Build your knowledge of water, investigate environmental challenges and develop skills for putting freshwater science into practice.
Spring 2027 course enrollment is fast approaching, and the School of Freshwater Sciences is offering courses for students at different stages of their academic journeys.
The highlighted lineup ranges from introductory courses open to students across UWM to advanced classes in pollution, ecosystem health, community development, fisheries and data analysis. This spring also introduces a new course exploring the global connections between people and freshwater.
Start with the fundamentals
FRSHWTR 101: Elements of Waters
Explore the importance of freshwater in biological, ecological, physical, climate and economic systems—and consider the consequences of disrupting the natural water cycle. This three-credit course has no prerequisites and fulfills UWM’s Natural Science and Wellness General Education Requirement.
Undergraduate | Natural Science & Wellness GER | Prereq(s): None
Meeting Info: Tuesdays/Thursdays, 10-11:15am EMS 190 | Instructor: Ryan Newton
NEW: FRSHWTR 105: Our Blue Planet & Us: Societal Impacts on Global Freshwater Systems
How do human societies affect freshwater ecosystems, and how do changes in those systems affect communities around the world?
Our Blue Planet and Us: Societal Impacts on Global Freshwater Systems explores these connections through topics including invasive species, contaminants and climate change. The course draws on the research of multiple scientists to introduce students to freshwater challenges from a variety of perspectives.
FRSHWTR 105 is a three-credit course with no prerequisites and fulfills UWM’s Civics and Perspectives General Education Requirement.
Undergraduate | Civics & Perspectives GER | Prereq(s): None
Meeting Info: Tuesdays/Thursdays, 11:30am-12:45pm Lapham 260 | Instructor: Chris Farrow
Investigate freshwater challenges
FRSHWTR 342: Water Pollution, Technology and Management
Examine the types of pollutants found in freshwater systems, where they originate and how they move through the environment. Students will also explore approaches to cleanup and water and wastewater treatment.
Undergrad + Grad | Prereq(s): CHEM 102
Meeting Info: M/W 10-11:15am, KIRC 1160 | Instructor: Laodong Guo
FRSHWTR 506: Environmental Health of Freshwater Ecosystems
Investigate how human-driven environmental change affects freshwater ecosystems and the people who interact with them. The course connects ecosystem health with broader questions about environmental and human well-being.
Undergrad + Graduate | Prereq(s): Jr. standing, BIO SCI 150 & CHEM 102
Meeting Info: Online Asynchronous, Wednesdays 2:30-5:10 | Instructor: Lissett Diaz
Put freshwater knowledge into practice
FRSHWTR 490: Sustainable Design for Community Development
Work across disciplines to explore sustainable solutions to complex societal challenges. Students consider environmental, economic, political and technological factors while drawing on community-based knowledge.
Undergrad & Graduate | Prereq(s): MECHENG 320
Meeting Info: Mondays 6-8:40pm Lubar S230 | Instructor: Marissa Jablonski
FRSHWTR 569: Fisheries Management
Learn how scientists assess and manage fish populations and their habitats. The course introduces key concepts and approaches used in fisheries science and management.
Undergrad & Graduate | Prereq(s): Jr standing, C or higher in BIO SCI 152
Meeting Info: Thursdays 11:30-2:10pm GLRF 1084 | Instructor: Brandon Gerig
FRSHWTR 585: Applied Water Statistics and Data Manipulation
Develop skills in data analysis, probability and statistical inference through freshwater science and policy applications. Students use the R software environment to organize, analyze and interpret data.
Undergrad & Grad | Prereq(s): Jr standing & MTHSTAT 215
Meeting Info: Tuesdays/Thursdays 10-11:15am GLRF 1084 | Instructor: James Price
FRSHWTR 650: Flood Monitoring, Forecasting, and Risk Analysis
Explore the tools and data used to monitor floods, forecast potential events and assess risk. Learn how flood information can support planning, preparedness and more resilient communities.
Undergrad & Graduate | Prereq(s): Jr standing
Meeting Info: Mondays 11:30am-2:10pm GLRF 1080 | Instructor: Xinyi Shen
Build your Spring 2027 schedule
Whether you are beginning to explore freshwater or building advanced scientific and professional skills, Spring 2027 offers multiple ways to connect your interests with one of the world’s most important resources.
Students should review PAWS for meeting times, prerequisites and enrollment information. Questions about choosing the right course? Connect with your academic advisor.