Teaching
Credit: Shawn Harrison & Gerry Hatcher, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center. Public Domain.
GEOG 110: Intro to Physical GeographyPhysical geography is many things! We investigate a variety of environmental topics that vary from local to global, and historic to future (space and time). Physical geography is one part of Earth Sciences, which studies and synthesizes the Earth’s four spheres: the atmosphere, the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, and the biosphere. This course focuses on the connections between these spheres, how phenomena at the global scale influence events locally (and vice versa), and will use the scientific tools of observation, analysis, and inference to understand the world around us.
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Credit: U.S. Government Accountability Office. Public Domain.
FALL only
Geographic Information Systems (GISystems) are computer software packages that link spatial information (where things are) with attributes (what things are). GISystems allow us to create maps, but are also a powerful set of analytical tools to help us understand relationships between objects and the significance of their locations. Geographic Information Science (GIScience) is research field that examines how digital technologies (GISystems, remote sensing, cartography, surveying, photogrammetry) represent geographical features and their attributes. This class introduces students to the basic principles and applications of GIScience and GISystems. Includes lab. |
Credit: USGS. Public Domain.
GEOG 310: Climate Change & Life in the AnthropoceneFALL only
Examines the physical basis of the climate system, including solar, atmospheric, biologic, and geologic evidence supporting our understanding of Earth’s past, present, and future climate cycles. Compares recent climate data with that of past climates to discuss how Earth’s current climates are changing, leading to the designation of a new era, “The Anthropocene.” Concludes with an examination of climate modeling and potential impacts to components of Earth and human systems, like biological diversity, water issues, and international treaties. |
Credit: NPS/Damon Joyce. Public Domain.
GEOG 450: Parks & Protected AreasSPRING only
Uses U.S. and international parks and protected areas to explore themes of human-environment interaction, sustainability, and conservation. Explores the history of parks and protected areas, including the development of the U.S. National Park system. Examines representative case studies to explain evolving ideas regarding wilderness, public space, principles of multiple use, and sustainability. |