ESCI/BIOL 442/542: Introduction to River Studies

3 credits

About this course: This interdisciplinary course covers the geology, geomorphology, ecology, management, and culture of rivers, with special emphasis on the Missouri River. Several field trips to the Missouri River will provide important learning experiences. The course is taught by Mark Sweeney (Sustainability) and Mark Dixon (Biology), and will include several guest speakers.

Required Reading: The Missouri River Ecosystem: Exploring the Prospects for Recovery. National Research Council, 2002

Plus other articles and assigned readings

Lecture Topics:

River geology and geomorphology
Floods
Sedimentation
Aquatic ecosystems
Ecology and floodplain forests
River management and conservation
Case studies of the world's large rivers from arid lands to the tropics