FYS: Water in a Changing World

3 units

Water sustains life, shapes landscapes, and underpins civilizations. This first year seminar explores Earth's shifting water resources from both scientific and societal perspectives. Students first build a foundation in the properties, movement, and ecosystems of water, then examine how humans interact with it through engineering, policy, public health, and economics. Through discussions, hands-on activities, data exploration, and a final project, students gain a multidisciplinary understanding of freshwater systems and the essential role they play in sustaining societies, economies, and environments. No prior earth science background is required. This course is open to all first-year students who wish to learn about the science of water and its connection to society. The course includes one optional field trip.