Graduate Course Descriptions

Geog 200A - Introduction to Geographic Research, 2.0 Staff

Prerequisites: Required of all geography graduate students. Normally taken in fall quarter of entering academic year.

Presentation and discussion by department faculty of research areas in the department. Systematic and techniques areas of emphasis will be presented, as well as department facilities and research collaborations with other institutions.

Geog 200B - Introduction to Geographic Research, 4.0 Staff

Prerequisites: Geography 200A or approval of Graduate Committee. Required of all geography graduate students. Normally taken in winter quarter of entering academic year.

Fundamental issues of research in geography and related areas: the geographic perspective, scientific reading/writing and problem formulation, research techniques, the scientific enterprise, and science and society.

Geog 200C - Introduction to Geographic Research, 2.0 Staff

Prerequisites: Geography 200A or approval of Graduate Committee, and Geography 200B. Required of all geography graduate students. Normally taken in Spring quarter of entering academic year. Requires instructor number to register.

Directed readings and research leading to a draft thesis proposal (MA students) or a systematic literature review in perspective dissertation area (Phd students); participation in seminars discussing ongoing graduate research.

Geog 201 - Seminar in Geography, 2.0 Staff

Prerequisites: Required of all geography graduate students very quarter offered.

A series of lectures and seminars on diverse problems in human and physical geography by current and visiting faculty.

Geog 202A - Remote Sensing and Environmental Optics, 5.0 Roberts

Prerequisites: Geography 115A

Principles of radiation emission; radiative transfer equation and some solution methods; surface interactions; instrumentation; applications to remote sensing and energy budgets in atmosphere, ocean, and other media.

Geog 205 - Seminar in Environmental Geography, 2.0-4.0 Proctor

Intensive reading and discussion on current topics in environmental geography. Sample areas of focus include environmental philosophy, human ideas of nature, and human-induced environmental change.

Geog 208 - Water Resource Systems Analysis, 4.0 Loaiciga

Recommended preparation: Geography 112, 116, upper-division calculus and statistics. Computer programming or object-oriented programming desired (Matlab, Mathematica, Excel)

Quantitative methods (operations research, applied mathematics and statistics, numerical simulation) are used to analyze and synthesize complex water resources systems. Topics include economic analysis, hydropower, flood control, groundwater management, and reservoirs.

Geog 209 - Pedology, 4.0 Chadwick

Prerequisites: Must be taken with Geog 209L.

A process-based, quantitative study of soil development as driving variables of climate, biota, lithology, topography and geologic- time. There will be an emphasis on interactions among soil and other earth system components: atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere. (Spring, odd-numbered years)

Geog 209L - Pedology Lab, 1.0 Chadwick

Prerequisites: Must be taken concurrently with Geog 209.

Independent projects that will include field site selection, soil description, sampling, laboratory preparation of soil samples, and chemical and physical analysis designed to resolve specific hypotheses. (Spring, odd-numbered years)

Geog 210A - Analytical Methods in Geography I, 4.0 Siegel

Prerequisite: Geog 172/172L or equivalent. Required of all Geography graduate students. Not open for credit to students who have completed Geog 210.

Introduction to analytical methods used to solve environmental problems. Topics include: calculus, vector analysis, and differential equations. Emphasis is placed on problem statements and solutions.

Geog 210B - Analytical Methods in Geography II, 4.0 Michaelsen

Prerequisite: Geog 210A. Required of all Geography graduate students. Not open for credit to students who have completed Geog 206.

Statistical principles and practice of analyzing geographical data. Topics include bivariate and multiple regression and other multivariate techniques. Emphasis on exploratory data analysis and graphical techniques.

Geog 210C - Analytical Methods in Geography III, 4.0 Kyriakidis

Prerequisite: Geog 210B. Required of all Geography graduate students. Not open for credit to students who have completed Geog 274/274L.

Introduction to the analysis of spatial data. Measures of spatial association, multivariate regression applied to spatial data. Geostatistical techniques for modeling and interpolating spatial data.

Geog 211A - Advanced Transportation Systems Planning, 4.0 Goulias -NEW!-

Prerequisite: Introductory Statistics.

Systematic and analytical approaches used in transportation planning. Models of demand and supply in transportation, land use, activity analysis. Forecasting of travel demand and related policy analysis and decision making. GIS-based statistical and simulation tools and methods for transportation anaylsis.

Geog 211B - Analytical Methods in Travel Behavior, 4.0 Goulias -NEW!-

Prerequisites: Introductory statistics. Recommended preparation: Economics 140A-B.

Travel demand, activity-based approaches, travel surveys, notice of statistical inference, linear and non-linear regression models, discrete dependent variables and selectivity, contingency tables, limited dependent variables. Introduction to multi-level and multi-equation approaches in travel behavior analysis. Introduction to panel analysis techniques.

Geog 211C - Seminar in the 4 T's in Life: Time-Use, Transportation, Technology, and Telecommunications, 4.0 Goulias -NEW!-

Prerequisite: Geography 211B.

Time-use, activity analysis, and travel behavior in space and time. Information and communication technologies and their impacts on travel behavior. Cross-sectional and longitudinal data collection and data analysis of the interaction of the 4 T's. Applications using simultaneous equations, multilevel and latent class models, and structural equations.

Geog 213 - Digital Techniques in Remote Sensing, 4.0 Mertes

Prerequisites: Geography 115B, 115BL, l72 and 172L or consent of instructor. Must be taken concurrently with Geog 213L.

Intermediate instruction in the interpretation of environmental phenomena recorded in digital data formats by remote sensing instruments. Emphasis is on learning the more advanced techniques of image restoration, image enhancement, image transformation, and both supervised and unsupervised classification.

Geog 213L - Laboratory in Digital Techniques in Remote Sensing, 1.0 Mertes

Prerequisites: Geography 115B, 115BL, 172 and 172L. Must be taken concurrently with Geography 213.

Interactive computer manipulation of digital data in laboratory exercises designed to develop skills in advanced techniques of image processing. Both commercial and public-domain software packages employed. Term project applying digital image processing skills to scientific problem.

Geog 214A - Advanced Remote Sensing: Optical, 5.0 Roberts

Prerequisites: Geography 213 or equivalent.

Optical remote sensing (Vis/NIR, Thermal). Discusses advanced sensors, techniques, modeling and applications in each spectral region. Includes a set of computer-based laboratory exercises. A final paper and oral presentation of a research project using remote sensing is required. (Winter)

Geog 214B - Advanced Remote Sensing Microwave, 5.0 Roberts

Prerequisites: Geography 213 or equivalent.

Microwave remote sensing (Active and Passive). Discussion of advanced sensors, techniques, modeling and applications in the microwave. Includes a set of computer-based laboratory exercises. A final paper and oral presentation of a research project using remote sensing is required.

Geog 215 - Seminar in Remote Sensing, 2.0-4.0 Staff

Prerequisites: Geography 115B. May be repeated more than once with changes in content and methods examined.

Advanced concepts in multispectral, multidate, manual, and automated remote sensing techniques.

Geog 217 - West U.S. Field Work, 4.0 Michaelsen

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Study of the physical and cultural geography of the Western United States. Field study may include visits to federal, state, academic, and industrial facilities, National State Parks, and monuments. Students prepare and present background material as part of course.

Geog 220 - Seminar in Regional Analysis, 4.0 Couclelis

Prerequisites: Geography 172 and 172L.

Study of current research in regional analysis. The topic will differ each year and will be announced in advance.

Geog 221 - Research Methods in Human Geography, 4.0 Montello

Prerequisites: Geography 200A-B-C previously or concurrently taken.

Logic and techniques of conducting empirical research human geography. Covers hypothesis formulation, literature sources, data collection (including surveys), experimental and non-experimental design, data analysis, ethical treatment of human subjects. (Alternate years)

Geog 222 - Spatial Decision Making, 4.0 Smith

Prerequisites: Geography 105.

Study of current theories and empirical evidence concerning decision making in a spatial context by individuals, firms and government agencies.

Geog 224 - Methods of Regional Analysis, 4.0 Sweeney

Prerequisites: Geography 108 and 185B. Must be taken concurrently with Geography 224L.

Advanced seminar in methods of regional economic and population analysis. The population module with cover the theory and construction of the multi regional life table and projection model. The economic module will review input-output models, regional econometric models and CGE models. Other topics will include data availability, incomplete data analysis, and demo-economic models.

Geog 225 - Urban Problems, 4.0 Golledge, Couclelis

Recommended preparation: Geography 153B and 108.

Detailed studies of selected social, economic and physical problems related to modern cities.

Geog 229 - Environmental Perception and Cognition, 4.0 Montello

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Theories and methods related to acquiring, representing and analyzing knowledge of complex large scale environments.

Geog 230 - Behavioral Geography, 4.0 Golledge

Recommended: Geography 153B and 108.

Survey of behavioral approaches in a variety of areas of geography.

Geog 231 - Cognitive Issues in Geographic Information Science, 4.0 Montello, Couclelis

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Theory and research on cognitive issues in geographic information science. Perception, memory, reasoning, communication, human factors in digital worlds.

Geog 234 - Seminar in Cartography, 4.0 Clarke, Fabrikant

Prerequisites: Geography 118A, or 128.

Study and critique of advanced research work in cartography. Topic will vary year to year.

Geog 235 - Earth Radiation Budget and Clouds, 4.0 Gautier

Prerequisites: Geography 102 or 202A

Earth radiation balance - greenhouse effect - cloud/radiation interaction. Radiative/convective climate models. ERB measurements from space.

Geog 237 - El Niño: Atmosphere Ocean Interactions, 4.0 Gautier

Recommended preparation: Geography 133

Low frequency oscillations of atmosphere and ocean in tropical regions. Atmosphere ocean interactions. El Nino observations and modeling.

Geog 238 - Advanced Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere, 4.0 Gautier

Recommended: Course in Radiative Transfer.

Advanced readings in research on theory and models of radiative transfer as bases for the remote sensing of the atmosphere and meteorological forecast.

Geog 240 - Mock Environmental Summit, 5.0 Gautier

Prerequisites: Geography 3A-B, or equivalent, with a grade of C or better; and 2 upper-division geography courses.

Intensive course lasting 3 weeks during the Summer. Summit in which students act as expert scientists of different countries that participate in environmental treaty negotiations. Graduate students advise undergraduates, write documents, write presentations, ensure that science is understood, and play a role in the negotiations.

Geog 241 - Populations Geography, 4.0 Carr -NEW!-

Prerequisites: graduate standing.

Advanced substantive investigation of the geography of human population. The geographical dimensions of fertility, mortality, and migration are explored. Important recent and classic demographic literature is reviewed.

Geog 243 - Migration Models, 4.0 Sweeney

Recommended preparation: Matrix algebra, introductory microeconomics.

An advanced seminar on demographic and economic models of human migration. Consideration of both macro scale and models, including spatial interaction and Markov models of migration, and micro scale models that consider the migration decision from an individual’s or family perspective.

Geog 246 - Earth Systems Science: Hydrolic Modeling, 5.0 Loaiciga

Recommended preparation: Geography 112, 116, upper-division calculus and statistics. Computer or object-oriented programming desired (Matlab, Excel).
Quantitative and computational study of land-atmosphere hydrologic interactions; modeling of surface water and groundwater processes, regional groundwater systems and solute transport.

The study of hydrologic processes on scales from local to global and the land-atmosphere-ocean interactions affecting the hydrologic cycle. Advanced concepts in hydrologic model development and testing will be presented. (Winter, odd numbered years).

Geog 256 - Molecular Photosynthesis and Light in Aquatic Systems, 3.0 Staff

Prerequisites: Geography 263

A lecture course to introduce graduate students to the molecular processes of photosynthesis and the bio-optics of underwater light fields.

Geog 260 - Seminar in Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 4.0 Still

Prerequisites: graduate standing.

Examination of the global cycles of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and water; focus is on terrestrial environments; topics include photosynthesis, respiration, and interactions of humans with these cycles.

Geog 261 - Ocean Optics, 4.0 Dickey, Siegel

An examination of the optical properties and radiative transfers in natural waters. Applications to be discussed include modeling of solar radiation penetration, reflectance and transmittance at the air-sea interface and ocean color remote sensing.

Geog 262 - Upper Ocean Physical Processes, 4.0 Dickey, Siegel, Washnurn

Prerequisites: Geography 263. May be repeated more than once with changes in content and methods.

Detailed studies of upper ocean dynamics and physical processes. Topics include: mesoscale dynamics, mixed layer modeling, radiative transfer, turbulent mixing processes, and internal waves.

Geog 263 - Introduction to Physical Oceanography, 4.0 Dickey, Siegel, Washburn

A graduate-level introduction to physical oceanography. Topics to be discussed include: properties of sea water, derivation and application of the equations of motion for a rotating planet and the dynamics of wind-and buoyancy-driven general circulation.

Geog 264 - Seminar In Oceanography, 4.0 Dickey, Siegel, Washburn

Prerequisites: Geography 163 or 263 and Geography 265.

Graduate seminar in physical, optical, and biological oceanography.

Geog 266 - I ntroduction to Atmospheric Sciences, 4.0 Michaelsen

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Fundamentals in atmospheric processes that are important for understanding the role of the atmosphere in Earth’s climate and biogeochemistry. Graduate level introduction to radiation, dynamics, clouds, chemistry and how they interact.

Geog 272 - Advanced Topics in Biogeography, 4.0 Still

Prerequisites: Geography 167 or ESM 201.

Special topics of current importance in biogeography and conservation. Course content will vary. Information on upcoming course content can be obtained from the instructor or in the department office.

Geog 275 - Seminar in Geographical Information Systems, 4.0 Goodchild

Prerequisites: None.

Study of current trends in geographically oriented information processing systems.

Geog 276 - Geographical Time Series Analysis, 3.0 Washburn

Prerequisites: Geography 172

Introduction to time series analysis in geography. Topics will include spatial and temporal sampling, fast Fourier transform techniques, linear systems, and digital filtering.

Geog 277 - Spatial Environmental Modeling, 4.0 Roberts

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor. May be repeated for credit provided topics are different

Seminar covering topics in spatial environmental modeling. Integrates techniques such as remote sensing and GIS into the modeling of spatial processes. Topics include biogeochemical cycles, hydrology, species distribution and habitat disturbance.

Geog 278 - Practice of Geostatistical Modeling of Spatial Data, 5.0 Kyriakidis

Prerequisites: Geography 172 or equivalent, and Geography 274. Not available for credit to students who have completed Geography 276A.

Practice of geostatistics on large environmental data sets using MATLAB and the Geostatistical Software Library (GSLIB). Advanced methods for modeling spatial patterns, integrating spatial data across multiple scales, and simulating complex spatial distributions.

Geog 279 - Seminar in Geostatistics: Advanced Topics in Spatial Statistics, 3.0 Kyriakidis

Prerequisites: Geography 274 and 278. Not available for credit to students who have completed Geography 276C. May be repeated for credit.

Research frontiers/application areas of geostatistics. Advanced modeling of spatial patterns. Stochastic simulation algorithms, Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, and Latin Hypercube sampling of spatial distributions. Extension to spatiotemporal problems and Bayesian data integration.

Geog 288 - Special Topics in Geography, 4.0 Golledge

Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.

Special topics in geography will be defined and offered as demand requires, or as faculty develop new interests or wish to examine topics not otherwise covered in existing course offerings.

Geog 290 - Urban and Environmental Systems Analysis, 4.0 Church

Prerequisites: Geography 185B or Economics 1.

Applications of operations research techniques and decision analysis in structuring approaches to urban and environmental problems. Examples are drawn from problems in facility locations, regional models, transportation and other networks, utility corridors and similar problems.

Geog 291 - Optimization Models for Geographic Problems, 4.0 Church

Prerequisites: Mathematics 3A or 5A or 34A.

Survey of advanced optimization techniques with applications to geographical problems. Methods include advanced topics in linear programming, dynamic programming, integer programming, networks and queuing.

Geog 294 - Advanced Topics in Location and Transportation Systems, 4.0 Church

Prerequisites: Geography 190 or 191 or Geography 291. May be repeated for credit with changes in content, methods, and applications areas examined.

Study of current research and application of systems models in the analysis, design, operation and scheduling of transport and location problems.

Geog 295 - Advanced Topics in Pedology, 4.0 Chadwick

Prerequisites: Geography 209.

Intensive reading and discussions of current topics in soil-geomorphology, soil-geochemistry, and quantitative modeling of soil processes.

Geog 295A - Soils and Ecosystems, 3.0 Chadwick

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Same course as EEMB 295A

Development of the links between the biological and inorganic components of the soil. Water availability and nutrients control plant and soil microbial communities. These in turn affect the soil by enhancing weathering and modifying the local chemical environment.

Geog 296 - Technical Issues in Geographic Information Systems, 5.0 Goodchild -NEW!-

Study of the technical issues underlying Geographic Information Systems, including coordinate systems and analytic geometry, database models and structures, algorithms, and analytical procedures.

Geog 500 - Teacher Assistant Training, 4.0 Staff

May be repeated for credit.

Compulsory course for new Teaching Assistants to examine geographic teaching methods. Emphasis on use of special equipment and facilities in the department, teaching aids, examination preparation and grading, student advising, and special problems.

Geog 595 - Seminar in Marine Science, 2.0 Dickey , Alldredge

A series of lectures an seminars on diverse research topics in marine sciences.

Geog 596 - Directed Reading and Research, 2.0-8.0 Staff

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and Department Chairman. No more than half the graduate units necessary for the Master's degree may be taken in 596.

Individual tutorial. A written proposal for each tutorial must be approved by the Department.

Geog 597 - Individual Study for Ph.D. Examinations, 1.0-12.0 Tutorial

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and graduate advisor.

Instructor should be student's major professor or chairman of his/her doctoral committee.

No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree. S/U grading. Maximum of 12 units per quarter (F,W,S); enrollment limited to 24 units total.

Geog 598 - Master's Thesis Research and Preparation, 1.0-12.0 Tutorial

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and graduate advisor.

No unit credit allowed toward Master's degree. Research toward and writing of thesis. S/U grading.

Geog 599 - Ph.D. Dissertation Research and Preparation, 1.0-12.0 Tutorial

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and graduate advisor. Instructor should be chairman of student's doctoral committee.

No unit credit allowed toward Ph.D. degree. Research toward and writing of dissertation. S/U grading.