Academic Courses

Description

An introduction survey of world geography with attention given to demographic, political, cultural, economic, and environmental characteristics of regions of the world. Especially recommended for education majors.

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An introduction to physical geography, surveying weather, climate, vegetation, soils, landforms, water resources, and their spatial interrelations and distributions.

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An introduction to weather and climate including influences on the biosphere (ecosystems and biomes). This course looks at local, regional, and global geographic relationships among atmospheric and biospheric systems, including an introduction to climate change. .

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Description

An introduction to weather and climate including influences on the biosphere (ecosystems and biomes). This course looks at local, regional, and global geographic relationships among atmospheric and biospheric, including an introduction to climate change. Students will engage in hands-on, field-based environmental observations in the laboratory.

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An introduction to Earth-surface processes and landforms. Students will observe and interpret a variety of landscapes in terms of the fundamental processes and factors that have shaped them through time, including water, wind, and tectonic forces.

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An introduction to Earth-surface processes and landforms. Students will observe and interpret a variety of landscapes in terms of the fundamental processes and factors that have shaped them through time, including water, wind, and tectonic forces. Students will engage in hands-on, field- based observations in the laboratory. Students will gain experience in the interpretation and integration of geospatial information including topographic and geologic maps, as well as aerial photographs and satellite imagery.

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Description

A foundations course which looks at the basis of political territory, international law and boundaries-both on the land and on the sea. This course identifies basic geopolitical units and their geographical expression--including states, nation states and supranational territories--and identifies the rules that govern sovereignty, territorial definition and international interactions at the borders. Special attention is given to the concept of nationalism and its role in redefining the contemporary global map.

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Description

An introduction to the practice of geographic research. The course takes a comprehensive approach to the research process in geography, including the development and formulation of research questions, the role of academic literature, identifying and working with relevant data sources, the application of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis, and written and oral presentation of research findings.

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Description

This course will focus on the key principles of environmental science, paying special attention to environmental systems and human interactions with these systems. The aim of the course is to give the student a solid, scientifically based understanding of the earth's current environment and how to analyze, assess, and begin to address human populations' impact on this environment.

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This lab course will bring key principles of environmental science to a lab setting. The aim of the lab exercises is to give the student a hands-on experience involving basic observation, evaluation, and assessment of environmental themes and problems.

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Description

This course explores the process of economic development under conditions of globalization. The focus is upon development theory, development and underdevelopment, debt and indebtedness, the construction of 'The Third World', and the creation of economic dependency. Special attention is paid to 'developing' areas or the world, including Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, South Asia, and others, where regionalized and national economic development theories, developed in the post World War II era which have subsequently challenged the so-called Washington Consensus and American development discourses.

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Description

A study of the earth as the home of the human race. The earth is here divided into particular world regions, which are studied in turn. Emphasis is given to the concept of culture and how it interacts in particular geographic regions with history, economics, politics, and demography.

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Description

This course examines the extent to which human activities have altered the natural environment--how much they have influenced animal species; vegetation systems; soils; water bodies and their quality; regional geomorphology; and the atmosphere. Policies, programs, and global extent of human environmental impact included.

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Description

An introduction to GIS, mapping and geospatial sciences. Topics include introductory GIS, map projections, land partitioning systems, map reading, map analysis, GPS, map making, aerial photography, and remote sensing. This course will guide students to GIS, mapping sciences and emerging geospatial technologies.

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Description

This course analyzes the field of contemporary geopolitical theory and the new 'critical geopolitics'. Beginning with an exploration of geopolitics in the 19th century, the course identifies the way in which strategic worldviews have influenced geographical thinking at all levels. Contemporary critical geopolitics--classic political, territorial and strategic thought of late 20th century-- is discussed.

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Description

Political geography is concerned with the spatial dynamics of power relations. This course focuses particularly on the nation-state, exploring the logic of the state and how it manages to legitimize itself as the dominant arbiter of political power. The course will also look at interactions between states and how they compete to control and dominate territory and resources.

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Description

Analysis of resource endowments, patterns of occupancy, and aspects of economic and political organization in different regions. The course may be repeated for additional credit with differing content. Title and hours of credit will be supplied at the time of offering.

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Description

A study of the economy and its geographical structures and patterns. Introduces and critiques theories of location and economic landscapes and processes and develops a conceptual framework of the economy that encompasses the constitutive roles of spatial relations and nature-society relationships. and structural relationships among economic activities. Same as ECON 3425.

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This course in population geography introduces the basic methods of demography as well as the impacts population dynamics have on society and its economy through time and space.

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A study of the inherent geographical challenges and possible solutions to a global economic system that is quickly depleting scarce resources while causing rapid environmental strain.

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This course introduces the principles of remote sensing and explores the practical integration of remote sensing with geographic information systems.

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Description

Introduction to urban processes and patterns, including: global urbanization and the origin of cities; urban hierarchies and systems of cities; global cities; uneven economic growth and the functional specialization of cities; economic restructuring, migration, regional policies, dynamics of urban property markets; changes in population job location, housing, mobility and neighborhoods; ethno-cultural diversity, and spatial inequalities; and planning, politics and policy issues in North American cities.

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Description

This course examines the geographic dimensions of the city of Atlanta and its metropolitan region. Students will gain an understanding of the historical, urban, social, economic, political and physical patterns and processes shaping the city and metro area at different geographic scales: at the local and metro scales, the city's growth and internal structure; at the regional scale, the city's role in the American South; and at the national and global scales, the city's dynamic position in wider urban, economic and social systems.

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A study of weather and climate, including atmospheric properties and processes, and atmospheric influences on Earth's surface environment, at a variety of spatial and time-scales.

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A study of the physiographic regions of the United States, including the genesis and distributional patterns of major regional landforms, soils, and vegetation. Emphasis is placed on the cartographic interpretation of regional features.

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Description

Biogeography is the subdiscipline of Geography that deals with the distribution, ranges, and limits of plants and animals over space and time. This class will focus on the processes and patterns of plant distribution in the contemporary landscape, stressing the development of North American vegetation. The course will cover topics evolution as it relates to Quaternary migration and distribution, North American biomes, disturbance ecology, invasive species, environmental stewardship, climate change, and field methods.

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Description

Ecology and Climatology are two vastly different disciplines. Ecology is concerned with the interactions of organisms with their environments and Climatology is the study of the long-term physical state of the atmosphere. There two disciplines were not combined until the advent of global climate models in the 1970s. Ecological climatology is the interdisciplinary framework used to understand the functioning of the terrestrial ecosystems as part of the climate system. Specifically, how do changes in land cover influence short-term and long-term weather patterns.

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Description

This course offers a survey and analysis of the multiple dimensions (economic, political, cultural, environmental, urban, ideological) of globalization and its role in shaping contemporary world geographies. The course will situate globalization in the context of capitalism's historical and geographical development and will focus on the changes and processes that have shaped world geographies since the late 1960s. Students will acquire both empirical and theoretical understandings by studying competing concepts and explanations of globalization and its impacts and applying them to current day events and issues.

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Description

Research or other work related to student’s independent project. This is a 1-3 hour course repeatable up to six hours.

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Description

A capstone course for Geography majors focusing on the final stages of the research process, including how to discuss the relevance of research findings in both academic and broader contexts, how to effectively communicate research findings, and how to professionally present and communicate expertise and skills developed through independent research and other coursework.

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An introduction to soils from a natural science perspective, emphasizing the relationship between soils and geology, climate, vegetation, and landscapes. Concepts will include soil physical and chemical properties, soil formation and horizonation, soil water, erosion, soil geography, and environmental and sustainability issues related to soil. Practical field and laboratory skills will be emphasized, including standard techniques and terminology for describing soils in the field, applying the US system of soil classification, interpreting National Resources Conservation Service soil survey data and performing geospatial analysis of digital soils data. A required field trip will allow students to observe soils in a variety of landscape settings.

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Description

Study of advanced topics in economic geography. Specific titles will be announced for semester offered and will be entered on transcripts. May be repeated for additional credit as topics change.

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This course will focus on the links between energy use and environmental degradation. Physical processes and social dynamics will be considered in order to understand the complex issues of energy production, demand, and consumption. In this class students will practice expressing informed opinions about current environmental energy debates, examine the social aspects of energy issues, and consider alternative energy futures.

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An introduction to the evolution and current practice of water resources management in the United States. Emphasis on principles of multiple objective resource evaluation and project design.

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A study of the intersection between ethics and geography. This course takes up issues such as the geographical conditioning of norms and values, the geographical dimensions of responsibility, and the ethical dilemmas involved in our current social geography. As will be revealed in the course, many of the issues covered in human geography, from globalization and border making to migration and environmental degradation, are linked to deeply seated, yet contested norms.

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Description

This seminar explores cultural geography from a critical perspective. Students are asked to consider the relationship between culture and development, post-colonial cultural theory, gender and race, feminist theory, cultural hybridity and globalization, and the new cultural spaces of the 21st century. The focus in upon identifying the geographical dimensions of conflicts, underlying the construction of culture, understanding culture as a discursive project, and appreciating culture as a power relationship.

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Description

An introduction to the use of Geographic Information Systems, including GIS theory, data input, spatial analysis, and final output.

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Computer-assisted map design and production.

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Description

Study on airphoto interpretation and photogrammetry. Topics include digital airphotos, correcting airphoto distortions, orthophoto generation, stereoscopy and DEM generation, airphoto interpretation techniques, and mapping with airphotos.

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Description

This course applies remote sensing techniques to contemporary topics like image classification, LiDAR, natural resources, urbanization, water, or climate. Students will learn how to process remote sensing data and will develop remote sensing application projects.

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Description

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of climatology with an emphasis on how the climate system works, quantitative approaches to climate analysis, the planetary energy budget, and air-sea interactions. Urban, regional and global climate features and human impacts are addressed. Current issues in climate research, sustainability, and policy will also be explored.

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Description

Study of advanced topics in urban geography. Specific titles will be announced for semester offered and will be entered on transcripts. May be repeated for additional credit as topics change.

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Description

This is an advanced course on the evidence for, and theories of, environmental variability over time. Students will become familiar with environmental change before and since the Industrial Revolution. Attention will be paid to natural environmental mechanisms and the human activities of industrial societies which modify them.

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Description

This course focuses on principles, methods, and applications of GIS technologies. It emphasizes hands-on opportunities to learn technical skills and best practices. Students will learn how to process different types of GIS data and will develop an individual project to design, implement and run GIS models.

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Description

This is an advanced course in GIS databases and enterprise GIS database implementation. It is focused on the creation and administration of GIS databases. It introduces the concepts of database structure and the integration of spatial and attribute data. Topics include metadata creation, database development, querying, and administration. This class includes lectures, lab assignments, exams, and student-directed projects.

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Description

This is an advanced course in GIS focusing on application development and customization. Programming languages are used to develop GIS applications. In this course students will gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of customization and programming in a GIS environment. Programming languages supporting GIS applications such as VBA and Python will be introduced. This class includes lectures, lab assignments, exams, and student-directed projects.

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Description

An integrative course that examines concepts and knowledge from physical geography, geology, ecology, anthropology and evolutionary biology. This course will cover advanced topics on the origin and dispersal of plants and animals, biotic communities, ecological relationships and the impact of human activity on the biosphere.

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Description

This is an applied practicum that fosters effective use of GIS. Students who successfully complete the course are able to create, manipulate, and manage geographic data to perform analysis tasks, to visualize geographic data, and to use geographic data analyses to support decision making. This course is designed to equip students with skills needed in the geospatial field.

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Description

Dendrochronology is one of the most versatile disciplines in the physical and cultural sciences. The science uses tree rings that are dated to their exact year of formation to analyze the temporal and spatial patterns of processes in the physical and cultural sciences. The science takes advantage of the fact that trees are nature's ultimate environmental monitoring stations. They are immobile, they assimilate events in the environment, they have their own special language, and they can't lie (although sometimes they make searching for the truth quite challenging). In this course, you'll learn how to read the language of trees and how to use this information to learn about past and present environmental processes that may shed light on your particular research questions.

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A course focusing on specialized, timely, or advanced topics in geography.

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Description

This course covers Earth materials and processes. For more information on this institution's eCore courses, please see http://www.westga.edu/~ecore/

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Description

Acquaints students with geological concepts, processes, and earth materials and their effects on mankind and the environment. Topics include rocks and minerals,volcanoes, earthquakes, rivers, glaciers and the dynamic forces that move continents, build mountains, and create ocean basins.

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Description

This modern, non-mathematical, introductory course acquaints students with basic geological concepts, processes, and earth materials and their effects on man and his environment. Emphasis is on processes shaping the surface of the earth (volcanoes, earthquakes, rivers and glaciers) and the dynamic forces which move continents, build mountains, and create ocean basins.

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Description

Application of modern geological and biological concepts to interpret earth history. Acquaints students with fossil evidence for tracing the origin and evolution of life. Emphasis placed on developing a broad understanding of the origin and development of the earth and solar system, concepts of sea-floor spreading and plate tectonics and the evolution of the earth's atmosphere and life.

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Description

This course teaches students to use basic, modern geological and biological concepts to interpret earth history. It will acquaint them with the fossil evidence for tracing the origin and evolution of life. Emphasis is placed on developing a broad understanding of the origin and development of the earth and solar system, concepts of sea floor spreading and plate tectonics and the evolution of the atmosphere and life.

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Trains students in the protocols required for certification to participate in the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment GLOBE Program.

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Laboratory exercises to supplement lectures of GEOL 1123.

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An introduction to computer hardware, software and techniques used for acquiring, storing, analyzing, and presenting scientific data, particularly geologic and hydrologic data. Emphasis will be placed on commonly used and widely available software such as word processing, spreadsheet and database programs as well as mapping and drafting programs commonly used in the sciences.

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A survey of sky awareness, historical development of astronomy, the solar system, stars, nebulae, galaxies.

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An experimental introduction to the elementary tools of astronomy.

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Introduces science and non-science majors to the biological, chemical, physical, and geological features of the oceans. Acquaints students with the topography and geologic history of the oceans, sea-floor spreading, plate tectonics, atmosphere/ocean interaction, current movements, and ocean biology and chemistry. The course also will discuss sources of food, energy, and mineral resources, as well as environmental issues affecting the sea. Satisfies Area D1 Core Requirements for non-science majors.

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Description

The study of the geologic processes that formed our national parks. Selected national parks and monuments are used to illustrate fundamental geologic processes such as volcanism, sedimentation, glaciation, stream and shoreline erosion, and crustal deformation among others.

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A practical course that familiarizes students with basic instruments and techniques used by Geologists to collect structural, stratigraphic, topographic and other data in the field.

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A practical course that familiarizes students with basic instruments and techniques used by Geologists to collect structural, stratigraphic, topographic and other data in the field.

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Description

The origin and physical properties of the more common minerals and their crystal forms. Megascopic recognition of specimens, their mineral associations, and a brief introduction to modern x-ray diffraction. CHEM 1211 may be taken concurrently.

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Description

A study of the classification and origin of igneous, and metamorphic rocks. The geologic processes that form these rocks are studied by examining rock samples in the field and laboratory using hand sample, microscopic, and chemical techniques. Petrologic problems are studied at the local, regional, and global scales.

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Description

The recognition, description, and interpretation of primary and secondary rock-structures. Laboratory and field periods will be spent using both graphical and instrumental techniques necessary for describing and interpreting common structural deformation features. In addition to laboratory and classroom examples, each student is required to complete a lithologic and structural mapping project.

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Students will be introduced to the Polarizing microscope and to the techniques for the identification of minerals in thin section.

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Course will introduce students to the theory and practice of optical mineralogy and petrography; the systematic study of non-opaque rocks and minerals under the microscope.

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The description, classification and interpretation of sedimentary rocks. Using observations from modern sediments, and hand specimens and thin sections of sedimentary rocks, students will apply the principle of uniformity to interpret sedimentary processes and environments.

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The interaction between human activity and geologic processes. Included are natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, and flooding, human induced problems such as groundwater pollution, erosion and the exploitation of natural resources including rivers, shorelines, petroleum, and ores. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of underlying natural processes and the prediction and mitigation of problems.

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Description

Specially designed to meet the needs of future teachers, students design and carry out four independent inquiries, which they write up and present in the manner that is common in the scientific community. Course is restricted to UTeach students.

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Description

Characteristics, classification, genesis, and evolution of major earth surface features (landforms) and their associations (landscapes). The conceptual framework will involve understanding lithologic, structural, climatic temporal, and process controls. Includes applied aspects of humans as geomorphic agents and geomorphic processes as natural hazards. Topo-graphic map and air photo interpretation will be stressed.

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Description

Chemical realms of the earth and geologic materials, chemistry of geologic processes, geochemical cycles, and special topics.

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Classification, biology, distribution and diversity of major invertebrate animals with a fossil record. The course is designed to integrate modern biological concepts as applied to fossil organisms. Students will study fossil organisms to develop an understanding of the principles of evolution, stratigraphic correlation, and paleoecology.

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Description

Examines the various ways to constrain time in the geologic record, within the context of local, regional, and global change. Students will explore aspects of tectonic, biological and chemical evolution, mainly in sedimentary basins. Students will acquire broad knowledge of major stratigraphic tools and will understand their applications.

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Description

Course illustrates how observations from sediments and sedimentary rocks in the field and laboratory can be used to identify formative processes and depositional environments. This methodology is central to the analysis of depositional basins and to an understanding of the geologic time scale.

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Description

Introduction to principles of soil and rock mechanics. Discussion and experimental exercises ranging from basic field identification to advanced procedures for estimating soil rock mechanical properties.

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A study of the processes of crustal evolution by plate tectonics. Topics include a brief review of geophysical techniques, discussions of plate tectonics and sea-floor spreading, and a survey of mountain building processes through time.

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Description

An intense, four-week field excursion which provides a variety of field-oriented applications of major geologic principles. This course includes both regional syntheses of geological data and in-depth analysis of specific geological features and areas. Course may be repeated for credit.

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Description

Detailed assignments in specific areas of geology. Satisfies deficiencies or permits in-depth pursuit of the student's research in particular geological topics. Title to be supplied at the time of offering.

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Description

The geochemistry of the earth's lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere and the human modifications to these systems that cause environmental problems. Special topics include acid rain, greenhouse effect, toxic trace elements, landfills, energy usage and radon.

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An investigation of groundwater and the earth's hydrologic cycle. Examines the physical aspects of groundwater occurrence and movement, and provides an introduction to contaminant transport and chemical hydrogeology. Lab exercises will acquaint students with hydrogeology field methods and equipment.

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Description

A multidisciplinary investigation into the major societal issue of increasing impacts of natural hazards. Examines property damage and loss of life caused by geologic hazards (earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes), meteorological hazards (hurricanes, tornadoes, floods), and others (fires, technological hazards, biohazards). A major focus will be on social science issue of planning, politics, economics and their control on management of high hazard areas, vulnerability assessments, and mitigation.

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Description

A multidisciplinary investigation into the morphology, classification and identification of the dinosaurs; the environmental, climatic, and geographic conditions on earth during the time of the dinosaurs; and the biological principles involved in understanding the origin, evolution, and extinction of the dinosaurs. Techniques for using dinosaurs to teach children of all ages the fundamentals of science will be explored.

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Description

Directed toward science and science education majors, this course investigates the geology of the state of Georgia. Students learn fundamental geological principles necessary for deciphering Earth history. The geologic history of Georgia's geologic provinces is explored. Topics include coastal hazards, water in Georgia, landforms and mineral resources of Georgia.

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Description

A program of study, discussion, readings, and presentations concerning the significant interrelationships of a wide variety of basic geological concepts. Topics may also include career paths, licensing and other matters concerning the profession of Geology. Advanced geology students, faculty, and outside speakers interact within a seminar framework designed to increase the geological maturity of the students.

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Description

Introduction to geology and economics of non-energy mineral resources. Emphasis placed on the descriptive geology and origin of economic mineral concentrations within the context of their overall geologic settings. Lab exercises will involve identification and characterization of representative ore suites from important mineral deposits. Students will complete a research project on exploring for or developing a major ore deposit or mineral/rock resource. A fieldtrip is anticipated to examine the geology, exploration methodology, development, and permitting issues related to mineral/rock production. Students will also prepare for and take the National Association of State Boards of Geology, Fundamentals of Geology (FG) professional licensing exam.

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Description

Title and description of course to be specified at time of offering. May be repeated for credit.

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