PHS 112 - Water Resource Issues

Credits: 4
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Substantial water resources are required by our growing global population. Water is used for drinking, recreation, generating electricity and by industry; it also flushes our toilets and is easily contaminated by landfills, salt and other human sources. Water is also an essential part of natural ecosystems. Students explore these multiple water demands and the challenges created by conflicting resource requirements. Case studies include investigation of the Everglades, the Mississippi River flood in 1993 and the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Labs include field trips and in-class exercises; students are introduced to the water cycle, the basic chemistry and physics of water, and the use of maps in water resource investigations.