For more information about these courses, see the Department of Geography website: arts.ucalgary.ca/geography.
Junior Courses
Geography 204
Global Environmental Change
Examination of current environmental issues related to physical geography, including topics such as climate change, energy and sustainable resource development, weather extremes, and natural hazards. The course uses contemporary topics to introduce fundamental principles of physical and environmental geography while highlighting societal impacts and influences. Course Hours:3 units; (3-1/2T) or (3-0) Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 204 and 205 will not be allowed.
Foundations of human geography presented with integrative case studies of current and urgent human-environment issues from global to regional to local. Examines the complex interconnections between humans and environment using topics such as climate change, sustainability, development, poverty, food, urbanization, and technologies of the digital age. Course Hours:3 units; (3-1/2T) or (3-0) Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 254 and 205 will not be allowed.
Introduces mapping technologies and digital spatial data for solving geographical problems that focus on how to collect, manage, analyze, and communicate diverse spatial data. Topics include geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, spatial statistics, geovisualization, cartography, and web mapping. Course Hours:3 units; (3-1/2T) or (3-0)
Introduction to climate change science, climate change impacts, and Canadian and international climate policy. Topics include an introduction to the atmosphere, ocean, and cryosphere, the carbon cycle, the greenhouse effect, natural climate variability in Earth history, climate models, and an overview of economic, political, social, and policy dimensions of climate change. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0)
Introduction to the Earth’s atmospheric environment (elements and controls of climate and their implications for hydrology, vegetation, and soils) and the nature and distribution of ecosystems and vegetation. Incorporates interactions between humans and their environment, especially those leading to global change on the decade to century time-scale. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 308 and 211 will not be allowed.
Introduction to physical landscapes and soils, emphasizing the formation and geographic distribution of mountains, volcanoes, valleys, and deserts, and their shaping by rivers and glaciers; and the fundamental concepts in soil science. Incorporates human modification of the Earth’s surface. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 310 and 211 will not be allowed.
Environmental and resource issues, with emphasis on topics such as climate change, 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:3 units; (3-1/2T) or (3-0) Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 324 and 321 will not be allowed. Notes:May be offered as part of a group study program. Additional fees may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
Exploration of what it means to be Canadian in a global context. Examination of the historic, cultural, social, political, economic, and environmental factors that promote unity and inter-regional tensions. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 326 and 381 will not be allowed.
An introduction to the geographies of East and Southeast Asia utilizing the foundations of physical and human geography. The logical divisions based on culture, physiography, history, migration, social and economic both currently and historically. Issues of development and the environmental impacts relating to rapid growth, urbanization, and intensive use of resources will be addressed. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 328 and 397.06 will not be allowed. Notes:May be offered as part of a group study program. A supplementary fee may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
An introduction to the geographies of Europe utilizing the foundations of physical and human geography. The logical divisions based on culture, physiography, history, migration, social, and economy will be explored both currently and historically. Settlement patterns, transportation networks, economic activities, and contrasting cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious variations will be emphasized. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 330 and 397.04 will not be allowed. Notes:May be offered as part of a group study program. A supplementary fee may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
A introduction to the major concepts of human geography including political geography, economic geography, the uneven distribution of development across the surface of the Earth, and the urbanization of the developed and developing world. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 352 and any of 251, 253, Urban Studies 253 will not be allowed.
An introduction to the major concepts of human geography including demography, migration, cultures, languages, and religions. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 354 and any of 251, 253, Urban Studies 253 will not be allowed.
An introduction to fundamentals in cartography, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and descriptive spatial statistics. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 380 and 231 will not be allowed.
An introduction to conducting international reconnaissance research in geography. Provides a background in various aspects of ethical research practices, qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Course Hours:3 units; (1-2) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department. Notes:May be offered as part of a group study program. Additional fees may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course. MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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 Fall Term. Course Hours:3 units; (70 hours) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department. Notes:Enrolment in Geography 391 is limited. A supplementary fee will be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
Atmospheric connections with the hydrological cycle, including evapotranspiration, water vapour, stability, cloud development, and precipitation. Water transport is followed through soil moisture, groundwater, and stream flow. Discussed methods focus on tracking water transport through the land-atmosphere system at various scales. Additional topics may include water quality, water resource management, and hydrology of selected landscapes. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 211, 308. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 408 and 305 will not be allowed.
A systematic study of the physical processes that shape the Earth's surface. Emphasis is on the mechanics of geomorphic processes and their interaction with Earth materials. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 211, 310. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 410 and 307 will not be allowed.
Exploration of soil science including the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils; soil formation and development, including the classification of soils, and the application of soil science to land use, environmental quality, global change, and sustainable development. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 211, 308, 310. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 412 and any of Geography 313, 413 or Archaeology 413 will not be allowed.
Overview of social dimensions of climate change. Addresses representation, governance, knowledge production, power and justice. Examines how responses and policies are shaped across various scales including global, national, regional, urban and individual. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units in courses labelled Geography at the 300 level or above.
Exploration of the challenges associated with environmental management and governance, particularly in terms of achieving sustainability. Emphasis is placed on ongoing local, regional, and global environmental problems, using political ecology perspectives to understand power, discourse and interest mechanisms behind environmental rights, controls, and sustainability needs. Course Hours:3 units; (3-1T) Prerequisite(s):3 units in courses labelled Geography at the 300 level or above. Antirequisite(s):Credit for both Geography 428 and 421 will not be allowed. Notes:May be offered as part of a group study program. A supplementary fee may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
Explores the socio-spatial relationships between humans and animals, with the goal of elucidating the ecological, economic, political, social, and cultural pressures shaping these relations, and the conflicts arising from human-animal interactions. Inter-species bonds and emotional lives of animals are also covered. Course Hours:3 units; (3-1T) Prerequisite(s):3 units from courses labelled Geography at the 300 level or above. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 430 and 317 will not be allowed.
Examination of the factors that influence vulnerability and resiliency to environmental hazards. Emphasis on how human activities change both the dynamics of natural processes and the spatio-temporal variability of vulnerability and resiliency. Course Hours:3 units; (3-1/2T) Prerequisite(s):3 units in courses labelled Geography at the 300 level or above. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 432 and Geography 311 or Geophysics 375 will not be allowed. Notes:May be offered as part of a group study program. A supplementary fee may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques. Individual and group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars. Course Hours:3 units; (36-48 hours) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 434 and 593 will not be allowed. Notes:May be offered as part of a group study program. A supplementary fee may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course. MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Field Studies in Physical and Environmental Geography
Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques. Individual and group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars. Course Hours:3 units; (36-48 hours) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 436 and 591 will not be allowed. Notes:May be offered as part of a group study program. A supplementary fee may be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course. MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Concepts of urban geography with particular reference to intra-urban social issues. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 251, 253, 352, 354, Urban Studies 253. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 452 and 351 will not be allowed.
Theories, concepts and techniques of economic geography with emphasis on policy issues relating to examples at the urban, regional, and national levels. Course Hours:3 units; (3-1T) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 251, 253, 352, Urban Studies 253. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 454 and 341 will not be allowed.
Foundations of development geography and its concern with multiscalar, multidimensional processes of intervention and change. Focus on urban-rural and global-local change effects and human settlement. An interrogation of globalization, poverty, marginality, human settlement and the diversity of development actors, the state, the aid community, and the people directly affected by development. Course Hours:3 units; (3-1T) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 251, 253, 352, 354, Urban Studies 253. Antirequisite(s):Credit for both Geography 456 and 425 will not be allowed.
Spatial study of political systems, structures, and processes, and their relationship to geographic factors. Course Hours:3 units; (3-1T) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 251, 253, 352, Urban Studies 253. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 458 and 365 will not be allowed.
Focuses on mapping technologies for cartography and geo-visualization. The role of cartography and geovisualization is explored both theoretically, and practically in the communication of spatial data. In lecture and lab-based settings, examines data considerations, map design fundamentals and techniques, map use and interactive design for the communication of geographic information. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 231, 380. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 480 and 437 will not be allowed.
The technical and theoretical foundations of Geographic Information Science. Explorations of data types and structures, data integrity, metadata, data acquisition and maintenance, analytical techniques, and methods for geovisualization will be explored in lecture and laboratory. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 231, 380. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 482 and 357 will not be allowed.
Conceptualizing human-environment realities into research: an introduction to philosophical foundations of ways of thinking and critical perspectives; qualitative and mixed methods approaches. Examination of 'rules' of research and the challenges of real world complexities. In-depth examples of human-environment research from theory to practice, broad research design and proposal writing practice. Course Hours:3 units; (3-1T) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Urban Studies 253, Geography 251, 253 or courses labelled Geography at the 300 level or above. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 483 and 340 will not be allowed.
Instruction in the background, use and interpretation of remote sensing imagery. Labs and topics introduce fundamental principles of raster-based image analysis, visualization and classification. Labs will include identification, interpretation and mapping of both physical and cultural landscape features. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 231, 380. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 484 and 333 will not be allowed.
Introduction to 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:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 231, 380. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 485 and 339 will not be allowed.
Examination of the Critical Zone, Earth's outer layer that extends from the top of vegetation to the bottom of the fresh groundwater zone. It is a constantly evolving boundary layer where rock, soil, water, air, and living organisms interact to regulate the landscape and natural habitats, and determine the availability of life-sustaining resources, including our food production and water quality. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 313 or 412 and 3 units from Geography 305, 307, 408, 410.
Investigates the Arctic as a coupled system, and how the Arctic interacts with other Earth systems. Draws on physical, chemical, and biological sciences to understand linked topics such as Arctic glaciers, marine environments, hydrology, permafrost, wildlife, vegetation, and sea ice. Particular focus is paid to cycles of carbon, water, and energy as key drivers of the Arctic system. Selected human interactions with the Arctic system are also examined. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 305, 408.
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:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 305, 408.
Physical ocean processes including circulation, waves, and tides are examined as part of the Earth’s climate system. These physical processes are then linked to controls on primary production in the ocean, and marine foodwebs/ecosystems. Chemical processes driven by circulation and biology are examined, with a focus on marine feedbacks related to past and present climate change. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 305, 408. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 504 and 403 will not be allowed.
Physical laws governing wind processes in the upper atmosphere and the planetary boundary layer. Topics include: global wind patterns, boundary layer wind flow, pollution, wind energy, wind erosion, and wind storms. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 305, 408. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 506 and 407 will not be allowed.
Introduction to advanced concepts in hydrology and watershed analysis, including the impacts of a changing climate and human influence. Involves hands-on computer modelling and experimental labs, and a design project. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department.
Explores the distribution (past and present) of animals and plants, causes of variation in species types, and their abundance and survival. Topics focus on bioregions, biodiversity, communities, ecosystems at multiple scales, as well as investigation of ways that human and natural disturbance affect these patterns. Uses qualitative and quantitative approaches to measure these effects to inform management and conservation. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 313, 412. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 510 and any of Geography 413, 417, 519 or Archaeology 413 will not be allowed.
Focuses on field data collection and laboratory and computational analysis techniques practiced by physical geographers. Students will conduct an integrated analysis of a local landscape, including site selection, sample collection, lab analysis, and data assimilation and interpretation for report writing. Approximately one-half of the course is taught outdoors. Course Hours:3 units; (1-3) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 305, 307, 313, 408, 410, 412, 413 or Archaeology 413. Notes:This course may occur in rugged field conditions and varying weather, for which participants must be prepared and equipped. A supplementary fee will be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.
Urban political ecology helps to untangle the interconnected economic, political, social, and ecological processes that together form highly uneven urban landscapes. Through theoretical and case study articles, discussions of themes such as water, food, green space, housing, waste, and through local case-studies, students will examine the evolution of urban political ecology, its main tenets and its relevance for understanding urbanization processes. Course Hours:3 units; (3S-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 341, 351, 365, 421, 428, 429, 430, 452, 454, 456, 458. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 526 and 521 will not be allowed.
Critical engagement with development studies, with emphasis on local populations as development subjects, actors and potential agents of change. Opportunities and limitations of participation as development paradigm, methodology and practice are addressed in diverse problem settings to interrogate the multi-dimensional challenges of development for sustainability. Course Hours:3 units; (3-1T) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 351, 365, 426, 428, 432, 434, 452, 454, 456, 458.
Foundations of environmental governance, management and discourse research from literature to practice, paired with case-specific applications on the changing roles of global, local and online spheres in today’s environmental conflicts. Examples include global conservation, international climate change negotiations, carbon forests, environmental services, Indigenous movements, renewable technologies, oil and gas conflicts, ecotourism, rural marginalization, and international environmental action strategies. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 321, 324, 341, 351, 365, 426, 428, 432, 434, 452, 454, 456, 458.
Seminar-style overview of core readings, key concepts and central debates in science, technology and society (STS) in Geography. Considers mutual shaping of science, technology and society as context-dependent practices involving institutions and discourses that vary across regions and time. Themes include social construction of knowledge and technology, agency, networks, co-production, expertise, authority, legitimacy, and democratic engagement. Empirical cases at global, national, and regional scales illustrate key concepts and debates. Course Hours:3 units; (3S-0) Prerequisite(s):9 units in courses labelled Geography at the 300 level or above. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 532 and 465 will not be allowed.
Explores geographies of food on different scales – from the global to the local – with an emphasis on links between urban and rural contexts. By applying diverse perspectives (ecology, economy, equity, culture, policy, politics, gender, justice etc.) and normative concepts such as food sovereignty, we learn about the current globalized industrial agri-food regime as well as alternative and sustainable food systems. Course Hours:3 units; (3S-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 341, 351, 361, 365, 452, 454, 456, 458.
An approach to human geography that attempts to understand human activity in space, place, time, and the environment through the lens of the individual. Focus on how humans perceive the environment around them in both perceptual, cognitive, physical and behavioural terms, and how they use this information when making judgments and choices that lead to spatial behaviour. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 341, 351, 365, 452, 454, 456, 458. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 536 and 470 will not be allowed.
Interdisciplinary perspectives that directly influence policy, planning, and management of nature-based parks and protected areas. Examines the evolving social, economic, political and environmental aspects of parks and protected areas and considers current management challenges. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 321, 324. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 538 and either 421 or 429 will not be allowed.
Introduction to the social, cultural, political and economic forces operating on a global scale that increasingly shape the dynamics of cities. Emphasis is placed on social and cultural hybridity, translocal interaction, geographies of social and economic polarization, and the scalar politics and regulation of globalization. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 341, 351, 365, 452, 454, 456, Anthropology 379, 387, Economics 365, Sociology 353.
How urban social movements arise in the context of broader urban and societal processes. The geographical strategies and social, cultural, and political grievances of urban social movements are examined in a variety of contexts around the world. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 351, 452, Sociology 353.
A critical review of the geographical principles of urban growth and uneven development in the context of local, regional and global urban systems. Topics may include urbanization processes under capitalism, city-regions, global city networks, returns to urban agglomeration, inter-spatial competition, and transnational movements of capital and labour. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 351, 452 and 3 units from Geography 341, 454. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 558 and 451 will not be allowed.
An examination of how urban spatial relations shape, and are shaped by, political institutions, organizations, and social movements. Themes may include the politics of urban growth, urban environmental justice, urban sustainability, place-based politics, and multi-scalar politics. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s): 3 units from Geography 351, 452.
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:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 357, 482.
Explores the relationship between spatial technologies and social/political systems. Examines the ways geographers have made sense of the social construction and societal implications of technologies across time and place. Course Hours:3 units; (3S-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 357, 482.
Exploration of the underlying theories and procedures of qualitative research, in human geography. Overview of methodologies including conventional approaches such as case studies and ethnographies and critical avenues such as feminist, Indigenous and science and technology studies approaches. Main qualitative research methods (interviews, discourse analysis, observation, action-oriented research) are covered. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 340, 483.
Advanced remote sensing topics and labs (e.g., Geographic Object Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA), LiDAR, Urban Heat Islands, microwave remote sensing, etc.). Students will develop a remote sensing project with potential to result in a commercial remote sensing product/service and formally present their ideas (in class) as if they were presenting to their business manager/supervisor. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 333, 484. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 584 and 433 will not be allowed.
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:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 339, 485. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 585 and 439 will not be allowed.
Explores and practices theoretical and applied concepts related to online mapping. Covers advantages and techniques for publishing, visualizing and accessing maps and data on the Internet. Develops web mapping applications including static and interactive platforms. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 357, 437, 480, 482.
Capstone course applying the broad methodological training from GIS, remote sensing, cartography, qualitative and quantitative methods. Collaborative research and project management is stressed. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 333, 339, 357, 437, 480, 482, 484, 485.
Surveys GIS applications for urban studies, and the data structures, sources, and analysis techniques used in them. Explores urban spatial analysis, decision-making in a GIS environment, and representational challenges, including project planning, spatial data acquisition, data preparation and coding, analysis and visualization of project findings, and communication and implementation of project results. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):3 units from Geography 357, 482 and 3 units from Geography 231, 380. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 588 and 457 will not be allowed.
Initiation of an individual research project and preparation leading to an Honours thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. Course Hours:3 units; (12-36 hours) Prerequisite(s):Admission to Geography Honours or Earth Science Honours and consent of the Department.
Advanced study of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Course Hours:3 units; (12-36 hours) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department. MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
An examination of selected topics in Human Geography in a seminar format. Course Hours:3 units; (3S-0) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department. MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Continuation of supervised individual research and completion of an Honours thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. A public presentation of the thesis is expected. Course Hours:3 units; (12-36 hours) Prerequisite(s):Admission to Geography Honours or Earth Science Honours and consent of the Department.
An examination of selected topics in Physical Geography in a seminar format. Course Hours:3 units; (3S-0) Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department. MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Presentation and evaluation of graduate research seminars. Course Hours:3 units; (0-1.5S) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department. Notes:Normally offered over both Fall and Winter Terms. Normally open to Geography thesis-based graduate students only. MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDITNOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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:3 units; (3-3) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department.
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:3 units; (3-3) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department.
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:3 units; (3-3) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department.
Contemporary issues in environmental conflict, management and governance with case-specific applications from global to local. Course Hours:3 units; (2-2) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department. Notes:May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.
Review and basic and advanced principles of image analysis. Includes advanced laboratory techniques, integration of remote sensing with GIS, current research in remote sensing, project organization, and data sources for remote sensing. Course Hours:3 units; (3-3) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department.
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:3 units; (3-3) Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
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:3 units; (3-3) Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Principles of Digital Cartography and Geovisualization
Theoretical and practical approaches to map design are used to explain techniques for effective map production and communication of inherently spatial information. Static, dynamic, and interactive visualizations of maps and spatial processes are used to explore geographic data from a variety of sources in physical and cultural spaces. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Technology or consent of the Department.
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:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):Geography 633, 639 and 647 and consent of the Department.
Theoretical topics include cognition of geographic phenomena, digital representations of geographic features, coordinate systems and map projections, spatial data models, and problems of scale and uncertainty. Applications include data acquisition, geographic database design and spatial data management, basic spatial operations, surface analysis, and network analysis. Examples from physical and cultural landscapes and industry-standard geographic information systems software are used. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Technology or consent of the Department. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 682 and 607 will not be allowed.
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:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):Geography 681 and consent of the Department.
Theoretical topics include physics of remote sensing data capture, sensor systems, representation and data models, as well as the science behind techniques such as reflectance and radiance calibrations, atmospheric corrections, and image transformations. Applications include topics such as visual interpretation of imagery, supervised and unsupervised image classification, model validation, and accuracy assessment. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Technology or consent of the Department. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 684 and 603 will not be allowed.
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:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Topics include descriptive statistics, probability theory, sampling design, inferential statistics, model validation and assessment of uncertainty, and applied multivariate analysis. Techniques and examples emphasize the use of geospatial data for constructing models of geographic phenomena and spatial problem-solving. Course Hours:3 units; (3-2) Prerequisite(s):Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Technology or consent of the Department. Antirequisite(s):Credit for Geography 686 and 605 will not be allowed.
Contemporary topics in glacial geomorphology and sedimentology. Course consists of lecture, seminar and field trip components. Course Hours:3 units; (3-3) Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Contemporary topics in the science and engineering of seasonally and perennially frozen ground. Course consists of lectures and seminars. Course Hours:3 units; (3-3) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department.
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:3 units; (3-3) Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department. Notes:May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.
Urban, Regional and Global Political Economy Seminar
Spatial and power relations that shape urban, regional and global processes. Investigation of a wide range of processes, ranging in scale from the local to the global: capital investment and disinvestment; state power and policymaking; planning, governance and governmentality; political struggle, all in multiple forms of spatiality: place, scale, territory, networks. Course Hours:3 units; (3-0) Prerequisite(s):Consent of the Department. Notes:Intended for students enrolled in a Geography graduate degree program or a graduate degree program of a cognate discipline.
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION