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Faculty of Science

Office of Undergraduate Research

SCIENCE 2SA1

Skills Workshop in Water Quality Testing

Instructor: Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser, Department of Biology (chowfras@mcmaster.ca)

Location: Life Sciences Building lab Room 104 (tentative)

Dates: Week of May 12, 2025 – May 16, 2025

Enrolment Capacity: 10-15 students

Research Discipline: Aquatic Ecology

Course Rationale: Water-quality testing is carried out routinely by governments and citizen groups to track changes in the health of aquatic ecosystems such as creeks, wetlands and lakes. This workshop will introduce students to current tests used to track the presence of water pollutants such as fecal bacteria and primary nutrients. This workshop will appeal to students interested in participating in current research on the West Campus restoration project.

Apply Here!

Expandable List

Proposed Training

This course will run over two days during the week of May 12-16th. In the morning of Day 1 (9:00 am to noon), students will learn about common pollutants and their sources in aquatic ecosystems. Students will also learn about the type of sampling equipment used to collect samples in various water bodies.  In the afternoon of Day 1 (1:00 pm to 4:00 pm), they will collect water samples from local creeks using proper protocols and return samples to McMaster University and analyze samples for fecal bacteria. In the morning of Day 2 (9:00 am to noon), students will learn to digest water samples for total phosphorus analysis and read the results for fecal bacteria.  In the afternoon of Day 2 (1:00 pm to 4:00 pm), they will analyze the digested samples for total phosphorus.  They will summarize results, run some basic statistics and make interpretations.

Learning Outcomes and Science Career Competencies 

  • Competence in using laboratory equipment, collecting water samples in the field, analyzing data and drawing conclusions.

  • Science career competencies include critical thinking, communication, problem solving, discovery, collaboration and teamwork and testing the student’s adaptability and flexibility in navigating field conditions.

How Successful Learning Outcomes are Determined

  • The results of the water tests are calculated correctly and students are using the equipment and instruments properly.
  • Students participate in discussions of class results and help interpret them.
  • Students will also prepare a reflection of what they learned and submit it to the OUR.

Required Components for Passing Grade

Attend all four sessions of Day 1 and Day 2. Participate actively in all laboratory and field activities.

Biology 1M03, Earthsci 1G03 or Envirsc 1C03. 

Students must complete required safety training prior to attending the workshop.

Students who miss any session will volunteer in the Chow-Fraser lab for an equivalent amount of time missed.

To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 2SA1 – 1-Unit Experiential Course Application Form – Spring/Summer 2025 online.