GEOGRAPHY AND EARTH SCIENCE (GEO/ESC)

  

GEO/ESC 422/522         Cr. 3

Meteorology and Weather Forecasting

Various principles and laws which govern the behavior of the atmosphere are investigated. Laws of gases and radiation, energy exchange between the earth and the atmosphere, laws of motion, various forces governing atmospheric motion, atmospheric moisture and psychrometry, condensation, precipitable water and precipitation, atmospheric stability/instability, thermodynamic characteristics of the atmosphere, vorticity, and synoptic meteorology are discussed. Surface and upper-air charts, synoptic patterns, thermodynamic charts, radar and satellite images, and weather patterns are analyzed for weather forecasting. Prerequisite: ESC 101 or equivalent. Offered Sem. II.

 

Biogeography

A systematic analysis of the geographic distribution of organisms from historical, ecological and regional perspectives. Emphasis is placed on the principles and the methods of biogeography. Special reference is made to biogeographic regions, the distribution of organisms in space and time, and ecological biogeography. Prerequisites: ESC 221 and junior standing. Offered Sem. II, even-numbered years.

 

Soil Morphology and Genesis

A systematic analysis of soil morphology, weathering, factors of soil formation and soil-forming processes. Emphasis is placed on soil landscapes and the field study of soils. Special reference is made to current systems of soil classification. Prerequisites: ESC 221 or 222 and junior standing. Offered Sem. I, even-numbered years.

 

GEO/ESC 440/540         Cr. 3

Geographic Interpretation of Aerial Photographs

Systematic applications of aerial photographs in the interpretation and analysis of geographic problems. Emphasis is placed on drainage, landforms, vegetation, soils, urban and rural land use and transportation. Lect.2, Lab 2. Offered Sem. I, odd-numbered years.

 

GEO/ESC 445/545         Cr. 3

Advanced Remote Sensing

Techniques of digital image processing, emphasizing computer-assisted processing of satellite/airborne, digital data applied to natural resource, agricultural, land use, archaeological, and environmental problems. Study of data sources, acquisition, data integrity, manipulation, formatting, storage and retrieval; integration with a geographic information system for spatial analyses and decision-making. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: GEO 345. Offered Sem. I.

 

GEO/ESC 451/551         Cr. 3

Multimedia Cartography and Internet Geographic Information Systems

Application of digital methods of multimedia thematic cartography and Internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS); emphasis on the production of Web-based interactive maps, mapping on the Internet, spatial data acquisition and integrity issues, delivery of GIS databases through the Internet, Metadata issues and thematic mapping through the querying of spatial information. Prerequisite: GEO/ESC 250 and MTH 205 or 250. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Offered Sem. I.

 

GEO/ESC 455/555         Cr. 3

Applied Map Design and Production in Cartography and GIS

This course explores both manual and digital methods in cartographic design and production, map design theory, perceptual aspects of map symbols, methods of production for small format and large format maps, cost efficiency factors, design environments in GIS packages, production of both monochromatic and color maps, map publishing. Prerequisite: GEO 250.

 

Environmental Hazards and Land Use Planning

Environmental processes are investigated in light of the hazards they might pose for development and how they may be avoided or mitigated by proper land use planning. Prerequisite: ESC 221 or 222.

 

GEO/ESC 470/570         Cr. 1-3

Special Topics in Geography/Earth Science

Specifically selected topics or skills which may be designed for the interest of special groups will be offered with formalized instruction and methodology appropriate to geography and/or earth science. May be counted as an elective in the geography major or earth science minor at the discretion of the Geography/Earth Science Department. Prerequisite may be required at the discretion of the department. Repeatable for credit -- maximum 6. Pass/Fail grading. Offered occasionally.

 

GEO/ESC 476/576         Cr. 1-3

Geography/Earth Science Topics for Teachers

Selected topics in geography and/or earth science pertinent to applications in the teachers' classrooms. Courses are designed to meet the needs of teachers so that they may implement the course material into their classroom teaching. Offered occasionally.

 

GEO/ESC 481/581         Cr. 3

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

An introduction to both theoretical and applied aspects of Geographic Information Systems. GIS software with an emphasis on ARC/INFO will be used to analyze management of resources, environmental assessment, business location, and urban/ regional planning. Topics will include: data organization, database structure, input and output, data quality, and geographic analysis of spatial and attribute data. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisites: GEO 250 and MTH 205 or 250. Offered Sem. II.

 

GEO/ESC 485/585 Cr. 3

Advanced Geographic Information Systems

Advanced theories in GIS database structures, advanced applications, database transfers, database management, use of census data, spatial analysis, decision-making. Emphasis on ARC/INFO and its applications. Integration of GIS with Remote Sensing and GPS. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: GEO 481. Offered Sem. II.

 

 

GEO/ESC 490/590         Cr. 2-3

Independent Study

Individual readings and investigation of selected problems in geography. Open to senior majors and minors with a "B" (3.00) average in geography. Registration with consent ofregular adviser, instructor, department chairperson, and the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled. Maximum credit applicable to major -- 3; maximum credit from any instructor -- 3. Repeatable for credit -- maximum 6.

 

GEO/ESC 495/595         Cr. 1-3

Seminar in Geography/Earth Science

Investigation into various topics in geography or the earth sciences. Varying topics will be offered at intervals with a specific title assigned to each. Prerequisite: two semesters of geography and/or earth science. Additional prerequisites may be required by the instructor. Repeatable for credit -- maximum 6. Variable topics -- check semester timetables. Offered occasionally.

 

GEO 734         Cr. 1-3

Field Studies of World Regions

Geographic study of a selected region of the world with emphasis on guided field study and individual research problems. Library and field-work and geographic techniques of research leading to a better understanding of problems concerning another region of the world. Offered occasionally.

 

GEO/ESC 790         Cr. 1-3

Directed Study

Individual readings and investigations of selected topics in geography and earth science. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor and the department chair. Repeatable for credit -- maximum 3.