Major in Watershed Science and Sustainability, Watershed Data Concentration

Program Overview

The University of California Davis' Watershed Data Concentration is an undergraduate degree path combining watershed science and sustainability with data science techniques and applications to understand water quantity and quality. It provides students a Minor in Applied Data Science and career readiness for various roles in environmental science, data analytics, and water management.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Watershed Data concentration is a program that combines data science skills and techniques with a deep understanding of watershed science. Students will learn about the physical, chemical, social, and biological factors that affect water quantity and quality in ecosystems. The program emphasizes field, laboratory, and classroom research in both watershed and data science courses. Graduates will earn a Minor in Applied Data Science in addition to their major.

Objectives:

Students will be able to:

• Articulate core concepts in watershed science and sustainability, including climate processes, surface and subsurface hydrology, water quality, human uses of water, and sustainable water management.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret meteorological, hydrological, and water quality, water use, and management data.
• Analyze watershed problems and sustainability challenges using geospatial data, field observations, sensor data, and watershed models.
• Demonstrate strong critical thinking, writing, and oral communication skills.

Outline:

The program is structured over four years, with a specific course schedule for each semester.

Freshman Year:

• Semester 1:
• CHEM 107 or 111 (Fundamentals of Chemistry or General Chemistry I)
• CO 150 (College Composition)
• WR 204/GR 204 (Sustainable Watersheds)
• Semester 2:
• CS 150B (Culture and Coding: Python)
• STAT 158 (Introduction to R Programming)
• Select 4 credits from: BZ 110 & BZ 111 (Principles of Animal Biology), BZ 120 (Principles of Plant Biology)
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Electives

Sophomore Year:

• Semester 3:
• CS 220 (Discrete Structures and their Applications)
• STAT 301 or 315 (Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods or Intro to Theory and Practice of Statistics)
• Electives
• Semester 4:
• DSCI 369 (Linear Algebra for Data Science)
• NR 319 (Introduction to Geospatial Science)
• SOCR 240 (Introductory Soil Science)
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Junior Year:

• Semester 5:
• NR 220 (Natural Resource Ecology and Measurements)
• Semester 6:
• WR 416 (Land Use Hydrology)
• WR 474 (Snow Hydrology)
• WR 486 (Watershed Field Practicum)
• Select one course from: CO 301B (Writing in the Disciplines: Sciences), JTC 300 (Strategic Writing and Communication), LB 300 (Specialized Professional Writing)

Senior Year:

• Semester 7:
• AREC 342 (Water Law, Policy, and Institutions)
• DSCI 335 (Inferential Reasoning in Data Analysis)
• WR 418 (Land Use and Water Quality)
• Watershed Science Department List (see list below)
• Historical Perspectives
• Semester 8:
• WR 417 (Watershed Measurements)
• Data Science Electives (see list below)
• Watershed Science Department List (see list below)
• Electives
• Semester 9:
• WR 440 (Watershed Problem Analysis)
• Watershed Science Department List (see list below)
• Arts and Humanities
• Electives

Modules:

The program includes a variety of modules, including:

• Watershed Science: This module covers core concepts in watershed science and sustainability, including climate processes, surface and subsurface hydrology, water quality, human uses of water, and sustainable water management.
• Geospatial Data Analysis: This module teaches students how to analyze watershed problems and sustainability challenges using geospatial data, field observations, sensor data, and watershed models.
• Field Research: Students will engage in field research to collect data and gain practical experience in watershed science.
• Laboratory Research: Students will conduct laboratory research to analyze data and develop their understanding of watershed processes.
• Communication Skills: Students will develop strong critical thinking, writing, and oral communication skills.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments: Assignments, such as research papers, projects, and presentations, are used to assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills.
• Fieldwork: Fieldwork is used to assess students' ability to collect and analyze data in real-world settings.
• Laboratory Work: Laboratory work is used to assess students' ability to conduct experiments and analyze data.

Teaching:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce new concepts and provide background information.
• Discussions: Discussions are used to encourage students to think critically about course material and share their perspectives.
• Group Work: Group work is used to promote collaboration and teamwork.
• Field Trips: Field trips are used to provide students with hands-on experience in watershed science.
• Laboratory Experiments: Laboratory experiments are used to provide students with practical experience in data analysis and scientific methods.

Careers:

Graduates of the Watershed Data concentration will be prepared for a variety of careers in the field of watershed science and sustainability, including:

• Watershed Scientist: Watershed scientists study the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in watersheds.
They may work for government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations. They may work for government agencies, consulting firms, or private companies.
• Environmental Consultant: Environmental consultants provide advice to clients on environmental issues, including watershed management.
• Research Scientist: Research scientists conduct research on watershed science and sustainability.
They may work for universities, government agencies, or private companies.
• Policy Analyst: Policy analysts develop and evaluate policies related to watershed management.
They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or think tanks.

Other:

The program requires students to complete a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level). The program also includes a list of required courses and elective courses. Students are encouraged to contact a Watershed Science advisor for more information about the program.