.............................230 Jarvis Hall; 645-2114 x 2327

Web site:.............http://wings.buffalo.edu/cie541

The primary objective of the course is to familiarize the student with the fundamental physics and chemistry that govern flow and contaminant transport in subsurface systems, as applied to the analysis of problems related to groundwater pollution a nd aquifer restoration. The approach is primarily quantitative, with an emphasis on the development and application of the governing mass balance equations. Assignments are structured around a group design project that involves ongoing activities over t he course of the semester.

1. Domenico, P., A., and Schwartz, F. W., Physical and chemical hydrogeology (2nd edition), Wiley, 1998 (primary text).
2. Fetter, C. W., Contaminant hydrogeology (second edition), Prentice Hall, 1999 (optional, recommended for students with previous exposure to hydrogeology).
3. Harr, J., A Civil Action, Vintage Books (paperback), 1996, required reading.

Students are expected to read A Civil Action as soon as possible. This true story of the Woburn groundwater contamination trial will serve as the basis for several homework exercises. The class will also attend the movie as a group, to be fol lowed by an informal discussion session. Links to several interesting related web sites are provided on the course home page.

To earn a passing grade for the course, each student must pass both the midterm and final exams. The final grades will then be based on the following formula: Homework 40%, Projects 40%, Midterm exam 10%, Final exam 10%.

The group projects are the primary basis for the course grade, and reflect the main emphases of the course. For example, the homework exercises will be designed to provide practice in the specific tools used in the class projects. Each student w ill be assigned to a project group of 3-5 individuals that will collectively submit two project reports as indicated on the attached schedule. The first report will summarize the results of a site investigation for a hypothetical contaminated site, while the second report will include a feasibility assessment of remediation alternatives, as well as a revised version of the first report. Specific guidelines will be given with the project assignments. Students will also be asked to evaluate the contribut ion of each group member; students who do fully participate in group activities may receive a penalty in the course grade.

The homework problem sets will be quantitative in nature, in most cases requiring the use of a computer. Homework assignments for graduate students (CIE 541) will normally include the undergraduate assignment (CIE 445) with additional proble m(s). Homework submittals must meet a minimum standard of acceptability in order to receive a grade. Students are encouraged to discuss the assignments, but submittals should reflect individual work (distinct in appearance and format; unique graphics and computer output). The following general guidance is offered:

• Assignments are to be turned in on the dates indicated on the attached schedule.

• Complete submittals are required (i.e., all questions answered as directed).

• Neat, concise presentation is required for all assignments. Essays should be word-processed and essentially free of grammar and spelling errors. Computer preparation of graphs and figures is preferred, although neat hand-drawn graphics are acceptable unless explicit direction is given otherwise. Calculations should be neatly presented and complete; the use of an equation editor is encouraged but not required.

All students should obtain accounts on the SEAS UNIX system and the Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering computing lab (208 Ketter). Students are expected to develop familiarity with a word proce ssor and spreadsheet, as well as Visual MODFLOW, a commercial package available in student labs through a campus site license. A student version accompanies the Fetter text, and can also be purchased directly from Waterloo Hydrologic (http://www.flowpath.com). Several hands-on tutorial sessions will be scheduled.