in porous media. New York: Dover, 1972. ISBN 0486656756.
- Jury, William A; Horton, Robert. Soil physics. 6th ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, cop. 2004. ISBN 9780471059650.
- Bear, Jacob; Cheng, Alexander H.D. Modeling groundwater flow and contaminant transport. Dordrecht, [etc.]: Springer, cop. 2010. ISBN 9781402066818.
- Sophocleous, M.. "Interactions between groundwater and surface water: the state of the science". Hydrogeology Journal [en línia]. vol. 10, p. 52–67 (2002) [Consulta: 25/06/2025]. Disponible a: https://link-springer-com.recursos.biblioteca.upc.edu/article/10.1007/s10040-001-0170-8.