It seems like the Fall 2025 semester just began, but it’s time again to start thinking about the spring semester and what classes you’ll take. Looking to explore, experiment or expand your skills in the spring?
Here are 10 Freshwater and Atmospheric Science courses to consider as you’re enrolling in classes. Whether you’re dipping your toe in to some GERs or you’re a graduate student further deepening your freshwater knowledge, there’s something for everyone!
GER Courses
1. Elements of Water (FRSHWTR 101)
The science behind Earth’s most vital resource.
From drinking water to droughts, this course breaks down the role of freshwater in our world. You’ll explore how water supports life, shapes economies, and drives climate—plus what happens when the cycle is disrupted. No science background necessary—just curiosity and a desire to understand today’s most important resource. This is a core course within the Freshwater Sciences BS program. It’s also a Natural Science GER course! Fulfill your NS credit requirements with this unique course!
- 3 credits, Monday/Wednesday 1-2:15 on main campus (Lapham 160)
- Instructor: Ryan Newton
- No prerequisites
2. Survey of Meteorology (ATM SCI 100)
Understand the science behind the skies.
From sunny days to severe storms, this course unpacks how weather works and why it matters. You’ll learn to read weather maps, decode forecasts, and explore phenomena like tornadoes, cyclones, and climate trends. Includes a hands-on lab—no science background needed, just an interest in the world around you. This is a Natural Science GER course that fulfills the lab requirement. Open to anyone!
- 3 credits, Various sections with in-person lecture on main campus OR asynchronous online lecture and a few in-person or online lab options
- Instructor: Varies by section
- No prerequisites
3. Thunderstorms, Tornadoes and Hurricanes (ATM SCI 109)
Go inside the storm.
Explore how and why nature’s most extreme weather events form. From towering thunderstorms to devastating hurricanes, this course breaks down the atmospheric conditions that fuel them. Learn the science behind the storm systems that shape headlines (and history). This is a Natural Science GER course. Fulfill your NS credit requirements with this course!
- 3 credits, Online course
- Instructor: Sergey Kravtsov
- No prerequisites!
Undergraduate Courses
4. The Water Environment (FRSHWTR 201)
How does water sustain our planet?
This course takes a deep dive into the water environment—exploring how physical, chemical, and biological factors shape the survival and behavior of aquatic organisms. From temperature and pH to predator-prey relationships, you’ll gain a holistic understanding of the forces that define life below the surface. Expanding upon the concepts learned in FRSHWTR 101, this is a Core course part of the Freshwater Sciences BS degree requirements.
- 3 credits, Tuesday/Thursday 9:30-10:45am Lapham W120
- Instructor: Brandon Gerig
- Prerequisites: BIO SCI 150 CHEM 102, MATH 105
5. Exploration of Inland Seas (FRSHWTR 321)
The Great Lakes aren’t the only large lakes in the world.
Explore the science and significance of Earth’s largest lakes in this introductory course. You’ll examine the unique physical, chemical, and biological properties of these massive freshwater systems, while also learning about their history of research, use, and management. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone curious about how large lakes function—and why they matter. This is an Elective course within the Freshwater Sciences degree program for undergraduates.
- 3 credits, Monday/Wednesday 2:30-3:45pm
- Instructor: Benjamin Peterson
- Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above
6. Ecology and Evolution of Freshwater Organisms
Discover how aquatic life lives beneath the surface.
Explore how populations, communities, and ecosystems evolve and interact in aquatic environments. This course was last offered in Spring 2023, so definitely consider as it’s not regularly offered like some of our other courses. This is an Elective course within the Freshwater Sciences degree program for both undergraduate and graduate students.
- 3 credits, Thursdays 11:30am-2:10pm
- Instructor: Brandon Gerig
- Prerequisites: BIO SCI 150
7. Water and Natural Resource Economics (FRSHWTR 391)
Ever wondered how economics shapes environmental choices?
Explore economic theory and decision-making tools used to tackle today’s environmental challenges. With a focus on water and other natural resources, you’ll learn how to evaluate trade-offs, assess policy impacts, and apply economic analysis to support sustainable resource management. It’s a great fit for those interested in both the science and strategy behind environmental solutions. This course is typically offered during Spring semesters. It’s also a Core Course within the undergraduate program.
- 3 credits, Tuesdays/Thursdays 9:30am-10:45 Bolton 294
- Instructor: James Price
- Prerequisites: ECON 103
Upper Level Elective Courses
8. Environmental Health of Freshwater Ecosystems (FRSHWTR 506/G)
Environmental Health of Freshwater Ecosystems (FRSHWTR 506/G)
Dive into a course that examines how human activity—from pollution to climate change—impacts the health of freshwater ecosystems and the people who rely on them. You’ll explore the complex connections between environmental change, aquatic life, and public health, gaining insight into the challenges and solutions facing our water systems today. This course was last offered in Spring 2025, so keep that in mind if it’s on your radar. This course is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
- 3 credits, Wednesday 9:30am-12:10pm Great Lakes Research Facility 1084
- Instructor: Benjamin Peterson
- Prerequisites: Junior standing, BIO SCI 150, CHEM 102 or graduate standing
9. Economics, Policy and Management of Water (FRSHWTR 510/G)
Explore how economics, policy, and management shape the way we protect and use freshwater resources. Students learn how scientific data and economic principles come together to inform real-world decisions—from water pricing and infrastructure investments to environmental regulations. It’s a perfect course for anyone interested in how policy and science drive sustainable water solutions. This course is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
- 3 credits, Mondays/Wednesdays 1-2:15pm Great Lakes Research Facility 1084
- Instructor: Tracy Boyer
- Prerequisites: Junior standing and FRSHWTR 391
10. Analytical Techniques in Freshwater Sciences (FRSHWTR 514/G)
Get hands-on with the tools driving modern freshwater research. This course introduces analytical techniques and genomics methods used to study aquatic systems at the molecular level. From DNA sequencing to data interpretation, you’ll gain experience with the technologies shaping the future of freshwater science. This course is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
- 3 credits, Thursdays 2:30-5:10pm Great Lakes Research Facility 1084
- Instructors: Ryan Newton, Laodong Guo
- Prerequisites: Junior standing, BIO SCI 152, CHEM 104 or graduate standing
11. Applied Water Statistics and Data Manipulation (FRSHWTR 585/G)
Build a solid foundation in data analysis with this course focused on statistics for freshwater science and policy. You’ll explore key concepts like probability and statistical inference, all while learning to use the R software environment to analyze real-world environmental data. Perfect for students ready to turn numbers into insights. This course is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
- 3 credits, Wednesdays 2:30-5:10pm Great Lakes Research Facility 1084
- Instructor: James Price
- Prerequisites: Junior standing and MTHSTAT 215
So, which courses will you sink into?
These just barely scratch the (lake’s) surface of all the great courses offered within Freshwater Sciences and Atmospheric Science. Check out our Spring classes to see what else will be offered!
Enrollment appointments for Spring 2026 begin November 17 for priority students with graduate students following and undergraduates after. If you haven’t already spoken with your academic advisor, we highly encourage you to do so and sign up for classes as soon as you are able to. Classes will fill up! Happy class shopping!