Online
Spring
Credit: 3 graduate 
Instructor(s): Adam Sigler

Course Description

This course will cover water quality fundamentals (physical, biological, and chemical aspects) and will integrate the science-policy management side of water quality work and research. This course will be populated with real world examples from county Extension, watershed groups, conservation districts, and agencies across Montana and the region. Interfacing these case studies with the cutting edge hydrology and water quality research conducted at the university provides the context students need to succeed in the field.

After completion of the course, students will have an understanding of:
  • the current legal framework for water quality management in the US
  • dimension analysis for calculating concentrations and loads of constituents in water
  • of surrogate measurement concepts and approaches
  • dynamics of variability in parameters at different temporal scales
  • pitfalls and considerations associated with monitoring individual parameters
  • human and environmental impacts associated with individual parameters

Meeting Place and Times

Participants log in to the course at a time of day that best fits their schedule. It is necessary to connect at least 4 - 6 times per week and spend 8 - 10 hours per week while the course is in session, either online or offline working on course related assignments, to stay current and successfully complete this 3 credit graduate course.

Instructor(s)

Adam Sigler is the Extension Water Quality Specialist in the Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Department (LRES) at MSU Bozeman. He has an MS in LRES from MSU (2008) and a BS in Watershed Science from Utah State University (2001). He completed his PhD at MSU in 2020 working on water and nitrogen dynamics in a dryland agricultural system in the Judith River Watershed of central MT. Adam has been conducting water quality research, education, and outreach with MSU Extension since 2005.

Time Commitment:

8-10 hours per week. If you are unfamiliar with this field of study and/or method of delivery, you may require more time.

Tuition and Fees

See the Online Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid page.

If you are also taking a face-to-face course, please refer to the MSU Fee Schedules.

Required Books/Materials

  • All materials will be provided online in Canvas.

Computer Requirements:

  • Internet access
  • A device and browser that can work with the Canvas learning management system.
  • A computer with Microsoft Excel and Word loaded.

You will have access to the course a few days prior to the start of the semester.

For More Information

Marni Rolston 
mrolston@montana.edu 
406-994-2029

How to Register

You must be accepted as a student to Montana State University to take this course.

Learn how to apply.

After your application has been accepted, you can register via MSU's online registration system found inMyMSU.