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This rigorous program will focus on investigations in hydrogeology and biology supported with analytical chemistry. Instrumental techniques and chemical analysis skills will be developed in an advanced laboratory. The expectation is that students will learn how to conduct accurate chemical, ecological, and hydrogeological measurements in order to define baseline assessments of natural ecosystems and determine environmental function and/or contamination. Quantitative analysis, quality control procedures, research design, and technical writing will be emphasized.

The program will start with a two-week field trip to Yellowstone National Park that will introduce students to the regional geology of the Columbia River Plateau, Snake River, Rocky Mountains, and the Yellowstone Hotspot. Issues of water quality, hydrothermal systems, extremophilic organisms, and ecosystem diversity will also be studied during the trip.

Fall and winter quarters we will address topics in hydrogeology, geochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, freshwater ecology, genetics, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, GIS, and instrumental methods of chemical analysis. Students will participate in group projects studying aqueous chemistry, hydrology, and the roles of biological organisms in the nutrient cycling processes of local watersheds. Analytical procedures based on EPA, USGS, and other guidelines will be used to measure major and trace anion and cation concentrations. Molecular methods and biochemical assays will complement more classical procedures in determining biodiversity and the role of specific organisms within an ecosystem. Computers and statistical methods will be used extensively for data analysis and simulation, and GIS will be used as a tool to assess spatial data. Spring quarter will be devoted to extensive project work continuing from fall and winter. There will be a five-day field trip to eastern Washington. Presentation of project results in both oral and written form will conclude the year.

Quarters

Fall Signature Winter Signature Spring Signature

Location and Schedule

Final Schedule and Room Assignment

• Spring

Campus Location

Olympia

Time Offered

Day

Advertised Schedule