Courses
Earth Science (ESS)
ESS108 Conservation of Natural Resources (3 crs.)
Introduction to environmental conservation. Basic elements of the physical environment are examined in consideration of the interaction between physical and human landscape systems. Emphasis on fundamental relationship of society to agricultural, hydrologic, biotic, mineral, and energy resources. Factors of environmental quality and land use by society also considered.
ESS110 Introduction to Geology (3 crs.)
Examines and analyzes the geological processes and elements involved in the mobile earth, with emphasis on earth materials, external and internal processes, and earth history. Attention given to human interaction with the geological environment. Topographic maps, fossils, minerals and rocks are used to enhance understanding and student involvement. Lab/lecture.
ESS111 Introduction to the Atmosphere (3 crs.)
Examines and analyzes the interrelated processes and elements of our atmospheric environment, including air-sea interactions, which produce our patterns of weather and climate. Attention given to interaction of the environmental elements and people with emphasis on areas of pollution, atmospheric modification, political and legal aspects, and economic implications of the atmospheric environment. Maps, space and aerial photographs, and instruments are used to enhance understanding and involvement in environmental problems. Lab/lecture.
ESS207 Atmospheric Studies (3 crs.)
Provides basic information about the atmosphere, which students will apply to the understanding of selected atmospheric environmental topics; for example: air pollution, greenhouse warming, ozone, etc. Intended for Geography-Earth Science majors.
ESS210 Physical Geology (3 crs.)
Deals with basic principles of mineralogy, petrology, earth structures, and surficial processes. Comprehensive analysis of the Plate Tectonic Theory. Lab/lecture.
ESS212 Historical Geology (3 crs.)
Deals with origin and evolution of the geological and biological earth. Major areas include principles of historical geology, significance of sedimentary rocks, fossil records, and history of the Earth. Lab/lecture. Suggested prerequisite: ESS110 or ESS210.
ESS214 Geology of National Parks (3 crs.)
Presents broad overview and basic geology in limited detail of the North American continent and Hawaii, particularly as represented by the National Parks. Classroom discussion supplemented by demonstration/laboratory exercises with earth materials, models, maps, and stereo photos.
ESS220 Oceanography (3 crs.)
Comprehensive study of the ocean and surroundings. Main topics include origin of the ocean basins; water of the sea; physiography of the sea floor; plate tectonics; marine sediments; chemical properties of the sea; ocean circulation; waves, tides, beach, and shoreline processes; estuaries and life of the ocean. Prerequisite: ESS110 or ESS111 or CHM103 or permission of instructor.
ESS355 Meteorology (3 crs.)
Deals with atmosphere and stresses those forces which bring about changes within it. Insolation, temperature, precipitation, humidity, winds, storms, and cloudiness are the chief topics studied. Origin and development of cyclones and their significance in weather forecasting play an important interpretative part of this course. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week.
ESS393 Selected Topics in Earth Science (1-3 crs.)
Opportunity to offer courses in areas of departmental major interest not covered by the regular courses.
ESS404 Applied Meteorology and Climatology (3 crs.)
Intensive study of interaction between various atmospheric parameters and the natural or human-modified surfaces of the earth centered on the applied nature of the atmosphere including discussion of urban, human, agricultural, architectural, and commercial aspects of society. Computer simulations and mapping are utilized to enhance understanding. Each student carries out a field study on a particular problem of atmospheric interest. Prerequisite: ESS111 or ESS355.
ESS413 Mineral and Rock Resources (3 crs.)
Deals with metallic ore deposits such as iron, ferroalloys and nonferrous metals, mineral fuels, and other selected minerals of economic significance. Emphasis on geologic occurrence and mode of origin, geographical distribution, and importance to humans.
ESS442 Environmental Geology (3 crs.)
Deals with relationships between man and the geological habitat. Concerned with problems people have in using the earth and the reaction of the earth to that use in both a rural and urban setting. Stress placed on developing problem-solving skills in collecting, recording, and interpreting data through field investigations and simulation techniques. Prerequisite: ESS110.
ESS490 Selected Topics (1-3 crs.)
ESS594 Selected Topics (1-3 crs.)
ESS599 Independent Study (3 crs.)
Geography (GEO)
GEO101 World Geography (3 crs.)
Study of basic global patterns and problems and the distinctive characteristics and interconnections of world culture regions with human ways of living viewed in their interactions and associations with natural, human, and technological resources of aspects of the environment. Course made functional in everyday living through perception of relations between concepts of the course and current world problems.
GEO103 Geography of the United States and Canada (3 crs.)
Introductory regional analysis of population, land utilization, and economic activity through a comprehensive study of interrelationships between humans and the physical and cultural environments. Provides a conceptual framework within which past, present, and future rural and urban environments of the United States and Canada become explainable.
GEO105 Physical Geography (3 crs.)
Studies way the basic natural phenomena of air, water, and ground mutually interact and the way in which these interactions vary from one part of the earth to another to yield different natural environmental regions. Two hours lecture/two hours lab/week.
GEO140 Cultural Geography (3 crs.)
Examines the diverse cultural landscapes and behavioral patterns of the world. The dynamic aspects of our technological era are viewed as they influence cultural realms differing in race, language, religion, economy, and population distribution. The origin and diffusion of skills and tools used by societies to transform and adjust to their environments will be surveyed.
GEO308 Geography of Latin America (3 crs.)
Comparative study of the geographical regions of Middle and South America. Latin American relations with the United States and the rest of the world are interpreted through the analysis of the economic, social, and cultural activities of people in relation to the physical factors of this environment. Prerequisite: GEO101.
GEO202 GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 crs.)
Introduction to the fundamental mapping and computer concepts and skills that underlie Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and every other geotechnology. Topics include representation (raster vs. vector), display, map scale, coordinate systems, data acquisition, and data management.
GEO203 Climatology (3 crs.)
Deals with regional and applied climatology. Areas of emphasis are climatic controls, classification, U.S. precipitation regimes, world climate types, relationship of climate to other physical phenomena, and importance of climate in selected aspects of human activities.
GEO313 Geography of South and Southeast Asia (3 crs.)
Examines the diverse cultural and physical features giving form to the present political/economic situation in this region and shaping the future.
GEO317 Geography of East Asia (3 crs.)
Examines the vast and complex physical and cultural patterns of China, Korea, and Japan. Analysis of present and future economic and political structure is emphasized.
GEO217 Geography of Australia and Oceania (3 crs.)
Appraises development of the island nations and possessions of the southwest Pacific as it examines the several geographic patterns evolved by different cultures in the various physical settings of this region.
GEO222 Map and Air Photo Analysis (3 crs.)
Discussion and independent study of maps and aerial photographs to familiarize students with the nature and properties of maps and aerial photographs and to fundamental analytical techniques used to measure and describe spatially organized information. Laboratory exercises include qualitative and numerical reading, analysis and interpretation of a wide variety of maps and aerial photographs.
GEO224 Soils (3 crs.)
Studies geoenvironmental aspects of soils: their nature and properties, classification and distribution, interpretation of soil surveys, and factors affecting land use decisions. Local soil types, surveys, management and conservation practices, and problems of environmental quality studied. Prerequisite: ESS110 or permission of the instructor.
GEO226 Hydrology (3 crs.)
Presents basic concepts of hydrology with emphasis on the relationship of water to natural and human systems. Major topics include the dynamics of surface water flow, hydrogeology, water pollution, and water resources analysis.
GEO230 Economic Geography (3 crs.)
Investigates and delineates the spatial patterns of the human process of making a living. Each major economic activity is considered in terms of the basic resources available in the physical environment and the existing technical advancement of the culture. Basic geographic considerations relevant in analyzing economic patterns such as locational factors, research tools, and location theory are introduced.
GEO244 Land Use (3 crs.)
Reviews the relationship of people to the land and how technological advances and expanding population have put increasing pressure on lean resources and have created a variety of complex land use dilemmas which affect persons at all levels of society. Rural to urban migration, energy-consumptive settlement patterns, urban sprawl, private land ownership and control, and federal, state and local land use regulations will be studied. Spatial approach of land and the interaction of the physical and cultural environment in the decision-making process will be emphasized.
GEO352 Cartography (3 crs.)
Introduces basic tools of map making. Explains techniques for displaying data and develops skills in compilation, design, and execution of maps.
GEO301 Introduction to Biogeography (3 crs.)
Basic concepts and factors which are important in understanding the processes and influences involved in studying the distribution of terrestrial organisms over the earth will be presented. Some topics of importance include biodiversity; past and present patterns of the distribution of terrestrial organisms; the abiotic, biotic and human influences on those patterns; and a variety of factors related to the various time scales at which organisms can be studied.
GEO305 Geography of Europe (3 crs.)
Regional course designed to develop unbiased understanding of the economic problems of Europe, exclusive of Russia and surrounding regions. Geographic relationships underlying land utilization, boundary disputes, and dominant international problems are considered. Prerequisite: GEO101.
GEO306 Geomorphology (3 crs.)
Studies physical and chemical processes that have in the past and are presently forming the landscape. Description and classification of landforms and the theoretical and dynamic aspects of landform evolution are studied. Geomorphic techniques of quantitative analysis, advanced interpretation of topographic maps and air photographs, and field work are stressed. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week. Prerequisite: ESS110.
GEO307 Geography of the Middle East and North Africa (3 crs.)
Regional study of the physical, cultural, economic, and strategic elements of the Middle Eastern and North African regions. Emphasis on establishment of a foundation from which to analyze contemporary conditions.
GEO310 Transportation Geography (3 crs.)
Analyzes overall roles of transportation within the urban context. An integral part is the discussion of current urban transportation problems. Field work involving an evaluation of local transportation needs will be required. Course topics and requirements are flexible enough to meet the needs of students coming from urban studies, economics, business and elementary education.
GEO314 Industrial Geography (3 crs.)
Interpretative survey of the effects in the United States of geographic conditions upon industrial production and commerce, of development of commercial areas, and availability of resources to markets in relation to other regions of the world.
GEO320 Historical Geography (3 crs.)
Emphasizes the reciprocal and causal relationships between the natural environment found in the United States and the historical movement and settlement of man on the varied American environment. Emphasizes interaction between human choice on one hand and the nature of coast lands, islands, rivers, mountains and soil, plains, and climate conditions.
GEO322 Urban Geography (3 crs.)
Surveys the city, its forms, functions, internal and external relations, and evolution. Emphasis on large urban agglomerations, particularly those of the Western World. Individual and group field work examining local and regional urban areas of several classes is integral to the course.
GEO326 Political Geography (3 crs.)
Gives attention to boundary problems, the value and control of colonies, fishing agreements, problems concerning commercial aviation, world trade, world food supplies, control and development of natural resources, and the geographic aspects of problems concerning world peace. Prerequisite: GEO101.
GEO339 Remote Sensing (3 crs.)
Explores viewing and interpreting the earth from aircraft and satellite-borne imaging systems. Examines remote sensing of the Earth and uses the interaction of electromagnetic energy with matter to determine physical properties of surfaces. Imagery will include those from Landsat TM, SPOT, TIMS, and radar.
GEO360 Internship in Geography (3 crs.)
GEO363 GIS II: Intermediate Geographic Information Systems (3 crs.)
Continues development of the student's understanding of GIS and extends understanding into spatial analysis. Fundamental concepts covered previously, including scale, earth models, map projections and coordinate systems, are also developed. New major concepts include Boolean logic, overlays, map algebra, binary modeling. Technical skill development focuses on data collection and integration, digitizing, and design of spatial data display. Primary emphasis on using real-world examples in GIS modeling and analysis.
GEO390 Internship in Urban Studies I (3 crs.)
GEO391 Geography Seminar (1 cr.)
Opportunity for advanced students to explore in greater depth those aspects of geography and geographic thought not fully developed in other courses. Geography viewed in light of its historical development and the leading edges of current research. Distinctive areas of specialization opened for in-depth consideration. Drawing upon departmental, interdepartmental and outside sources, seminar designed to stimulate and excite interest in a rapidly expanding professional field concerned with current social and environmental problems. Required for all arts and science and secondary education majors in geography.
GEO393 Selected Topics in Geography (1-3 crs.)
Opportunity to offer courses in areas of departmental major interest not covered by the regular courses.
GEO394 Internship in Urban Studies II (3 crs.)
GEO401 Geography of Tourism (3 crs.)
Study of the spatial aspects of the rapidly expanding tourist industry. Global and national patterns of tourism analyzed in view of their environmental, political, economic, and social significance.
GEO402 Medical Geography (3 crs.)
Introduces a geographical approach in the analysis of problems regarding health. Dynamic interaction between people and the environment (physical, biological, cultural, economic) lie at the core of medical geography, a discipline that integrates natural and social sciences. Consideration of such interactions is essential for an understanding of the changes that occur in the distribution of health and disease, when, for instance the environment is altered, or human interactions with the environment undergo substantial modification.
GEO404 Groundwater and Hydrogeology (3 crs.)
Examines the fundamental concepts of groundwater and hydrogeology in the context of real-world applications on the foundations of theory. Emphasis on the principles of groundwater flow, well installation, field data collection, and the analysis of physical and water chemistry as they relate to professional groundwater investigations. Grades based on exams and application-oriented assignments (problem sets). Required field trip(s) will supplement classroom material (field trip dates and times will be determined during class). Prerequisites: One or more of the following courses are suggested prior to enrolling in GEO404: ESS110 or ESS210, and GEO226 or permission of instructor.
GEO420 GIS III: Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3 crs.)
Examines advanced topics in GIS analysis such as spatial data uncertainty, error propagation, spatial data display, transformations of geographic phenomena, and visualization. Skills focus on advanced spatial analysis, terrain modeling, georectification of data, and network analysis. Students design and implement an independent GIS project during the course.
GEO440 Field Techniques (3 crs.)
Studies geoenvironmental aspects of the local landscape by direct field observation. Various procedures and techniques are utilized to collect data concerning landforms, geology, soil, streams, air quality, population, transportation, housing characteristics, and land use. Instruments, maps, air photographs, and statistics are used to aid in the research, analysis, and evaluation of the field problem.
GEO441 Quantitative Methods (3 crs.)
Broad-based education in the geographical sciences requires a proficiency in applying statistical techniques to environmental problems. Provides a comprehensive and empathetic approach to statistical problem solving using practical geographic examples.
GEO444 Environmental Land-Use Planning (3 crs.)
Studies the spatial pattern of land-use development in rural and urban areas and interaction between urbanization and environment. Examines the physical and cultural requirements of environmental land-use planning including the study of the land-use classification, planning and zoning procedures, economic activity, and the city as an ecosystem. City planning techniques, land-use mapping, and field study of the local region are utilized.
GEO446 Water Resources Management (3 crs.)
Roles of water resources management policies and institutions are examined within central theme of unified river basin management. Stresses interrelationships among watershed planning; relevant legislation; agency authority and coordination; and the geography of water-shed management. North American case studies used to illustrate multiple use issues, including aquatic ecology, wetlands, floodplain management, recreation, water supply, hydropower, industry, and commercial shipping.
GEO450 Geography-Geology Field Studies (1 cr.)
One week to 10-day regional field study observing and analyzing the physical and cultural landscape. Emphasis placed upon the physical and historical geology and geography of a prescribed route including several states. Prerequisites: ESS212, ESS311, GEO103 or permission of the instructor.
GEO453 Advanced Cartography (3 crs.)
Experience is gained through project work in map design, execution, and production by use of vacuum frame, scribing tools, plate maker, lettering machines and large process camera. Students develop skills in scribing and color proofing in carrying out independent research projects and then design and execute maps and graphs in support of their research.
GEO490 Selected Topics (1-3 crs.)
GEO500 Environments of the National Parks (3 crs.)
Interdisciplinary study of the natural environments of the national parks, monuments, seashores, etc., and the impact of human activity. Topics for class discussion and activity include geology, landscapes, wildlife, vegetation and human impact, and interaction with the natural setting. Sharing results of intensive study into specific topics by individual students comprises a significant portion of the course.
GEO514 Urban Environment (3 crs.)
Examines the impact of information technologies (IT) on the arrangement of human activities. The new technologies in information should make it possible to share information on a global scale. Information on problems ranging from hunger, employment opportunities, environmental degradation, traffic congestion, housing, and many other situations can be shared in a very short span of time over vast areas. Use of new opportunities in information availability and information sharing should assist anyone concerned with a vast range of human problems with their potential solutions. Explores the problems and prospects for using information technology to communicate with people in similar or very different cultural and physical environments to guide the growth and development of human activities.
GEO517 Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3 crs.)
Reviews advanced geographic information systems (GIS) applications and the use of geographic information management technology in environmental analysis. Spatial mapping and data applications will be related to renewable resource management, transportation and logistics, infrastructure management, natural resources and land use planning, public health and safety, environmental hazards, mineral exploration, environmental assessment and monitoring, map and database analysis and research and education. Emphasis is on how GIS can assist in answering questions, solving problems, and analyzing spatial data. State -of- the -art GIS software is used to show applications of geographic information technology for geoenvironmental and natural resource management projects.
GEO520 Settlement Geography (3 crs.)
Concerned with analysis and research regarding the character, distribution patterns, and principal functions of rural settlements, towns, small cities and their environs. Representative communities are employed as laboratory areas for field problems and reports.
GEO522 Geoenvironmental Hydrology (3 crs.)
Focuses upon the continental or land phase of the hydrologic cycle and includes the study of supply and the geographical distribution of water in lakes, rivers, streams, embayments, and underground water supplies and the use and/or misuse of these water resources for urban, suburban, and rural living. Consideration given to recent day knowledge, attitudes and technology concerning these water resources. Local water resources and drainage basins are used as laboratory areas for field problems and reports.
GEO524 The Geologic Environment (3 crs.)
Concerned with major concepts of physical and applied geology and their relationship to human activity. Analysis of minerals and rocks, earth structures, global tectonics and surficial processes examined in a lecture, laboratory and field investigation format.
GEO526 The Atmospheric Environment (3 crs.)
Focuses on water budget climatology and its application to geoenvironmental analysis. The Thornthwaite Water Budget technique is taught and used in application to hydrology, drought, ecological relationships, crop production, and environmental change. Special attention given to climatic change, especially paleoclimatic analysis and predicted effects on the environment resulting from global warming or other future climatic changes. Extensive section on climatic classification. Demonstrates to the student the significance of energy/moisture factors as measured by evapotranspiration at the earth's surface and allows student to utilize these factors for the analysis of stream flow, crop production, distribution of ecosystems, and other environmental elements.
GEO528 Geography of Economic and Environmental Systems (3 crs.)
Interpretative survey of the effects manufacturing and economic activities have on land-use development and the environment. Techniques of economic-industrial analysis, mapping procedures, environmental planning policies, and field study of the local region are utilized.
GEO530 Mapping Sciences (3 crs.)
Advanced methods in computer-assisted mapping and map analysis (geographic information systems or GIS). Emphasis placed upon techniques of establishing, managing spatial (geographic) data bases, cartographic modeling and analysis, and digital map composition using state- of- the- art GIS software. One hour lecture, three hours computer laboratory per week.
GEO532 Geography of Environmental Health (3 crs.)
Seminar in geoenvironmental health hazards such as solid waste, air, and water pollution. Emphasis on public health problems these hazards pose, the application of geographic methods, and tools of analysis. Means available to cope with geoenvironmental hazards and associated policy debates are examined. Lecture information limited. Students expected to participate actively in every seminar meeting.
GEO536 Problems of the Atmospheric Environment (3 crs.)
Examines and analyzes various weather and climate topics, both natural and human-influenced. Topics include brief review of atmospheric basics, air pollution, ozone, ENSO, climate change, climate modeling, and greenhouse warming. Potential solutions to problems explored. Presented in seminar format and includes journal paper discussion and evaluation, writing opinion papers on controversial atmospheric issues, group projects, class presentations, and a term paper. Interrelationships among the various atmospheric problems are emphasized.
GEO542 Land-Use Regulations (3 crs.)
Provides student with knowledge of the components of community level land use regulations. The following community level system components are examined: comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, taxation, other minor land acquisition techniques.
GEO545 Image Processing of Remotely Sensed Data (3 crs.)
Microcomputer processing of remotely sensed data in digital format forms the primary focus. Each student has numerous hands-on computer experiences in extraction and selection of multiband pixel data from satellite platforms. Image processing and enhancement techniques emphasized. Supervised and unsupervised classification strategies performed on numerous data sets extracted from selected regions of the world. Students utilize the broad based data sets for more specific applications research.
GEO546 Geoenvironmental Research I (3 crs.)
Research course to be worked out with member of the geography-earth science department.
GEO548 Geoenvironmental Research II (3 crs.)
Research course to be worked out with member of the geography-earth science department.
GEO560 Geoenvironmental Conference (1-3 crs.)
Concentrated one- to three-week sequence designed for graduate students with professional or personal interest in current and timely geoenvironmental problems. Purpose is to help the student develop concepts and factual data on physical environments and on cultural and economic environments of selected areas. Special attention given to natural landscapes and to human use of air, land, and water resources for settlement, transportation, agriculture, recreation, industry and commerce. Recognized authorities in these aspects of the geoenvironment participate as lecturers and discussion leaders. Field trips and open classroom activities are an integral part of the conference. In addition to participating in all aspects of the conference, students enrolled for credit attend special class sessions and complete an individual project related to conference theme.
GEO594 Selected Topics (1-3 crs.)
GEO599 Independent Study (3 crs.)
GEO609 Internship I (3 crs.)
Provides opportunity to practice geoenvironmental theory and concepts as an observer and participant in the process. Placement on a limited basis with consulting firms and state and local governments enhances the student's preparation in the field.
GEO610 Internship II (3 crs.)
Provides opportunity to practice geoenvironmental theory and concepts as an observer and participant in the process. Placement on a limited basis with consulting firms and state and local governments enhances the student's preparation in the field.
GEO612 Thesis I (3 crs.)
GEO613 Thesis II (3 crs.)