An introduction to the science and policy related to managing fresh water resources. Fundamental hydrologic processes, how the United States has managed water through history, and the environmental impact of water resources management will be included.

Students will work with a business, government agency, or other organization to gain professional experience related to the Water and Soil Resources major.

Morphological, physical, and chemical soil properties affecting tree growth and forest productivity; evaluation of soils and site quality; preparation of forest sites for planting, diagnosis, and correction of nutrient limitations; use of forest soil systems for waste treatment.

Multidisciplinary examination of the terrestrial components of the hydrologic cycle focusing on the qualitative analysis of precipitation, snowmelt, runoff generation, routing, infiltration, and subsurface flow and transport. Emphasis is on the definition of hydrologic processes, identification of hydrologic resources, development of environmental monitoring techniques, and application to hydrologic resources management.

Exploration of freshwater ecosystems (lakes, streams, wetlands), their biota, physical and chemical properties, and linkages between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Students will learn research methods in aquatic ecology including, sampling techniques, water chemistry analysis, experimental design, and data analyses. Students will become familiar with approaches to assess the condition of freshwater systems and will develop written and oral communication skills through laboratory activities.

Course provides intellectual frameworks to understand, preserve, and manage wetlands. Course introduces the hydrology, geomorphology, soils, nutrient and carbon cycling, ecology, habitat, and legal status of wetlands. Course explores how to manage existing wetlands to improve provisioning of ecosystem functioning, create wetlands, and restore wetlands.

Advanced analysis of hydrologic processes to provide a theoretical understanding of precipitation, evapotranspiration, streamflow, groundwater occurrence and movement, and soil zone flow and transport. Emphasis is upon quantitative methods used in conjunction with field and laboratory data to identify flow and transport dynamics in hydrologic systems.

Analysis of soils, sediment, rocks, water for important organic and inorganic contaminants. Chromatography, atomic adsorption, and plasma emission spectroscopy, field sampling and measurements. Quality assurance/quality control, data reporting, computer use in analysis.

This field course focuses on the physical environment of Georgia by examining the diverse geology, soils, and surface and subsurface hydrologic processes within the state. We will travel to all of Georgia's physiographic areas, visiting mines, farms, forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and estuaries to explore the influence of human activities on the physical environment.

Special-interest or experimental courses offered on a one-time basis. Course content will vary with each offering.

Use of environmental tracers to study water flow, contamination, and transport. Covers isotopic and chemical techniques, dating methods, and data integration. Emphasizes interdisciplinary applications, ethical considerations, and proposal development. Students engage in case studies and research projects to advance hydrological understanding and problem-solving.