Physcial Hydrology for Ecosystems (BEE 3710) spring, even years, 3cr This is an introductory course in physical hydrology with topical ecosystem applications. This course is designed to emphasize hydrological concepts while providing useful set of analytical tools for either interpretting hydrological data or simulating hydrological processes. Working proficency in introductory calculus is valuable albeit not essential to successfully completing this course. Because this course is taught in Ithaca's spring, many field measurements and analyses are relegated to the fall course Water Sampling and Measurement (BEE 4270). However, labs in this course will include many field activities, including snow surveys, saturated hydraulic conductivity measures, and stream discharge measures.

Watersed Engineering (BEE 4730) fall, 3cr This course is intended to provide engineers and other environmental scientists with the tools needed to apply their basic science to real water resources problems. Course assignments are designed to be as real-life-ish as possible with many being acutal designs requested by local engineers, agencies, departments, and land owners. Although pre-requisist courses in hydrology and fluid mechanics are invaluable, the course can be successfully completed without them. Course topics include engineering risk analysis, hydraulic design, water quantity engineering, and water quality analysis concepts,especially nonpoint source pollution prevention.

waterfall by mc escher

Ecohydrology (BEE 6730) - spring, odd years, 3cr
This course is largely a student-directed literature course designed to highlight state-of-the-art concetpts and analytical approaches in the emerging field of ecohydrology. Course activities involve presenting an ecohydrological concept via up-to-date literature, researching some ecohydrologically-relevant project, and presenting final findings. Extra credit is given for projects that lead to peer-reviewed publication.

Departmental Seminar (BEE 7010) - co-coordinated with Dr. John March - spring, 1cr
This seminar series features presentations crisscrossing the interests, expertise, and activities that define Cornell’s Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering.

Past Courses


Stream Restoration (BEE 6490; cross listed in Nat. Res and Hort.) - spring 2006, 3cr
Co-instructors: Flecker (EEB), Kraft (NTRS), Nagel (Visiting Scholar), Walter (BEE), Whitlow (HORT)
This course was a multidisciplinary course in which the instructors and students explore the underlying principles, perspectives, and practices of modern stream restoration. Students and instructors take turns chosing bi-weekly readings and leading lectures / discussion sessions. Several field trips provide field perspectives of restoration practitioners.