GEOGRAPHY AND EARTH SCIENCE (GEO/ESC)
Course Descriptions
GEO/ESC 422/522 Cr. 3
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, preciptable 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. (Cross-listed
with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Offered Sem. II.
GEO/ESC 425/525 Cr. 3
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. Prerequisite: ESC 221 and junior
standing. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or
ESC).
GEO/ESC 426/526 Cr. 3
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.
Prerequisite: ESC 221 or 222 and junior standing. (Cross-listed
with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Offered Sem. I.
GEO/ESC 440/540 Cr. 3
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. (Cross-listed
with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Offered
occasionally.
GEO/ESC 445/545 Cr. 3
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. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn
credit in GEO or ESC). Offered Sem. II.
GEO/ESC 455/555 Cr. 3
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. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or
ESC).
GEO/ESC 460/560 Cr. 3
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. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in
GEO or ESC).
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. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO
or ESC). Offered occasionally.
GEO/ESC 476/576 Cr. 1-3
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.
(Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC).
Offered occasionally.
GEO 485/585 Cr. 3
Advanced theories in GIS database structures, advanced
applications, database transfers, database management, use of
census data, spatial analysis, and decision-making. Emphasis on
ARCGIS and its applications. Integration of GIS with Remote
Sensing and GPS. Prerequisite: GEO/ESC 385. (Cross-listed with
ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Offered Sem. II.
GEO/ESC 490/590 Cr. 2-3
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 of regular
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. (Cross-listed with ESC; may
only earn credit in GEO or ESC).
GEO/ESC 495/595 Cr. 1-3
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. (Cross-listed with
ESC; may only earn credit in GEO or ESC). Offered occasionally.
GEO 734 Cr. 1-3
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
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. (Cross-listed with ESC; may only earn credit in GEO
or ESC).