286 Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Evolving Geoscience Curricula for a Changing World, Part II

This session examines geoscience curricula balancing traditional foundations and innovative, interdisciplinary approaches. We invite abstracts exploring how programs address evolving societal challenges while preparing students for licensure exams and diverse career pathways.

Wednesday, 22 October 2025
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, 301B

Developing a Cross-Institutional Interdisciplinary Field Hydrology Course

Paper number: 286-9
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM

Authors

Abstract

Faculty and staff from four University of Wisconsin institutions have developed a three-week interdisciplinary Field Hydrology course for university students based in western Wisconsin. The course has been designed and modified over four offerings, with the intention of providing hands-on hydrologic field experience for students majoring in freshwater-related disciplines, such as geology, geography, environmental science, and biology. Students are trained in field and laboratory techniques used for investigating common freshwater issues and, importantly, the course provides a platform for learning to communicate across disciplines and exposing students to expertise outside their program’s curriculum. This presentation will describe the approaches taken to designing and operating the field experience, examples of the activities implemented, and lessons learned.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414148

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