University of FloridaDepartment of Agricultural & Biological Engineering

ABE 6254: Simulation of Agricultural Watershed Systems

Semester: Fall (every other year)
Credits: 3

Catalog Description

Characterization and simulation of agricultural watershed systems including land and channel phase hydrologic processes and pollutant transport processes. Investigation of the structure and capabilities of current agricultural watershed computer models.

Corequisites/Prerequisites

Working knowledge of hydrology and Fortran programming.

Course Objectives

  • Investigate the nature and structure of hydrologic and transport models as they pertain to agricultural systems.
  • Develop an understanding of several presently available models.
  • Get hands-on experience with one model.
  • Provide opportunities for presentation experience.
  • Study applications of these models to specific problems.
  • Develop an understanding concerning the selection and application of these models.

Instructors

Dr. Rafael Muñoz-Carpena
287 Frazier Rogers Hall
P.O. Box 110570
Gainesville, FL  32611-0570
(352) 392-1864 x287
(352) 392-4092 (fax)
carpena@ufl.edu

Dr. Gregory A. Kiker
291 Frazier Rogers Hall
P.O. Box 110570
Gainesville, FL  32611-0570
(352) 392-1864 x291
(352) 392-4092 (fax)
gkiker@ufl.edu

Use WebCT E-mail for Class Correspondence

WebCT Class website: lss.at.ufl.edu  (click on Vista)

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Class Materials

Material/Supply Fees

none

Required Textbook

Reading materials on WebCT and on reserve in department and library.

Recommended Reading

Class notes and material on WebCT.

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Course Outline

Week Topics
1 Hydrologic Modeling of Small Watersheds Introduction
Model Classification
Model Overviews
  CREAMS-WT, GLEAMS, OPUS, FHANTM,
  ADAPT, VFSMOD-W, EAAMOD, AGNPS,
  ACRU 2000, ANSWERS 2000, SWAT 2000
Model Application and Selection
User Interfaces, GIS, and Decision Support Systems
2 Hydrologic Model Components Precipitation
Infiltration
Surface Runoff
Evapotranspiration
Subsurface Flow
Erosion Processes
Chemical Movement
3 Model Calibration and Testing
4 Student Model Presentations
5 Model Component Comparisons
6 Model Application Examples
7 Student Model Performance Presentations

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Attendance and Expectations

The course will consist of three lectures per week, a term project, significant class participation, a mid-term examination, and a written critique of the models.

A combined lecture-discussion method of presentation will be used with extensive input expected from the students. Class attendance is highly encouraged since it is difficult, if not impossible, to make up a lost class discussion that, in many cases, will be composed of material drawn from numerous sources in the research literature.

The term project will focus on a detailed study of a particular watershed computer model including oral presentation of the selected model to the class, a written report on the model, and documentation of an actual application of the model by the student, to a specified watershed.

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Grading

Grading Scale
A 90-100% C 70-74
B+ 85-89 D+ 65-69
B 80-84 D 60-64
C+ 75-79 F <60

Grading Method Percent
Model Component Presentation 12.5%
Model Component Written Report 12.5%
Model Performance Presentation 12.5%
Model Performance Written Report 12.5%
Midterm Exam 25%
Written Critique of Models 25%

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Academic Honesty

All students admitted to the University of Florida have signed a statement of academic honesty committing themselves to be honest in all academic work and understanding that failure to comply with this commitment will result in disciplinary action. This statement is a reminder to uphold your obligation as a UF student and to be honest in all work submitted and exams taken in this course and all others.

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Accommodation for Students with Disabilities

Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office. That office will provide the student with documentation that he/she must provide to the course instructor when requesting accommodation.

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Use of Library, Personal References, PC Programs & Electronic Databases

These items are university property and should be utilized with other users in mind. Never remove, mark, modify nor deface resources that do not belong to you. If you're in the habit of underlining text, do it only on your personal copy. It is inconsiderate, costly to others, and dishonest to use common references otherwise.

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Software Use

All faculty, staff and students of the University are required and expected to obey the laws and legal agreements governing software use. Failure to do so can lead to monetary damages and/or criminal penalties for the individual violator. Because such violations are also against University policies and rules, disciplinary action will be taken as appropriate. We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

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UF Counseling Services

Resources are available on-campus for students having personal problems or lacking clear career and academic goals which interfere with their academic performance. These resources include:

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This page was last updated on July 13, 2019.