Course Schedule

Fall 2009

Spring 2010

Previous Courses

Water Science and Policy

ENVI194/GEOL194

Many scientists and political leaders argue that the world is in desperate need of a “blue revolution” to provide safe, clean and accessible water for human and ecosystem services. Drawing from the fields of hydrology, political science, geography, and history, this course will introduce students to the basic analytical tools necessary to understand surface and groundwater processes. This interdisciplinary course is team taught by two professors affiliated with the Environmental Studies department. Through a focus on large river basins, we will examine historical and emerging challenges to the sustainable use of water. The course begins with an overview of scientific concepts, water laws and institutions, and development challenges such as flood prevention, hydroelectric energy generation and groundwater contamination. In the second half of the course, we will shift our attention to the application of these concepts to major world water systems. Students will choose a domestic or international river system to examine for their final poster and paper project. Our fieldtrips will introduce students to the “Three Rivers” region of Minnesota. Students will measure water discharge during a fieldtrip to the Sunrise River, a tributary of the St. Croix River. We will discuss the effects of dams and riverfront development on the urban corridors of the Mississippi River. We will also learn about the impacts of industrial agriculture on the Minnesota River. Through exercises, homeworks, and fieldtrips, students will also be introduced to the plethora of government agencies and NGOs that are involved with river related concerns. This course can be used to fulfill requirements for the Geology and Environmental Studies majors and will be listed as a Q1 course, satisfying one of the Quantitative Thinking course requirements at Macalester.