Texas A&M course addresses challenges of water scarcity – AgriLife Today

Water is essential to sustaining life, yet billions of people around the world struggle to access this vital resource.

To address this pressing issue, Douglas Kingman, Ph.D., teaching professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, has developed a course for Texas A&M University students called “The World Has an Alcohol Problem” that delves deep into the complexities of global water challenges that affect every corner of the world – including here in Texas.

Originally designed in 2021 to meet both a scientific and cultural discourse, this course has grown in popularity, attracting students from across campus to learn how water scarcity affects all people, not just those , who work in agriculture and life sciences.

“This course is a great example of how the department connects its students and industry stakeholders in unique and innovative ways,” said Patricia Smith, Ph.D., head of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

Most recently, the school ranked first among undergraduate programs in the country, according to the latest “Best Colleges” rankings from US News and World Report.

“This course is about teaching all Aggies the importance of water conservation and the importance of addressing these issues for our future,” Kingman said. “We are committed to educating our students about these critical issues and the need for solutions at the local, national and global levels.”

A vision for water education

When tasked with developing a course that would appeal to a broad audience and meet multiple academic requirements, Kingman jumped at the opportunity. The World Has an Alcohol Problem began with just 70 students and has since grown to nearly 300 per section, attracting students from over 50 different majors.

What attracts students is not just the fact that the course meets all the criteria for their study plans and has a catchy title; It’s about the importance and urgency of the issue. Kingman’s course delves into water distribution, comparing bottled and tap water, and examining the political, social and environmental consequences of water scarcity.

Through exciting lectures and lively group discussions, students critically examine not only the science behind water resources, but also the social impacts of the distribution of this vital resource. They explore topics such as the differences between bottled and tap water, the intricacies of irrigation, and the ethics of water access.

With classmates from such a broad range of disciplines, students have a unique opportunity to engage with one another about the connections of global water issues to race, gender, and socioeconomic status, and to gain insight into how these factors disproportionately impact vulnerable communities.

Shaping the future of water management

Kingman teaches his students to approach problems from a holistic perspective, combining engineering and empathy.

Another unique aspect of the course is the dual focus that addresses the global water crisis and encourages students to examine the social impacts of unequal water distribution.

“The water crisis is not just a problem for Texas or the United States,” he said. “It is global and will impact agriculture, food security and the most vulnerable communities. There is no quick fix, but innovations in areas such as irrigation, water treatment and policy can make a difference.”

Kingman attributes the course’s success in large part to the flexibility his department has provided, allowing him to offer it outside of the usual agricultural curriculum. He also recognizes the hard work of his teaching assistants, whose dedication has created a strong community among students each semester.

“It’s the students who really make the course special,” Kingman said. “They come from different academic backgrounds and bring new perspectives and ideas. Their different points of view are crucial to tackling the diverse problems of water management.”

Kingman’s course goes beyond the technical to include lessons on how water scarcity disproportionately impacts disadvantaged communities. He emphasizes the need for students to develop empathy for those who are often overlooked in discussions about resources.

He hopes that through this broader human perspective, students will learn that the water crisis is not just about scarcity, but about justice. By encouraging critical thinking, Kingman helps his students connect their academic experiences to the real world, challenge their assumptions, and expand their horizons.

To learn more about the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, visit www.baen.tamu.edu.