University of Calgary : Geography GEOG

Geography GEOG

Instruction offered by members of the Department of Geography in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Department Head – B. Moorman

All students interested in taking Geography courses, Geography Majors and Graduate Students, should read the pertinent Undergraduate and Graduate program sections of the Calendar.

Junior Courses

Geography 205

Gateway to Geography

An overview of human and physical environments, their inter-relationships and their relevance to environmental issues and world affairs. Major topics are drawn from current global issues where location matters. Specific examples are discussed in a global context and vary by term.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Note: Not open to students with credit in Geography 201, 203, 211 , 251 or 253 (Urban Studies 253 ).

Geography 211

The Physical Environment

Introduction to the physical elements of the environment such as weather, climate, hydrology, landforms, soils, vegetation, and the processes producing variations of these elements on the surface of the earth. The social implications of environmental change, disasters, and hazards are emphasized.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 205 or admission to the Major or Minor in Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Latin American Studies, Transportation Studies, or Urban Studies or the Honours BA or BSc in Archaeology; and Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics II (offered by Continuing Education).
Also known as: (formerly Geography 201)

Geography 213

Geography of World Affairs

Focuses on the major culture regions of the world and also individual countries. Emphasis on the characteristics, distribution, inter-relationships and comparisons of the major culture and physical phenomena of these areas, i.e. population, political situation, economy, language, religion and environment. Some historical developments in each of the areas are presented for perspective, but the major emphasis is on the background for understanding contemporary world affairs.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Geography 231

Introduction to Geospatial Methods

An introduction to cartography, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and descriptive spatial statistics.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 205 or admission to the Major or Minor in Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Latin American Studies, Transportation Studies or Urban Studies; and Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics II (offered by Continuing Education).

Geography 251

The Human Environment

The study of people, their origins, culture, technology, economy and impact on the environment. The manner in which people attempt to impose order upon the surface of the earth. Concepts of relative location are introduced with particular regard to both the external orientation and the internal organization of urban areas.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 205 or admission to the Major or Minor in Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Latin American Studies, Transportation Studies, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Urban Studies, or the Major in East Asia.
Also known as: (formerly Geography 203)

Geography 253

Introduction to Cities

A broad introductory survey, from diverse perspectives, of the processes that shape cities and urban life.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Also known as: (Urban Studies 253 )

Senior Courses

Geography 305

Weather and Climate

Physical principles of meteorology and climatology. Weather development in relation to different scales of atmospheric circulation. Elements of synoptic and dynamic climatology as determinants of characteristics and the distribution of climates. Laboratory work emphasizes North American examples.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 211 .

Geography 307

Landform Processes and Morphology

A systematic study of the origin, nature and distribution of landforms. Laboratory work will include several field trips and geomorphic interpretation of maps and air photographs.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 211 .
Antirequisite(s): Note: Credit for both Geography 307 and Geology 373 will not be allowed.

Geography 313

Soils and Vegetation

Soil: physical, chemical and biological properties, and the environmental and spatial relationships of vegetation patterns.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 211 .

Geography 321

Environmental Geography

Environmental and resource issues, with emphasis on topics such as sustainability, ethics; planning; policy and decision making; and management strategies. Case examples highlight issues in resource sectors such as freshwater, oceans, parks and wildlife, tourism and recreation, forests and energy.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 251 , 253 , Urban Studies 253 .

Geography 333

Remote Sensing I

Basic instruction in the use and interpretation of remote sensing imagery. Identification, interpretation and mapping of both physical and cultural landscape features will be covered.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 231 or consent of the Department.

Geography 339

Analytical Methods in Geography I

Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methodology, sampling and survey design in geography. Covers the background analytical techniques for an understanding of geographic literature. Examples will involve the use of statistical computer packages.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 231 or consent of the Department.

Geography 341

Introduction to Economic Geography

Theories, concepts and techniques of economic geography with emphasis on policy issues relating to Canadian examples at the urban, regional, and national levels.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 251 , 253 , Urban Studies 253 .

Geography 351

Urban Social Geography

Concepts of urban geography with particular reference to intra-urban social issues.
Course Hours: H(2-1T)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 251 , 253 , Urban Studies 253 .

Geography 357

Geographic Information Systems I

The technical and theoretical foundations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Explorations of data types and structures (raster, vector, object based), data input and manipulation, analytical basics, and visualization techniques will be carried out in lecture and laboratory. Case studies of GIS analysis form the basis of assignments.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 231 or both 333 and 339.
Also known as: (formerly Geography 447)

Geography 361

Imagining the World: The Cultural Approach in Geography

An exploration of geography as a product and producer of social relationships and cultural meanings. How landscapes encode meanings and how places and spatial processes shape identities.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 251 , 253 , Urban Studies 253 .

Geography 365

Political Geography

Spatial study of political systems, structures and processes, and their relationship to geographic factors.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 251 , 253 , Urban Studies 253 .

Geography 367

Population Geography

Spatial distribution of population, including density composition and characteristics; patterns of migration and settlement in selected areas.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 251 or 253 or consent of the Department.

Geography 371

Introduction to Latin America

A survey of the physical, cultural and historical geography of Latin America.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Any course in Geography or consent of the Department.

Geography 377

Sub-Saharan Africa

Dimensions and underlying causes of issues facing African peoples: the colonial legacy, fragile environment, cultural and political diversity, population growth, resource development, urbanization, and economic challenges.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Any course in Geography or consent of the Department.

Geography 381

Canada

The regional geography of Canada. The physical framework of Canada and its significance in Canada's historical development. The concept of the geographic region, the patterns and characteristics of these regions, with selected detailed studies.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Any course in Geography or consent of the Department.

Geography 391

Geographic Field Studies

An introduction to field research techniques and topics in physical and human geography. Lectures and projects will provide an introduction to a range of geographic disciplines. Field exercises will normally be conducted away from Calgary for about ten days before Labour Day.

Course Hours: H(80 hours)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 211 , 251 , 253 , Geology 201 , 209 or consent of the Department.
Notes: Enrolment in Geography 391 may be limited. Preference for registration is given to Majors in Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Transportation Science and Minors in Transportation Studies. Registration information can be found on the Enrolment Services website http://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/.

Geography 392

Overseas Field Studies in Physical and Environmental Geography - Part I

Field research and reconnaissance survey of techniques applied to regions outside North America. Group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.
Course Hours: H(3-7)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 393

Overseas Field Studies in Physical and Environmental Geography - Part II

Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques applied to regions outside North America. Group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.
Course Hours: H(3-7)
Corequisite(s): Co-requisite: Geography 392 or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 394

Overseas Field Studies in Social and Economic Geography - Part I

Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques applied to regions outside North America. Group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.
Course Hours: H(3-7)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 395

Overseas Field Studies in Social and Economic Geography - Part II

Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques applied to regions outside North America. Group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.
Course Hours: H(3-7)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 394 .
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 397

Regional Geography of Selected World Areas

Selected regional geographies. A survey of the physical, cultural and historical geography of a world region.

397.01. The United States of America

397.02. Former Soviet Union

397.03. Australia, New Zealand, Oceania

397.04. Europe

397.05. The Arctic

397.06. Southeast Asia

Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): A previous course in geography is strongly recommended.
Antirequisite(s): Note: Geography 397 .01 is not open to students with credit in 379; 397.02 is not open to students with credit in 387; 397.03 is not open to students with credit in 389.

Geography 401

Transportation Geographic Information Systems

An exploration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from its theoretical basics through to advanced applied analysis, with emphasis on transportation systems. Topics include representing reality in a digital realm, data models, analytical approaches and linkages to traditional modelling. Applications include infrastructure development analysis, suitability analysis, least cost path analysis, location allocation modelling, routing and scheduling analysis.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 339 or Statistics 213 , and Transportation Studies 303 .

Geography 403

Physical Oceanography and Climatic Variability

Oceanic circulation and atmosphere-ocean interactions as controls of climate. Focus on the role the marine cryosphere in radiation and energy exchange at regional, hemispheric and global scales. Climatic variability in historic time and during the instrument period.
Course Hours: H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 305 or consent of the Department.

Geography 405

Applied Climatology

Role played by weather and climate in determining environmental quality. Storms, floods, droughts and human adjustment to severe weather. Urban and rural climates, air pollution. Climate in agriculture and forestry. Implications of Canada's climate(s) for the nation's water resources, agriculture and forests.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 305 or consent of the Department.

Geography 411

Fluvial Geomorphology

Contemporary theory in fluvial geomorphology. Topics include channel flow, sediment transport, stream morphology, channel pattern, channel networks, sedimentation and channel response to human and natural environmental change.
Course Hours: H(3-4)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 307 or consent of the Department.
Notes: Offered in even-odd dated academic years.

Geography 413

Soil Characteristics and Formation

Characteristics of soils and the processes and factors of soil formation. Soil development related to geomorphic materials, geomorphic events, anthropogenic sources, and erosional and depositional landscapes.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 313 or consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Archaeology 413 )

Geography 415

Hydrology

The physical basis of water utilization and management. Elements of the hydrologic cycle - precipitation, ground water and stream flow. Techniques for estimating water yield and renewal potential in drainage basins.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 305 or 307 , and 339 (or a course in Statistics by consent of the Department).

Geography 417

Biogeography and Natural Ecosystems

Environmental and spatial relationships of plant communities. Interpretation of soil-plant inter-relationships applied to the classification and geographic distribution of natural ecosystems.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 313 or consent of the Department.
Notes: Normally offered in even-dated years during the Spring or Summer Term.

Geography 421

Renewable Resources and Natural Environments

Geographical resources analysis and management approaches applied to resource sectors such as urban natural areas, wilderness parks and reserves, freshwater resources and fisheries.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 321 or consent of the Department.

Geography 425

Critical Approaches to Development: Theory and Applications

A critical approach to meanings of economic and social development and the theories of development from a spatial perspective. Other areas of study include: population and health dynamics, gender and development, rural development, industrialization, formal and informal economies, foreign aid, trade and debt, community development. Case studies from Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 351 or 365 .

Geography 429

Tourism, Recreation and Environmental Management

Dimensions of, approaches to, and issues in recreation and environmental management; planning for sustainable tourism; cultural and heritage tourism; adventure and eco-tourism; and other representative tourism and recreational activities and environments. Case studies emphasize assessment and monitoring, policy initiatives and decision-making, and other practical orientations.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 321 , 327, or 329.

Geography 433

Remote Sensing II

Principles of earth resource analysis using digital images collected from instruments on airborne and spaceborne platforms. The full range of the electromagnetic spectrum currently used in remote sensing. Emphasis will be given to complementing conventional data and methods with automated techniques.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 333 and 339 .

Geography 437

Applied Mapping Techniques

Beginning to end map production including rapid and high precision surveying techniques, digital data compilation and manipulation and advanced map design and production in paper and digital formats. This is a project-oriented course with field surveying exercises early in the term and computer-based projects later in the term.
Course Hours: H(2-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 231 ; plus either Geography 333 or 357 or consent of the Department.

Geography 439

Analytical Methods in Geography II

Methods for the analysis of temporal, spatial and multivariate data sets. Emphasis is placed on data sets relating to geographic phenomena, resource utilization and environmental problems, with examples from the geographic literature. Examples will involve the use of computer packages.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 339 or consent of the Department.

Geography 451

Urban Systems Development

A critical review of the principles of urban growth and development in the context of systems of cities. Topics include: single factor explanations, such as central place, long distance trade models, industrial and service growth; cumulative development models; society explanations.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 341 or 351 or consent of the Department.

Geography 457

Geographic Information Systems II

The role of Geographic Information Systems in environmental (physical-human interactions) research and management is explored both theoretically and practically. Topics will relate to major issues within the environmental/earth sciences field. Advanced analytical approaches will be critically examined within lecture and laboratories. A major GIS package will be used for laboratories and student projects.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 339 and one of 357 or 447 or consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Geography 547)

Geography 463

Cities, Poverty and Development

Analysis of the explosive growth and geographical character of Third World cities. Topics normally include: rural-urban migration, development theory and urbanization, housing, formal/informal labour market, service and food provision, social and political conflict. Case studies from Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 351 or 365 or consent of the Department.

Geography 503

Climate Change

Overview of global climate dynamics and the interactions between ocean, atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, and biogeochemical cycles. Examination of climate change in Earth's past, present, and future, scrutinizing both natural and anthropogenic influences on the global climate system.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 305 or consent of the Department.

Geography 507

Glacial Geomorphic Systems

Contemporary theories for the formation of glacial landforms and sediments are evaluated. Topics include glacial mechanics, erosion, deposition, and hydrology. Timing and dynamics of glaciation and deglaciation are addressed.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 307 or consent of the Department.
Notes: Geography 411 is strongly recommended.

Geography 509

Permafrost

Development, characteristics and significance of permafrost, including the thermal and hydrological processes and resulting periglacial geomorphology and geotechnical implications.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 305 and 307 .
Also known as: (formerly Geography 409)

Geography 515

Applied Hydrology

Dam and reservoir water management, irrigation forms, stream routing and flood control, municipal water supply, well development and water conservation. Canadian water resources are emphasized.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 415 or an equivalent course in Engineering by consent of the Department.

Geography 519

Landscape Ecology

Concepts and methods for examining the spatial pattern of natural and managed landscapes and their effects on ecological processes. Applications in land management and biological conservation will also be considered.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 313 or Biology 313 and one of Geography 339 or Biology 315 or consent of the Department. At least one of the following is also strongly recommended: Geography 417 , 421 , 517, or Ecology 419 , 439 , 501 .

Geography 521

Environmental Sustainability and Management: Issues and Applications

Advanced topics in environmental sustainability and management, and critical analysis of approaches to resolving sustainability issues in environmental management. Students are usually involved directly in a major case study/field research project.
Course Hours: H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 421 or 429 .
Notes: Offered in odd-even dated academic years.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 523

Human Ecological Systems

The development of human ecology, its current directions and application of analytical techniques as they apply to anthropology, archaeology and geography.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Note: Not open to students with credit in Geography 609, Anthropology 609, and Archaeology 609.
Also known as: (Anthropology 523 ) (Archaeology 523 )(formerly Anthropology/Archaeology/Geography 609)

Geography 525

The Politics of Environment: Policy and Political Ecology

Key issues in environmental policy, focusing on the power and interest mechanisms that determine environmental resource access and sustainable use. Case-specific applications explore the dynamic roles of the global and the local including international development paradigms, indigenous resource rights, common-pool resource management, powerful policy networks, and local communities struggling in between.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 321 plus one of 361, 521, 425; or consent of the Department.

Geography 529

Research and Planning for Tourism and Recreation Resources

Research and techniques in analysis, planning and management of touristic and recreational resources. Usually involves a major case study field research project.
Course Hours: H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 321 , 421 or 429 or consent of the Department.
Notes: Offered in even-odd dated academic years.

Geography 531

Remote Sensing and Forest Ecology

Advanced digital image analysis used in forest ecological studies including mapping, monitoring and modelling. Includes field work and computer laboratories.
Course Hours: H(2-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Notes: Normally offered only in Summer Term.

Geography 533

Topics in Geospatial Analysis

Advanced topics of current interest in one or more of remote sensing, geographic information science and spatial statistics. Chosen topics vary by term and focus on integrating raster and vector systems.
Course Hours: H(2-3)
Prerequisite(s): Any two of Geography 433 , 439 , 457 , 547 and consent of the Department.
Notes: Students should consult the Department before registering to learn what topics will be covered in a given year.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 537

Geographic Information Systems in Forest Ecology

Techniques of forestry landscape analysis and modelling using multiple digital data types within a GIS framework; fundamental operations, issues and applications. Field and computer work.
Course Hours: H(2-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Geography 539

Geographic Data Integration and Visualization

Advanced topics in the communication, representation and display of digital geospatial data. Main themes include: cartography, spatial cognition, data mining and information visualization.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 339 , and two of 433, 439, 457.

Geography 551

Advanced Urban Geography

Selected topics in the field, such as the processes of growth in urban systems or urban ecology.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 351 and 451 or consent of the Department.

Geography 553

Globalization and the City

Introduction to the economic, political and cultural forces operating on a global scale that increasingly shape the growth and development of cities. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics of growth, competition, and polarization that structure urban hierarchies as well as cities' internal social and economic geographies.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Anthropology 379 , 387, Economics 361, Geography 253 , 351 , Sociology 353 , Urban Studies 253 or consent of the Department.

Geography 555

Rapid Urbanization in a Megacity

This intensive one-week course addresses the challenges of urban planning and development in one of the largest mega-cities in the Western hemisphere. The course tests students' theoretical knowledge of concepts of urban planning as they come into direct contact with the challenges faced by rapid urbanization in situ.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Notes: Admission is limited and competitive. Consent is usually given to students with a strong background in Latin American Studies and/or Urban Geography.

Geography 557

Advanced Geographic Information Systems: Urban

The role of GIS in the urban realm is explored both theoretically and practically. Topics will relate to urban management, design, planning, and research drawn from a broad spectrum of socio-economic issues facing urban areas. Advanced analytical approaches will be critically examined within lectures and laboratories. A widely used GIS package will be used for laboratories and student projects.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 231 . Geography 351 and 357 or 457 are strongly recommended.

Geography 561

Critical Debates in Cultural Geography

In-depth discussion of key topical issues and points of debate in the field, including methodological issues, points of theoretical conflict among the subfields of Geography, moral or ethical issues in Geography.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 361 .
Notes: Offered in even-odd dated academic years.

Geography 565

Urban Political Geography

An examination of how urban spatial relations shape, and are shaped by, political institutions, organizations, and social movements.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 351 or 451 .

Geography 567

Introduction to Programming in Geographic Information Systems

Introduction to computer programming for customizing and automating a GIS. Topics include object-oriented programming techniques, advanced geoprocessing, scripting, and automation using a programming language such as Python or Visual Basic.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 357 or consent of the Department.
Notes: Geography 457 is recommended.

Geography 575

The Geography of HIV/AIDS

This course will explore the global geography of HIV/AIDS with a concentration on the African and Asian pandemics. Topics will include: epidemiology and epidemic roots, social and economic impacts, orphans and vulnerable children, food security and migration, gendered impacts, anti-retroviral therapy (ART) programs and global responses.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of: Geography 361 , 377 , 425 , 463 , or consent of the Department.

Geography 590

Overseas Field Studies in Physical and Environmental Geography

Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques applied to regions outside North America. Individual and group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.
Course Hours: F(3-7)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 592

Overseas Field Studies in Social and Economic Geography

Field research and data collection techniques applied to geographical phenomena in regions outside North America. Periods of individual and group travel-study are interspersed with formal instruction and seminars.
Course Hours: F(3-7)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 597

Selected Topics in Geography

Content will vary from year to year. Consult Department for details.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 599

Selected Topics in Geography

Content will vary from year to year. Consult Department for details.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Graduate Courses

Geography 603

Remote Sensing: Basics and Beyond

Introduction to the theory and practice of remote sensing. Topics include physics of remote sensing, sensor systems, resolutions, geometric and radiometric correction, image analysis (enhancements, filtering, texture analysis, principal components, classification approaches and algorithms and accuracy). May include specific image acquisition systems and their methodological requirements. Emphasis is on fundamental concepts. Laboratory provides experience with fundamental image processing techniques.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Geography 699 .33)

Geography 605

Statistical Analysis: Basics and Beyond

Introduction to applied statistics, particularly as they are used in geographical analysis. Topics include sampling design, summary statistics, probability theory, inferential statistics, and multivariate analysis. Laboratory exercises give students hands-on experience in computer-based statistical analysis.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Geography 699 .39)

Geography 607

Geographic Information Systems: Basics and Beyond

Introduction to the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Includes: representing reality in the digital realm, georeferencing, data structures, software history and comparison, and the full spectrum of analytical approaches associated with advanced GIS software. A major part of the work will be hands on. Software is used as a vehicle for taking the theory and concepts into a working reality.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Geography 699 .47)

Geography 619

Spatial Ecology

Applies the principles of landscape ecology and conservation biology to the study of spatial effects on individual species and on the structure, dynamics, diversity and stability of multi-species communities. The use of GIS and remote sensing technologies is a central theme. Topics include habitat fragmentation, metapopulation analysis and viability, wildlife habitat modelling (static and dynamic), management of endangered species, and spatial decision support. Other aspects of this course include the importance and use of indicator, umbrella, keystone and flagship species in conservation.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Note: Not open to students with credit in Geography 695 .11.

Geography 633

Research and Applications in Remote Sensing

Review of basic and advanced principles of image analysis; advanced laboratory techniques. Integration of remote sensing with GIS; current research in remote sensing. Project organization; data sources for remote sensing.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Geography 635

Active Microwave Remote Sensing

Theoretical and applied aspects of active microwave remote sensing for geophysical parameter estimation. Discussion of sensor configuration, dielectric mixture modelling, microwave-surface interactions, microwave scattering (surface and volume) modelling and polarimetry. Laboratory work includes field scatterometer use, computer modelling, and polarimetric analysis.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Geography 699 .35)

Geography 639

Advanced Spatial Analysis and Modelling

History of spatial modelling in geography; comprehensive coverages of techniques, spatial analysis and spatial modelling as currently used within GIS and remote sensing.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Geography 647

Advanced Research and Applications in Geographic Information Systems

Focus on advanced GIS applications in core areas; methodological developments in GIS, and current research directions in GIS.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Geography 649

Enterprise GIS and Database Management Systems

Advanced topics in GIS and database systems, including integration of enterprise database systems with a GIS, data modelling, database management, distributed GIS via the world wide web, and web-based GIS.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 647 or consent of the Department.

Geography 667

Advanced GIS Programming with ArcObjects

Advanced programming techniques in ArcGIS using the ArcObjects framework. Topics include customizing the user interface, COM and interface-based programming techniques, and creating macros to perform advanced tasks in ArcGIS. A significant portion of evaluation will be based on an independent term project. Completion of a pre-study package is required.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Geography 681

Geographic Information Systems Project: Theoretical Issues

A critical and comprehensive review of information and literature on a GIS research topic This course provides the conceptual basis for Geography 683 .
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 633 , 639 and 647 ; or consent of the Department.

Geography 683

Geographic Information Systems Project: Application

Implementation of a project on a GIS topic which will involve demonstrating mastery of GIS project design and the implementation and presentation of results commensurate with graduate level work. This topic will relate to material covered by the student in Geography 681 .
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 681 or consent of the Department.

Geography 685

Arctic System Science

This course investigates the process linkages at various spatiotemporal scales between the atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere operating within high latitude environments of the Northern Hemisphere. Of particular interest is the response of the terrestrial and marine cryosphere to climate variability and change, including methods for its detection and quantification.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Geography 687

Advanced Glacial Geomorphic Systems

Contemporary topics in glacial geomorphology and sedimentology. Course consists of lecture, seminar and field trip components.
Course Hours: H(3S-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Notes: Co-scheduled with Geography 507 .

Geography 689

Advanced Topics in Geocryology

Contemporary topics in the science and engineering of seasonally and perennially frozen ground. Course consists of lectures and seminars.
Course Hours: H(3S-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Notes: Co-scheduled with Geography 509 .

Geography 691

Advanced Fluvial Geomorphology

Advanced theory and research issues in fluvial geomorphology. Topics may include flow hydraulics, sediment transport, river morphology, channel networks, sediment routing, drainage basin evolution, and channel response to environmental change.
Course Hours: H(3S-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Notes: Co-scheduled with Geography 411 .

Geography 695

Seminar in Geographic Research Methods

Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 697

Seminar in the Philosophy and Nature of Human Geography