GEO - Geography
An introduction to the physical processes of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere and the global distribution of climate, soils, and vegetation. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Satisfies University Program laboratory requirement. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(2-2)
An introduction to the human use of earth resources and quantitative examination of select environmental issues resulting from the societal use/misuse of our planet. Quantitative Reasoning. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(3-0)
This course is an introduction to human geography that provides geographical perspectives on population, the economy, politics, urbanization, and culture. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. This course may be offered as writing intensive. (University Program Group III-B: Studies in Social Structures)
Credits
3(3-0)
Nature of atmospheric processes, weather, and climate - why and how they vary over the surface of the earth.
Credits
4(4-0)
Fundamentals of geographic information science - including spatial data gathering, measurement, classification, analysis, display and map interpretation. Current computer mapping technologies are used in laboratory. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Quantitative Reasoning. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Science)
Credits
3(2-2)
Introduction to the properties and movements of ocean waters; to marine life, the ocean floors, and the effects of the oceans on humans. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Identical to
GEL 205, credit may not be earned in both courses. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(3-0)
Cross Listed Courses
GEL 205
Study of geomorphic processes affecting the evolution and distribution of landforms; quantitative study of the regional physical landscape; analysis of human-landscape interactions. Prerequisite:
GEO 105 or
GEL 101 or 100 or 105 or 130.
Credits
3(2-2)
Introduces students to unmanned aerial systems technology, regulations, and impacts on society. Prepares students for FAA aeronautical knowledge test for commercial sUAS operations. Prerequisites:
MTH 107. Recommended: One of:
GEO 105, 120QR, 203QR.
Credits
3(3-0)
Introduction to skills geographers use to conduct research. Examines major methods geographers use for obtaining, analyzing, and interpreting data. Prerequisites:
GEO 105, 120QR, 121, 203QR.
Credits
3(3-0)
Concepts and applications of geographic information systems (GIS). Acquiring, organizing, managing, and analyzing geographic data; visualizing and communicating geographic information. Prerequisite:
GEO 203QR.
Credits
3(2-2)
Introduction to the fundamental principles and applications of remote sensing of the Earth. Prerequisite:
GEO 203QR. Pre/Co-requisites: One of the following:
GEO 105,
ENV 101,
BIO 240, ENS 101,
GEL 100.
Credits
3(2-2)
The course deals with stream waters and their alteration of the landscape. Stresses the interaction of water, land and human activity. Prerequisite:
GEO 210.
Credits
3(2-2)
Geographical analysis of contemporary global issues, including immigration, climate change, resource disputes, geopolitics and matters of race, gender, and class. Prerequisites:
GEO 120QR or 121WI.
Credits
3(3-0)
Study of world production, exchange, and consumption of agricultural commodities with emphasis upon the problems associated with food shortages and the areas most severely affected. This course is approved for offering in an online or hybrid format. Recommended: One of the following: GEO 120,
GEO 121,
GEO 105.
Credits
3(3-0)
Principles and theories of economic geography, the global interrelationships of regional and local economic activities, and the effects of technology on spatial economic structures. Recommended:
GEO 121, junior standing, or at least 3 credits in BUS, FIN, ECO, or MKT. (University Program Group III-B: Studies in Social Structures)
Credits
3(3-0)
Spatial patterns of fertility, mortality, and migration, and the processes underlying those patterns. Population growth, distribution, problems and policies. Recommended: One of the following: GEO 120, 121, junior standing.
Credits
3(3-0)
Interrelated nature of the growth of human activity and the resulting spatial expression. Impact of growth on environment. Prerequisite: GEO 120.
Credits
3(3-0)
Quantitative analysis of modern resource utilization; systematic examination of U.S. water and power distribution infrastructure; sociometric analysis of attitude and perception data regarding natural resources. Prerequisite:
GEO 105 or 120 or
GEL 100 or 101 or 105 or 130 or
PHS 151 or
ENV 101. Recommended: STA 282 or
MTH 107.
Credits
3(3-0)
Study of land use planning history, concepts and techniques. Analysis of federal, state, and local government roles in planning. Examination of specific land use programs. Prerequisites:
GEO 203QR; 3 additional credit hours in GEO or PSC.
Credits
3(3-0)
Landscapes reflect culture, environmental interactions, and land use. Emphasis on the form, function, and spatial pattern of professionally planned and ordinary landscapes alike. Prerequisite:
ENV 101 or
GEO 120QR or 121 or 331 or
HST 302 or 319.
Credits
3(3-0)
A lecture/field course introducing the physical, chemical, and biotic properties of soils, soil classification and mapping, and soil resource issues. Identical to
BIO 334. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites:
CHM 120 or 131; one of the following:
GEO 105,
GEL 100, 101, 105, 130QR; or
BIO 212, 213 with a C- or better.
Credits
3(2-2)
Cross Listed Courses
BIO 334
Physical, biological and anthropogenic influences on the world distribution of plant and animal life. Prerequisites:
BIO 111; One of
GEO 105, 120QR,
ENV 101 or
ENS 101QR.
Credits
3(3-0)
The rise of cities and urbanization. Human use of urban space. The city as environment. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid formats. Recommended:
GEO 121 or junior standing.
Credits
3(3-0)
An overview of US and world history from geographic and ecological perspectives, focusing on the expansion/contraction of empires, spatial interactions, and technology/resources. Prerequisites: Junior standing, 12 hours of geography and/or history.
Credits
3(3-0)
Areal characteristics and territorial problems of states, including internal regional relations, border disputes, and colonial areas. Selected world problems. Recommended:
GEO 121.
Credits
3(3-0)
A geographic analysis of the developing world focusing on processes of environmental, demographic, and socioeconomic change, particularly since World War II. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Recommended: 9 hours of social science courses.
Credits
3(3-0)
Physical environment, resources, economic activities, population patterns, and inter-regional relationships of United States and Canada. Recommended: One of:
GEO 105, 120, 121, junior standing.
Credits
3(3-0)
Causes and societal impacts of natural and human-induced environmental catastrophes such as fires, explosions, infrastructure failures, industrial pollution, and interaction of natural disasters and human- environment. Prerequisite: One of following:
ENV 101,
ENS 101QR,
GEO 120QR,
SEP 300QR.
Credits
3(3-0)
Geographical analysis of patterns associated with the understanding, representation, and treatment of gender across cultures and regions in the midst of globalization. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. (University Program Group IV-A: Studies in Discrimination)
Credits
3(3-0)
Geographic characteristics of the continent, its regions, and economic and political systems since WWII. National characteristics of culture, human/land relationships and international involvements. Recommended:
GEO 121; junior standing. Although no prerequisites are expected, students should be familiar with concepts common to geography, regional and social sciences.
Credits
3(3-0)
Geographic characteristics of Latin America from colonization to present. Regions are interpreted by analysis of geographical elements and their interrelationships. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Recommended:
GEO 121 or at least 3 credits in a social science. (University Program Group IV-B: Studies in Cultures Outside of the Anglo-American Tradition)
Credits
3(3-0)
See course search and registration.
Credits
1-9(Spec)
Discussion of China's physical environment and the geographic patterns of social, political, and economic processes. China's dynamic roles in world geopolitics and global economy. Prerequisite:
GEO 121 or junior standing.
Credits
3(3-0)
Geographic analysis of the interrelationships between Michigan’s geomorphology, biogeography, climate, resource use and protection, agriculture, land division, transportation, demography, economic and urban development. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Credits
3(3-0)
Exploration of topics in geography agreed upon by student and instructor. Only 1-3 credits can be earned within one registration period. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Credits
1-6(Spec)
Study of Geography in the K-12 curriculum including relevant teaching methods, state content standards, and strategies for teaching diverse students. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: junior standing; 12 hours of geography or social sciences.
Credits
3(2-2)
Introduction to the Global Positioning System, system operation, data capture, mission planning and data import to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Prerequisites: GEO 203, 303. CR/NC option available.
Credits
1(1-0)
This capstone course solidifies advanced-level understanding of the discipline of Geography. Students apply geographic knowledge and methods to an advanced-level research project. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: Senior standing with a minimum of 21 credits completed in the major.
Credits
3(3-0)
Advanced methods and theories concerning the field of cartography including: cartographic communication and visualization, digital map compilation and multivariate data representation. Prerequisites:
GEO 303.
Credits
3(2-2)
Fundamentals of GIS and its applications in environmental, social and economic analysis (for non-geography majors only). This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. Prerequisites: GEO 203 or senior standing or graduate standing.
Credits
3(2-2)
Advanced techniques of geospatial analysis, with applications in social and environmental systems. Prerequisites:
GEO 303, 308; or
GEO 501; STA 282 or 382 or
BIO 500.
Credits
3(2-2)
Concepts and practice of professional mapping technology including 2- dimensional ComputerAided Design (CAD), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and integration between technologies. Prerequisites:
GEO 203QR, 303, 308; or
GEO 501.
Credits
3(2-2)
Applications of active and passive remote sensing to investigate patterns and processes of the environment. Prerequisites:
GEO 303, 308; or
GEO 501. Prerequisites/Co-requisites: STA 282 or 382 or
BIO 500.
Credits
3(2-2)
Experience in field research techniques and knowledge of regions outside the United States. International travel is required. May be repeated one time only. Prerequisites: 6 semester hours of 300 level or higher Geography course.
Credits
3-6(Spec)
Statistical techniques for solving spatial problems. Descriptive and inferential spatial statistics. Spatial pattern analysis. Regression modeling with spatial data. Prerequisites:
GEO 303, STA 382.
Credits
3(2-2)
Spatial data visualization and analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with emphasis on application to social sciences, planning, public policy, and business research. Prerequisite:
GEO 303 or
GEO 501.
Credits
3(2-2)
Topics include shoreline development, resource use, economic development strategies, social issues, and land use change through contemporary and historical perspectives in the Great Lakes region. Prerequisites:
GEO 105 or GEO 120;
GEO 350 or
GEO 395.
Credits
3(3-0)
Characteristics, processing, and applications based on advanced remote sensing systems including imaging radar, thermal and hyperspectral systems. Prerequisites:
GEO 508 and STA 382.
Credits
3(2-2)
GIS model design and implementation as directed towards environmental issues. Raster data models, concepts, structure, functions, examples, and modeling capabilities are explored. Prerequisites: GEO 203, 303 and 305; or
GEO 501. Recommended:
GEO 503.
Credits
3(2-2)
This course provides students comprehensive understanding of land use issues, processes and solutions. The course integrates innovative planning concepts with advanced analytic tools. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisite: GEO 530.
Credits
3(3-0)
For teachers who want to upgrade their knowledge of geography, experiment with new teaching techniques, and learn how to make professional in-service presentations to teachers. Graduate credit only. Prerequisites: Three years teaching experience and/or permission of instructor.
Credits
3(3-0)
Practices and procedures utilized by professionals in the implementation and maintenance of large-scale GIS operations. Prerequisites:
GEO 503 or Graduate Status in the MS GISci Program.
Credits
3(3-0)
See course search and registration.
Credits
1-6(Spec)
Experiences in applying geographic techniques to environmental analysis, resource management, and business applications. Up to 3 hours of internship credit can be applied to the geography/earth science major. A full-time internship position for one semester may qualify for 12 hours of credit. Prerequisite: permission of program advisor.
Credits
1-12(Spec)
Exploration of topics in geography agreed upon by student and instructor. Course may be taken for credit more than once, not to exceed nine hours. Prerequisites: At least 6 hours of Geography credit at the 400 level or above, permission of instructor.
Credits
1-9(Spec)