GEOG 600Seminar in Spatial Data Handling0.50 units
An overview of concepts and methodologies in several aspects of spatial data handling: cartography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, spatial statistics. Analysis of spatial data sets.
Principles and techniques of analyzing environmental change from long time-series of remotely sensed imagery are examined. Case studies include the impacts of climate on sea ice and the role of natural and human-induced stress on tropical coral reefs. Prerequisites: Geography 603 or equivalent.
This course focuses on the extraction of hydrologically-relevant parameters from remote sensing that are germane to cold regions such as snowfall, snow cover, glaciers & ice caps, lake and river ice, permafrost, and seasonally frozen ground. The determination of hydrological parameters in the liquid and vapour phases such precipitiation, soild moisture, surface water, and evaporation/evapotranspiration from remote sensing, as well as the integration of remote sensing data into hydrological models are also covered. Prerequisites: UW undergraduates: GEOG 271, 371, 471 or undergraduate Geomatics degree. Undergraduate Geography degree with suitable remote sensing experience. Students with no remote sensing experience but strong GIS experience are required to take a 675 Directed Reading course entitled "Remote Sensing Analysis" prior to enrolment in 602.
GEOG 603Remote Sensing and Earth System Science0.50 units
This course will explore how remote sensing is used and in concert with empirical or physically-based models to help us better understand Earth system processes from the local to global scales. Students will learn how remote sensing measurements are coupled with radiative transfer models, energy and mass balance models and spatial analytical models from different components of the Earth system. Examples will be drawn from the hydrologic and carbon cycles from the human built enviornment. Prerequisites: UW undergraduates: Geog 271, 371, 471 or undergraduate Geomatics degree. Undergraduate degree with suitable remote sensing experience. Students with no remote sensing experience but strong GIS experience are required to take a 675 Directed Reading course entitled "Remote Sensing Analysis" prior to enrolment in 603.
GEOG 605Spatial Information Technology, Globalization and International Development0.50 units
This course considers the role of GIS and RS technologies for problem solving and planning decision support in developing countries. Topics covered include the globalisation of information technology and its transfer from developed to developing countries and general aspects of the spatial information technology industry and its relationship to society.
GEOG 606Introduction to Geographic Information Systems0.50 units
Introduction to GIS concepts and to their application in geographic studies using basic GIS software. This course is designed for students with little or no prior experience with GIS.
GEOG 607Applications of Geographic Information Systems0.50 units
Current applications of GIS and related technologies in geographic research and environmental management are examined through discussions and individual student projects. This course is designed for students with previous GIS experience.
An overview of high-resolution remote sensing systems and advanced study of image segmentation, data fusion, feature extraction, and change detection algorithms. Topics include 3D city modeling, land use/cover classification, urban heat island study, urban sprawl monitoring, and risk mapping.
GEOG 611Industrial Location Theory and Concepts0.50 units
Examination of industrial location theory, and themes concerning the role of manufacturing in the space-economy. Factors of location will be considered as will the way that manufacturing has led to spatial disparity on international, regional and local levels.
GEOG 613Regional Development Principles and Practice0.50 units
This course will review the principles underlying regional development theory and evaluate the application of these principles in policy and practice. The purpose of this course is to explore regional development options in the context of fiscal conservatism and intense international competition for investments.
Community Economic Development is a field of theory, process and practice that is concerned with understanding the forces shaping communities and finding sustainable local solutions to economic needs. This seminar course will examine topics such as capacity-building, asset-based strategies, social capital, poverty-alleviation, social enterprises and co-operatives, and comprehensive community initiatives, using international and local examples and case studies.
Theory and application of multivariate statistics, regression and correlation analysis, factor analysis, discriminant analysis and grouping analysis, with emphasis on the use of the computer.
Presentation of analytical and simulation models useful in analyzing geographic phenomena such as spatial interaction, spatial dependence, spatial equilibrium and locational optimization; consideration is given to both theoretical and empirical components.
GEOG 619Regional Planning Economic and Investment Analysis0.50 units
Critical appraisal of regional economic analysis, projection and decision-making techniques. Problem based study of methods commonly used by regional planners, economic developers, and consultants. Identification of leverage sectors, trend analysis, investment decision-making and input/output analysis are discussed. New analysis applications and approaches are explored.
GEOG 620Seminar in Urban and Economic Geography0.50 units
An overview of the paradigms and methodologies of urban and economic geography, illustrated by focusing on a specific project relating to the development of the space economy or the internal structure of cities.
GEOG 621Metropolitan Form and Structure in Canada0.50 units
A seminar on selected topics of particular relevance to understanding and planning for contemporary processes of metropolitan change in Canada. Major topics represent an interrelated set of exogenous forces, (globalization, economic restructuring, technological innovation and immigration and demographic shift), and endogenous structural responses, (central city decline, revitalization, dispersed styles of suburban development and new urbanist and ecologically sustainable styles of planned intervention).
GEOG 622Perspectives on Social and Behavioural Geography0.50 units
Examination of geographical contributions to contemporary social and behavioural research. Among the topics considered are behaviour-based research in learning, perception, and personality. Topics in contemporary social theory and research are also considered such as class, ethnicity, gender and community.
GEOG 630Seminar in Cultural and Historical Geography0.50 units
Students' analytical and applied skills are developed through a mix of readings, discussions, and individual student-originated research projects. Appropriate use of cultural and historical evidence in both physical and human geographical research is emphasized. Readings include the following themes: environmental history, ethnohistory, post-modernism, gender studies, and interpretation of culturally modified landscapes.
Kinds, locations and uses of primary sources of data, other sources; investigation of a selected topic in terms of the social organization of space, and of the cultural and subcultural beliefs and values involved.
GEOG 633Concepts and Research in Regional Studies0.50 units
Holistic approaches: their temporal and national origins and cross-influences; kinds locations, and uses of primary sources of information, other sources.
GEOG 634Selected Topics in Regional Studies0.50 units
Detailed study of physical, cultural, economic and political geography of a specified world region. (a) Europe (b) Mediterranean (c) Africa (d) Soviet Union (e) East Asia (f) Caribbean (g) Canada (h) North America.
GEOG 635International Development: Theories and Practice0.50 units
This course emphasizes both theoretical and conceptual frameworks, techniques, practices and methods for analysis of development, focusing in particular on the development - environment interface and questions of sustainability.
GEOG 636Gender Perspectives on Geographical Issues0.50 units
This course examines several conceptual research methods and action approaches, ranging from the purely theoretical to applied planning and program development issues.
Basic concepts related to temporal and spatial scales together with variability as they directly affect data collection and analysis. Leading edge research related to selected sub-disciplines of physical geography will be critically discussed.
Advanced study of the atmosphere as a natural resource system. Emphasis on the enhanced greenhouse effect; climate change scenarios, impacts and policy implications.
Advanced study of boundary-layer meteorology. Energy balance regimes for complex surfaces are examined. The theory of turbulent and radiant transfer is studied using field data collected during the course.
An overview of current issues and methodologies in geomorphology with special emphasis on processes operating in fluvial, glacial, periglacial or coastal environments.
An examination of the way in which human activities modify landscapes and the impacts of government policy and planning with respect to landscape change. The role of the geomorphologist in landscape rehabilitation.
GEOG 645Fluvial & Glaciofluvial Sediment Transport0.50 units
Laboratory (hydraulic) models and sediment transport theory are emphasized in the analysis of modern and ancient (Pleistocene) landforms of fluvial and glaciofluvial origin.
Overview of hydrological processes with emphasis on Canadian examples related to the hydrologic cycle, surface hydrology, groundwater hydrology, and measurement techniques.
GEOG 647Recent Advances in Wetland Studies0.50 units
Selected topics on the distribution, classification, functional dynamics, and ecosystem structure of wetlands. A scientific basis for wetlands management is emphasized.
This course examines the use of stratigraphic records from lakes to reconstruct environmental change. Topics include sediment coring techniques, radiometric dating methods, analysis of physical, geochemical and biological indicators, and case studies demonstrating applications to address scientific and management questions. Practical experience is gained from a lake sediment coring field trip and subsequent laboratory analyses. *eligible for MES.
This course provides an overview of the hydrology of cold regions. Physical processes are emphasized, but hydrological modeling, and geochemistry are included where appropriate. * eligible for MES.
GEOG 661AApplied Studies in Hydrology and the Environment 10.50 units
This applied hydrology course involves defining, designing and conducting research on the hydrology and/or water quality of a specific environmental setting. Drawing on strengths and interests of students, the field and laboratory activities in this course typically involve collection, analysis and reporting of primary data. The Fall-term (661A) focuses on literature review, problem definition, methodological design and data collection; the Winter-term (661B) includes analysis, interpretation and write-up suitable for publication in a refereed journal. Group work is typically involved.
GEOG 664Political Ecology: Nature, Society and Sustainability0.50 units
Readings, discussions and case study analysis draw attention to the intersection of political-economy and ecological analysis, and contested understandings of environmental change, livelihoods and sustainability. Topics may include communities and conservation, knowledge systems and power, ecological change, property rights and institutions, social movements, and methods.
GEOG 665Environmental Planning Theory and Practice0.50 units
An interdisciplinary approach to environmental planning. Focuses on the socio-economic, planning, environmental science, design, and decision-making theories and methods utilized in environmental planning theory and practice. Regional and local case studies and studio projects will be used to demonstrate professional practice issues and techniques. Recommended: A senior level course in ecology, environmental science, landscape architecture or equivalent.
GEOG 666Ecosystem Approach to Park Planning0.50 units
An ecological approach to planning national and provincial parks, focusing on system planning, master planning and park administration. Examination of the theory and practice of parks planning, utilizing ecological concepts. Recommended: a senior undergrad or graduate ecology course. Estimated additional field trip cost to student: $30.00
Techniques and technicalities covered in the first part of the course include legal aspects, teamwork, data collection and manipulation, public participation, and cost benefit analysis. These topics are followed by case histories considered from the perspective of proponent, public, consultant and government. Finally, the ethics and politics of environmental impact assessment are reviewed. Students are required to participate in a group case study on a current impact assessment issue. Estimated additional field trip cost to student: $30.00.
Renewable and non-renewable energy supply systems are compared using economic and environmental measures. Consumption trends, conservation options and choices are considered at the household, community and global scales. Projects are used to demonstrate the economic and environmental challenges in the design of sustainable energy systems.
GEOG 671Contemporary Perspectives on Tourism0.50 units
This course will introduce participants to a variety of topics and research methods through presentations made by active researchers from Canada and abroad.
GEOG 672Human Ecology of Stressed Environments0.50 units
An examination of socioeconomic-biophysical system interactions emphasizing multi- and transdisciplinary perspectives such as human ecology, health, ecosystems, and complexity. Students normally focus on one particular problem and region to illustrate concepts and methods.
GEOG 673International Perspectives on Resource and Environmental Management0.50 units
An overview of issues, problems and concepts in international resource and environmental management. The complex nature of ecological/biophysical, economic, and sociocultural aspects of resource management will be explored, with particular emphasis placed on tracing challenges experienced in developing countries.
Topic(s) to be negotiated on an individual basis with faculty members. An outline for this course, approved by the professor in charge, must be submitted to the Program Director, within three weeks of registration.
GEOG 685Theory of Local Economic Development0.50 units
This course focuses on economic development for regions, communities and municipalities. We examine organizational structures and strategies that a community may employ to increase its capacity to control its destiny. Topics include: strategic economic planning, information management, partnerships, internet opportunities, entrepreneurship, incubators, tourism, sustainable development and healthy community initiatives. Finally, we critique various evaluation methods.
GEOG 690Geographic Thought and Methodology0.50 units
An analysis of changing methods and philosophy of geographic research with emphasis on problem formulation and the design and evaluation of geographic research.
The aim of this course is to provide academic credit for a foreign academic learning experience.This will take one of the following formats: study with a foreign expert, a specialized graduate course taken at a foreign institution, or a research/study project abroad conducted under the guidance of an approved advisor. In all instances the plan of study must be approved before a student leaves and in each case a final approved report must be submitted.