University of Calgary : Geography GEOG

Geography GEOG

GEOG 205 211 213 231 251 253 305 307 311 313 317 321 333 339 340 341 351 357 361 365 367 371 377 381 391 392 393 394 395 397 403 407 411 413 415 417 421 425 429 433 437 439 451 457 463 465 470 479 503 507 509 516 517 519 521 522 529 531 533 537 553 555 561 565 567 591 593 597 599 601 603 605 607 621 633 635 639 647 681 683 685 687 689 691 695 696 697 699 795 797 799

Instruction offered by members of the Department of Geography in the Faculty of Arts.

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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s): 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: 3 units; H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 30-1 or equivalent or Mathematics II (offered by Continuing Education).
Notes: This course is intended as a foundation for advanced courses in Geography. Student looking for a general interest Geography course are advised to enrol in Geography 205 or 213.

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: 3 units; H(3-0)

Geography 231

Introduction to Geospatial Methods

An introduction to cartography, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and descriptive spatial statistics.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 30-1 or equivalent or Mathematics II (offered by Continuing Education).
Notes: This course is intended as a foundation for advanced courses in Geography. Student looking for a general interest Geography course are advised to enrol in Geography 205 or 213.

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: 3 units; H(3-2)
Notes: This course is intended as a foundation for advanced courses in Geography. Student looking for a general interest Geography course are advised to enrol in Geography 205 or 213.

Geography 253

Introduction to Cities

A broad introductory survey, from diverse perspectives, of the processes that shape cities and urban life.
Course Hours: 3 units; 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: 3 units; H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 211.

Geography 307

Landform Processes and Morphology

A systematic study of the physical processes that shape the Earth's surface.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 211.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for both Geography 307 and Geology 373 will not be allowed.

Geography 311

Natural Events and Human Disasters

Explores how various Earth processes create hazards for humans in different regions. Topics include but are not limited to: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, floods, landslides, hurricanes, drought, famine and disease. Lectures will focus on: (1) the causes of dangerous natural events, (2) how the physical geography of a region affects its vulnerability, (3) historic human impacts, and (4) how people in different regions perceive and mitigate risk from these events.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Geography 311 is not open to students with credit in Geography 397.07.

Geography 313

Soils and Vegetation

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

Geography 317

Animal Geography

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.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)

Geography 321

Geography and Our Environment

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: 3 units; H(3-0)

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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 231.

Geography 339

Analytical Methods in Geography I

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; H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 231.

Geography 340

Qualitative Methods in Human-Environmental Research

Introduction to qualitative research methods and research design in human geography and environmental geography.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 205, 251, 253; Urban Studies 253.

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: 3 units; 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: 3 units; H(3-0)
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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 231 or both 333 and 339.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for both Geography 357 and 447 will not be allowed.

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: 3 units; 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: 3 units; 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: 3 units; H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 251 or 253.

Geography 371

Latin America

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

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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Any course in Geography.

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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Any course in Geography.

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 Fall Term.

Course Hours: 3 units; H(80 hours)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 211, 251, 253, Geology 201, 209 and consent of the Department.
Notes: Enrolment in Geography 391 may be limited. Preference for registration is given to Majors in Geography, Earth Science and Environmental Science.

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: 3 units; 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: 3 units; H(3-7)
Corequisite(s): Geography 392.
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: 3 units; 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: 3 units; 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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s): 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.
Notes: A previous course in geography is strongly recommended as preparation for this course.

Geography 403

Physical Oceanography and Climatic Variability

Oceanic circulation and atmosphere-ocean interactions as controls of climate. Focus on the role of 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: 3 units; H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 305.

Geography 407

Wind Science

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; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 305.
Notes: May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.

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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 307.
Notes: May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.

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: 3 units; H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 313.
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: 3 units; 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

A multidisciplinary area of contemporary science that examines the distribution (past and present) of animals and plants, on land, in the sea, or in air and the inherent causes of variation in species types, abundance, and survival across the globe. The discipline forms a critical link between the earth sciences (geology and geography) and life sciences (biology).
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 313.
Notes: Normally offered during the Spring or Summer Intersession. May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.

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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 321.

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: 3 units; 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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 321, 327, or 329.
Notes: May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.

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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 333 and 339.

Geography 437

Cartography and Geographic Visualization

The role of cartography and geographic visualization is explored both theoretically and practically in the communication of spatial data. Topics will relate to major issues in advanced map design and spatial data interaction with examples from the urban, cultural and environmental settings. Sample approaches will be critically examined within lectures and laboratories.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 231; and one of Geography 333 or 357.

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: 3 units; H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 339.

Geography 451

Urban Systems Development

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; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 341.

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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 339 and one of 357 or 447.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for both Geography 457 and 547 will not be allowed.

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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 351 or 365.

Geography 465

Science, Nature, Politics

Examines competing claims about knowledge, authority and expertise that occur in environmental and other science-based controversies. Introduces core concepts and debates surrounding risk, uncertainty, and democratic engagement in techno-scientific contexts, with a focus on the shifting role of citizens and, more generally, publics, in geography, environmental decision-making and urban planning. Science, Technology and Society (STS) frameworks will evaluate how avenues for public engagement are understood and constructed in relation to fundamental societal issues.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Completion of at least 60 units (10.0 full-course equivalents).

Geography 470

Behavioural Geography

An approach to human geography that studies and explains human behaviour in geographic space as a function of normative, descriptive, and prescriptive models of human judgment and decision-making. Course topics will focus on how humans perceive the environment around them in both physical and behavioural terms, and how they use this information when making judgments and choices that lead to behaviour. The course also includes material on environmental decision support.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 251 and completion of at least 60 units (10.0 full-course equivalents).

Geography 479

Housing and Society

Examines interactions between housing and social organization in cross-cultural context. Emphasizes the varied types of built form, their cultural meanings, implications for social life within households and for society more broadly, and their political and economic consequences. Pays particular attention to contemporary housing problems such as homelessness and urban sprawl.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 351 or Anthropology 379.
Also known as: (Anthropology 479)

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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 305.

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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 307.
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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 305 and 307.
Also known as: (formerly Geography 409)

Geography 516

Ecohydrology

Linkages between physical, chemical and biological processes influencing hydrology in headwater catchments. Application of process-based knowledge to problems of water quality management and ecosystem reclamation.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 415.
Also known as: (formerly Geography 515)

Geography 517

Conservation GIS

Applies advanced geospatial analysis techniques to predictive modelling with a specific focus on conservation. Wildlife species, habitat selection, and consequences of human alteration of landscapes are the entry point to understanding and evaluating the geospatial approaches used, and the techniques may be extended to any spatial phenomena. Students will learn to apply a variety of statistics (e.g. chi-square, logistic regression) and to critically evaluate their analytical approaches within a context of environmental conservation.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 339, 357 and 417.
Antirequisite(s): Not open to students with credit in Geography 619.

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: 3 units; H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 313 or Biology 313 and one of Geography 339 or Biology 315.
Notes: At least one of the following is also strongly recommended: Geography 417, 421, 517, or Ecology 419, 439, 501.

Geography 521

The Urban Environment

Urban environments and their construction as a reflection of human needs and non-human constituents, systems of production and distribution, urban policy, infrastructure, and design are considered from the perspectives of both physical and human geography. Critical examination of anthropocentric notions of duality, space, place, and ‘the other’ frame the examination of human management practices and non-human nature. Topics may include the explosion of monocultures and exotic species, heightened human-wildlife conflict, altered hydrological systems, air pollution, changing environments of infectious disease, and toxic waste.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Geography 317, 321, 417 and one of Geography 321, 351, 451.

Geography 522

Topics in Politics of the Environment

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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 321 plus one of 361, 421, 425, 429.
Notes: May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 421 or 429 and consent of the Department.
Notes: May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 531

Field Studies in Remote Sensing and Natural Resource Management

Advanced digital image analysis used in natural resource management studies including mapping, monitoring and modelling. Includes field work and computer laboratories.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(2-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

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: 3 units; 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

Field studies in GIS and Natural Resource Management

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

Geography 553

Globalization and the City

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; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Anthropology 379, 387, Economics 365, Geography 341, 351, or Sociology 353.

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: 3 units; 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 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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 361.
Notes: May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.

Geography 565

Urban Political Geography

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; 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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 357.
Notes: Geography 457 is recommended.

Geography 591

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: 3 units; H(3-7)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Geography 590)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 593

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: 3 units; H(3-7)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Geography 592)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Geography 597

Selected Topics in Human Geography

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

Geography 599

Selected Topics in Physical Geography

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

Graduate Courses

Geography 601

Graduate Research Seminar

Presentation and evaluation of graduate research seminars.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(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 CREDIT NOT INCLUDED IN GPA

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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Geography 621

The Politics of Environment

Contemporary issues in environmental conflict, management and governance with case-specific applications from global to local.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Notes: May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.

Geography 633

Research and Applications in Remote Sensing

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; 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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for both Geography 635 and 699.35 will not be allowed.

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: 3 units; 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: 3 units; 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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 633, 639 and 647 and 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: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Geography 681 and 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: 3 units; 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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

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: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Notes: May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.

Geography 695

Seminar in Geographic Research Methods