hydrology professor teaching a class

Hydrology

Hydrology is the study of water on Earth. This discipline of the Earth Sciences focuses on the hydrologic cycle, watersheds, stream flow, flooding, and groundwater. Students of hydrology investigate the impacts of population growth, urbanization, weather and climate upon these dynamic hydrologic processes and upon water resource sustainability.

The Earth Sciences Program provides a fundamental hydrology course that meets the general education needs for non-science and science majors. Students enrolled in Hydrosciences courses (Hydrology and Oceanography), have the opportunity to work in a lab equipped with stream tables, bench-scale aquifer models and a functioning beach wave tank – facilities unmatched in community colleges.

Earth 1135 Water Science - Fundamentals of Hydrology

Earth Science 1135 fulfills the General Education Physical Science lab course requirement. This course is relevant if you use water or defend water resources and have an interest in geology, hydrology, meteorology, environmental sciences/engineering or resource management.

An introduction to the water cycle, the dynamic processes of surface water, and ground water are discussed. Students also have the opportunity to investigate and analyze the impacts of population growth, urbanization, weather, and climate upon hydrological processes and water resource sustainability. 

Determine Your Path

Hydrologists split their time in the office and in the field. In offices, hydrologists analyze data they have collected. The field work of hydrologists involves collecting samples in lakes and streams using monitoring equipment.

You want to attend a credible college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:

  • Small class sizes to ensure students receive personalized attention.
  • Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
  • Affordable programs to help students achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
  • Instruction utilizing top-notch facilities.
  • An innovative transfer program that facilitates a convenient, affordable and streamlined approach to earning a bachelor's degree.

Associate in Science

The Earth Science Transfer Pathway, Associate in Science degree program represents a typical course schedule or sequence for a student planning to complete the Associate in Science degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline.

Get Started Today

The first step to getting started in hydrology is to apply for admission.

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

Students who complete an Earth Science course meeting the Illinois general education graduation requirement will:

  • Identify the risks, societal impacts, and appropriate responses to earth-related processes that may include geological, astronomical, atmospheric, and hydrological issues.
  • Examine and explain the interrelationships among at least two of the following systems: geological, astronomical, atmospheric, and hydrological.

College of DuPage has several earth science transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.

Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.

 

Career Information

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