ENVS4250 - Our Water Planet

Water, the “universal solvent”, is a miraculous substance that makes Earth unique
in the solar system and, possibly, the galaxy. This course will dive into the
wonderous physical and chemical properties of water from the micro (water
properties and composition) to macro (global water resources) scale and highlight
its role in sculpting almost every facet of Earth’s environment. Water will be
examined within a scientific framework, from wicked water problems to
wonderous water bodies to the paradox of an abundant yet incredibly precious
resource. We will study the vital role of water in life, its movement across around
our planet, its part in the growth (and downfall) of civilizations, and the ways in
which humans are having profound impacts on all aspects of the water cycle. We
will also look at how water interacts with other Earth systems, use topical case
studies to examine water issues in the Anthropocene and examine what lies in
store for water quality and availability in the twenty-first century during an era of
rapid environmental change. Assignments will include class presentations, an
opinion piece, and a review article for a leading journal. This course will include a
local field trip.