CE 268 - Limnology
(Also offered as Biology: EEB 247 and ENVE 268)
Catalog description:
Physical, chemical, and biotic interrelationships of freshwater habitats.
Prerequisite:
MATH 109 or 112 or 115 and introductory course in CHEM (CHEM 112, 127, or 129); an
introductory course in Biology is recommended.
Prerequisite to:
None
Texts:
Wetzel, R. G. 1983. Limnology 2nd ed. Sanders College Publishing ISBN 0-03-057913-9
Course Objectives:
The objective of this course is to prepare students for limnological and lake restoration studies for
use in major design experience CE 280 and entry-level practice in environmental engineering.
Course Outcomes:
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to identify physical, chemical, and
biological factors and processes affecting water quality in lakes.
Topics:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Physical chemistry of lake water
Distribution, origins, and forms of lakes
Lake hydrology
Light & heat in lakes
Movements of water in lakes
Lake ecosystem concepts
Lake chemistry: O2, salinity, C, N, P, Fe, S, Si
Lake biology: phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish
Carbon cycling & organic detritus
Ontogeny of lake ecosystems
Schedule:
14 weeks of 3 one-hour lectures
Relationship of Course to ABET Criteria:
Criterion 2 – Program Educational Objectives:
The course objectives include preparing the student for entry-level practice by being able to assess
limnological problems and understand the fundamental aspects that govern lake water quality. The
Course objectives directly tie to Program objective #1 that our graduates “practice engineering” and
to Program objective #2 that our graduates “become licensed professional engineers”.
Criterion 3 – Program Outcomes:
a. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
Students apply knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology to assess lake water
quality problems.
b. an ability to design & conduct experiments, as well as analyze & interpret data
Students develop the ability to design monitoring networks and interpret data through the use of
fundamental principles that govern water quality and biology.
c. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
Limnology provides young engineers an opportunity to observe the components and process of
natural like systems.
d. an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
----e. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
Students develop the ability to identify and formulate lake problems through class discussion and
homework assignments.
f. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
Lake restoration represents one of the most poignant dilemmas our society faces: nature (lake) vs.
wealth (drainage basin development).
g. an ability to communicate effectively
Knowledge of proper limnological terminology is a great advantage for an engineer in lake work.
Class project presentations provide the opportunity to students to develop their communication
skills.
h. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
----i. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
Limnology is the most important venue in ecology based on kinetic theory (properties of matter and
energy). Although much larger, evolutionary ecology is based on natural selection theory. Since
these theories are continuously evolving, the course emphasizes life-long learnings.
j. a knowledge of contemporary issues
Freshwater promises to be THE issue of the 21st century.
k. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
----Criterion 4 – Professional Component:
This course helps prepare students for their major design experience CE 280.
Prepared by:
Peter H. Rich
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Reviewed by:
Allison A. MacKay – 5/8/00
Nikolaos P. Nikolaidis, 8/1/00
Revised by:
Erling Smith, 8/9/00
Approved by: Head
Erling Smith, 8/10/00
CLAS