Planning your undergrad class schedule can be intimidating, especially when you’re trying to satisfy major requirements, complete gen-eds, and keep it interesting. Enter the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, home to dozens of classes that meet numerous UW–Madison major requirements, teach applicable skills, and have real-world relevance. Whether you’re pursuing an environmental studies major or just enjoy having a planet to live on, here are five fun and relevant UW–Madison courses to take this spring.
If you liked Planet Earth days in high school science class, try Principles of Environmental Science (ENVIR ST/ILS 126).
Still exploring your options at UW–Madison? Check off your Natural Science & Wellness Lab requirement with one of our introductory courses and see why environmental studies could be the major for you.
Details:
Grace Bulltail
Tue/Thu, 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. + lab
4 credits
Course description
If you liked You Can See Everything, try Expect the Unexpected: Careers in the Environment (ENVIR ST 202).
You love a bold career move, and we respect it. Have you considered harnessing that power for environmental work?
Details:
Dean Paul Robbins
Thursdays, 3-4:55 p.m.
2 credits
Course description
If you liked Black Panther or Avatar or Star Trek, try Critical Minerals: From Earth to Outer Space! (ENVIR ST 203).
While vibranium may be fictional, the complexities of obtaining, using, and distributing a planet’s precious materials are not. Learn about the very real, very timely science behind some of sci-fi’s best plot points in this new course.
Details:
Julie Klinger
Mon/Wed, 9:55–10:45 a.m. + discussion section
3 credits
Course description
If you liked Magnatiles, try Systems Thinking (ENVIR ST 365)
You know that it takes a lot of pieces to build something truly great, and you’re not afraid of the effort it takes to make it happen. Have you considered putting that mindset toward solving environmental problems?
Details:
Jonathan Sullivan
Tue/Thu, 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
3 credits
Course description
If you liked watching the Olympics for the statistical data overlays, try Environmental Impact Evaluation (ENVIR ST 402 LEC 001)
Arc projections to predict where Alysa Liu will land her triple axel? Heat maps to anticipate how Megan Keller will score? That’s spatial data analysis, and it can also be used to save the planet. How? Take this course to find out.
Details:
Joel Ferguson
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–noon
3 credits
Course description