During the Spring 2014 semester a hands on active learning special topics Environmental Health Course (EHSC 3700) and Internship Opportunity (EHSC 3910) were offered to undergraduate students focusing on water quality of campus streams. The course/internship opportunities were taught and led by Keri Ann Lydon under the direction and help of Dr. Erin Lipp. Five students came together and named their classroom based research group UGAqua.

The student learning objectives were to: 1) Demonstrate understanding of microbial water quality laboratory methods and regulations for recreational water bodies; 2) Identify, innovate and implement public outreach strategies; 3) Communicate importance of sustainability through development of atmosphere of environmental responsibility; 4) Develop leadership skills through planning and implementation of sampling/outreach; 5) Perceive themselves as active-engaged contributors towards environmental issues in their communities; and, 6) Formulate useful questions for ways to improve impaired streams for public recreational use.