Approved Courses
The following list includes undergraduate courses that have been approved as of May 2009. Courses added after that date do not appear in this list. Courses eliminated after that date may still appear. Not every course is offered regularly. Students should consult the Schedule of Classes at www.testudo.umd.edu to ascertain which courses are actually offered during a given semester.
COURSE NUMBERING SYSTEM
| Number |
|
Eligibility |
| 000-099 |
|
Non-credit course |
| 100-199 |
|
Primarily freshman course |
| 200-299 |
|
Primarily sophomore course |
| 300-399 |
|
Junior, senior course not acceptable for credit toward graduate degrees |
| 386-387 |
|
Campus-wide internship courses; refer to information describing Experiential Learning |
| 400-499 |
|
Junior, senior course acceptable for credit toward some graduate degree |
| 500-599 |
|
Professional School course (Dentistry, Architecture, Law, Medicine) or post-baccalaureate course |
| 600-899 |
|
Course restricted to graduate students |
| 799 |
|
Master Thesis credit |
| 899 |
|
Doctoral Dissertation credit |
Use the search box below to view the approved courses.
Courses in "GEOG-Geography"
GEOG - Geography
GEOG 100 Introduction to Geography (3) An introduction to the broad field of geography as it is applicable to the general education student. The course presents the basic rationale of variations in human occupancy of the earth and stresses geographic concepts relevant to understanding world, regional and local issues.
GEOG 123 Causes and Implications of Global Change (3) Also offered as AOSC123 and GEOL123. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: AOSC123, GEOG123, GEOL123, or METO123. A unique experience in integrating physical, chemical, geological, and biological sciences with geographical, economic, sociological, and political knowledge skills toward a better understanding of global change. Review of environmental science relating to weather and climate change, acid precipitation, ozone holes, global warming, and impacts on biology, agriculture, and human behavior. Study of the natural, long- term variability of the global environment, and what influence mankind may have in perturbing it from its natural evolution. Concepts of how physical, biological, and human behavioral systems interact, and the repercussions which may follow human endeavors. The manner in which to approach decision and policy making related to global change.
GEOG 130 Developing Countries (3) An introduction to the geographic characteristics of the development problems and prospects of developing countries. Spatial distribution of poverty, employment, migration and urban growth, agricultural productivity, rural development, policies and international trade. Portraits of selected developing countries.
GEOG 140 Coastal Environments (3) Introduction to coastal environments, with emphasis on U.S. East Coast. Physical and ecological systems, beach processes, waves, currents, human impacts, coastal zone management and shoreline engineering. Case studies of coastal areas, including Ocean City, Maryland.
GEOG 170 Maps and Map Use (3) An exploration of ways in which maps are produced, including how data are gathered using remote sensing, how data are analyzed in geographic information systems, and how data are presented in cartographic form. Development of skills in map reading, data interpretation and analysis, environmental analysis, and user-oriented presentations.
GEOG 201 Geography of Environmental Systems (3) CORE Distributive Studies Physical Science Laboratory Course only when taken concurrently with GEOG 211. A systematic introduction to the processes and associated forms of the atmosphere and earth's surfaces emphasizing the interaction between climatology, hydrology and geomorphology.
GEOG 202 Introduction to Human Geography (3) Introduction to what geographers do and how they do it. Systematic study of issues regarding social and cultural systems from a global to a local scale. Looks at the distribution of these variables and answers the question "Why here, and not there"?
GEOG 211 Geography of Environmental Systems Laboratory (1) Two hours of laboratory per week. CORE Distributive Studies Physical Science Laboratory Course only when taken concurrently with GEOG 201. Pre- or corequisite: GEOG201 or GEOL100 or GEOL120. A laboratory course to accompany GEOG 201. Analysis of the components of the earth's energy balance using basic instrumentation; weather map interpretation; soil analysis; the application of map and air photo interpretation techniques to landform analysis.
GEOG 212 Introduction to Human Geography Laboratory (1) Two hours of laboratory per week. Pre- or corequisite: GEOG202. For GEOG majors only. Introduction to the basic methods and techniques employed in human geography.
GEOG 305 Quantitative Methods in Geography (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: BIOM301, BMGT230, ECON321, EDMS451, GEOG305, GVPT422, PSYC200, or SOCY201. A practical introduction to data sources and measurement, descriptive statistics, data collection, sampling and questionnaire design, field techniques, map use, computer use and data presentation.
GEOG 306 Introduction to Quantitative Methods for the Geographic Environment Sciences (3) Also offered as GEOG398Q. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG398Q or GEOG306. Formerly GEOG398Q. Essentials in the quantitative analysis of spatial and other data, with a particular emphasis on statistics and programming. Topics include data display, data description and summary, statistical inference and significance tests, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and some advanced concepts, such as matrix methods, principal component analysis, and spatial statistics. Students will develop expertise in data analysis using advanced statistical software.
GEOG 310 Maryland and Adjacent Areas (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG310 or GEOG321. Formerly GEOG321. The physical environment, natural resources, and population in relation to agriculture, industry, transport, and trade in the State of Maryland and adjacent areas.
GEOG 312 The United States and Canada (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG312 or GEOG320. Formerly GEOG320. The two countries as functioning geographic systems with important differences and key linkages. An examination of the cultural, environmental, and economic components and their spatial variation. Attention to the role of regions in national economies.
GEOG 313 Latin America (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG313 or GEOG323. Formerly GEOG323. A geography of Latin America and the Caribbean in the contemporary world: political and cultural regions, population and resource distribution, historical development, current levels of economic and social well-being, urbanization, development policies, migration trends, physical features and climates.
GEOG 328 Topics in Regional Geography (3) Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs. Selected topics in regional geography.
GEOG 330 Cultural Geography (3) Prerequisite: GEOG201, GEOG202, ANTH220, or ANTH260; or permission of department. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG330, GEOG360, or GEOG362. Formerly GEOG362. Impact of humans through ideas and technology on the evolution of geographic landscapes. Major themes in the relationships between cultures and environments.
GEOG 331 Introduction to Human Dimensions of Global Change (3) Prerequisites: GEOG201, GEOG202, ANTH220, or ANTH260; or permission of department. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG331 or GEOG361. Formerly GEOG361. Introduction to global-scale interrelationship between human beings and the environment. The development of global issues including but not limited to the environment, food, energy, technology, population, and policy.
GEOG 332 Economic Geography (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG203, GEOG303, or GEOG332. Formerly GEOG303. Principles of managing scarce resources in a world where everyone faces tradeoffs across both time and space. Focuses on the relationship between globalization processes and changing patterns of locational advantages, production, trade, population, socioeconomic and environmental grace and sustainability.
GEOG 334 The American City: Past and Present (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG334 or GEOG350. Formerly GEOG350. Development of the American city from the early 19th century to the present. The internal structure of contemporary metropolitan areas, the spatial arrangement of residential, commercial, and other activities. Washington, D.C. and Baltimore examples.
GEOG 340 Geomorphology (3) Survey of landform types and role of processes in their generation. Frequency of occurrence and implications for land utilization. Emphasis on coastal, fluvial, and glacial landforms in different environmental settings. Landform regions of Maryland.
GEOG 342 Introduction to Biogeography (3) Prerequisite: GEOG201. Recommended: GEOG211. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG342 or GEOG347. Formerly GEOG347. The principles of biogeography, including the patterns, processes and distributions of living organisms from local to global scales, aspects of ecophysiology, population and community ecology and evolutionary biology. Spatial processes in the biosphere will be covered.
GEOG 345 Introduction to Climatology (3) The geographic aspects of climate with emphasis on energy-moisture budgets, steady-state and non steady-state climatology, and climatic variations at both macro-and micro-scales.
GEOG 346 Cycles in the Earth System (3) Prerequisite: MATH140, AOSC/GEOG/GEOL123, or permission of department. Recommended: MATH141, PHYS141, PHYS161, or PHYS171. Also offered as AOSC346 and GEOL346. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: AOSC346, GEOG346, or GEOL346. The Earth System operates through some fundamental cycles such as water, energy, and the Carbon Cycle. This course will build on GEOL/GEOG/AOSC123 starting with concept of feedbacks within the Earth System, global energy balance and the Greenhouse Effect. A brief introduction to the atmospheric and oceanic circulation will lead to the water cycle connecting the land, ocean, and atmosphere to the Earth System. Introduction to the Global carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles will be followed by the concept of long-term climate regulation and short-term climate variability. The concepts of cycles, feedbacks, forcings, and responses in the Earth System will be applied to Global Warming and Ozone Depletion.
GEOG 372 Remote Sensing (3) Principles of remote sensing in relation to photographic, thermal infrared and radar imaging. Methods of obtaining quantitative information from remotely-sensed images. Interpretation of remotely-sensed images emphasizing the study of spatial and environmental relationships.
GEOG 373 Geographic Information Systems (3) Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Characteristics and organization of geographic data; creation and use of digital geospatial databases; metadata; spatial data models for thematic mapping and map analysis; use of geographic information system in society, government, and business. Practical training with use of advanced software and geographic databases.
GEOG 375 Introduction to Computer Cartography (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG370, GEOG371, or GEOG375. Formerly GEOG371. Principles of cartographic database, earth-map relations, map design, symbolization and color usage. Practical skills of making different thematic maps using simple software packages.
GEOG 384 Internship in Geography I (3) Only GEOG384 will count toward the major requirement. Prerequisite: GEOG201/211, GEOG212, GEOG306 and (ENGL391 or ENGL393). For GEOG majors only. Supervised field training to provide career experience. Introduction to professional level activities, demands, opportunities. Placement at a public agency, non-profit organization, or private firm. Participation requires application to the internship advisor in preceding semester.
GEOG 385 Internship in Geography II (3) Only GEOG384 will count toward the major requirement. GEOG385 will count toward university requirements. Prerequisite: GEOG201, GEOG211, GEOG212, GEOG306 and Junior English. For GEOG majors only. Supervised field training to provide career experience. Introduction to professional-level activities, demands, opportunities. Placement at a public agency, nonprofit organization, or private firm. Participation requires application to the internship advisor in preceding semester.
GEOG 396 Honors Research (3) Prerequisite: permission of department. Senior standing. For GEOG majors only. Formerly GEOG397. First course in the departmental honors sequence. Student development of a potential research topic under the guidance of a faculty advisor, culminating in a written and oral presentation of a research proposal.
GEOG 397 Honors Thesis (3) Prerequisite: GEOG396. Senior standing. For GEOG majors only. Formerly GEOG399. Second course in the departmental honors sequence. Student research under the auspices of a faculty advisor, culminating in a research paper to be defended orally before the geography honors committee.
GEOG 398 Special Topics in Geography (3) Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG298 or GEOG398. Formerly GEOG298. An introductory course dealing with special topics in geography.
GEOG 410 Washington, D.C.: Past and Present (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG410 or GEOG454. Formerly GEOG454. Development of the Washington, D.C. area from its origin as the Federal Capital to its role as a major metropolitan area. The geographic setting, the L'Enfant Plan and its modification, the federal government role, residential and commercial structure. The growth of Washington's suburbs.
GEOG 415 Land Use, Climate Change, and Sustainability (3) Prerequisite: GEOG123, GEOG306, or permission of department. Recommended: GEOG201/211, GEOG340, GEOG342, or GEOG331. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG415 or GEOG498D. Formerly GEOG498D. The issues of climate change and land use change as two interlinked global and regional environmental issues and their implications for society and resource use are explored.
GEOG 418 Field and Laboratory Techniques in Environmental Science (1-3) Prerequisite: permission of department. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG418 or GEOG448. Formerly GEOG448. Lecture and laboratory learning each week. A variable credit course that introduces field and laboratory analyses in environmental science. Individual learning contract are developed with instructor.
GEOG 431 Culture and Natural Resource Management (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG421 or GEOG431. Formerly GEOG421. Basic issues concerning the natural history of humans from the perspective of the geographer. Basic components of selected behavioral and natural systems, their evolution and adaptation, and survival strategies.
GEOG 432 Location Theory and Spatial Analysis (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG430 or GEOG432. Formerly GEOG430. Theories and procedures for determining the optimal location of industrial, commercial and public facilities. Techniques to evaluate location decisions. The provision of services with regions and metropolitan areas. Emerging trends.
GEOG 433 Transportation Networks (3) The theory and practice of analyzing transportation networks, including modes, links, routes, flows and regions. Examples drawn from different transportation modes.
GEOG 434 The Contemporary City (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG434 or GEOG450. Formerly GEOG450. The contemporary urban system: towns, cities and metropolitan areas and their role as concentrations of social and economic activity. Patterns of land-use: residential, employment, commercial activity, manufacturing, and transportation. Explanatory and descriptive models. International comparisons.
GEOG 435 Population Geography (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG422 or GEOG435. Formerly GEOG422. The spatial characteristics of population distribution and growth, migration, fertility and mortality from a global perspective. Basic population-environmental relationships; carrying capacity, density, relationships to national development.
GEOG 437 Political Geography (3) Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG423 or GEOG437. Formerly GEOG423. Geographical factors in the national power and international relations; an analysis of the role of geopolitics and geostrategy, with special reference to the current world scene.
GEOG 438 Seminar in Human Geography (3) Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs. Selected topics in human geography.
GEOG 440 Advanced Geomorphology (3) Prerequisite: GEOG340 or GEOL340 or permission of department. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG440 or GEOG441. Formerly GEOG441. A quantitative investigation of the fundamental geomorphic processes shaping modern landscapes, with emphasis on coastal, fluvial or glacial processes. Discussion of historical environments. Field, instrumentation and laboratory analyses.
GEOG 441 The Coastal Ocean (3) Prerequisite: GEOG140 or equivalent; or permission of department. Recommended: GEOG201 and GEOG211. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG441 or GEOG498C. Formerly GEOG498C. Introduction to coastal oceanography, focusing on the physical, biological, and geological aspects of ocean areqs on the inner continental shelves. Wave, currents, and tidal dynamics of bays, open coast, estuaries, and deltas. Sedimentary environments of major coastal types. Ecology and biogeochemical relationships, including benthic and planktonic characteristics. Coastal evolution with sea level rise. Human impacts: eutrophication, modification of sedimentation. The coastal future: rising sea level, hypoxia, and increased storminess.
GEOG 442 Biogeography and Environmental Change (3) Prerequisite: GEOG342 or equivalent. Recommended: GEOG123. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG442, GEOG447, or GEOG484. Formerly GEOG447. Biogeographical topics of global significance, including a consideration of measurement techniques, and both descriptive and mechanistic modeling. Topics may include: scale in biogeography, climate and vegetation, global carbon cycle, biodiversity, interannual variability in the biosphere, land cover, global biospheric responses to climate change, NASA's Mission to Planet Earth and Earth Observation System.
GEOG 445 Climatology (3) Prerequisite: GEOG345. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG445 or GEOG446. Formerly GEOG446. Quantitative investigations into the Earth's radiation balance, water cycle, and the interrelationship of climate and vegetation. Methodologies in climate research. Case studies related to global climatic change.
GEOG 446 Applied Climatology (3) Prerequisite: GEOG345 or permission of department. Components of earth's radiation balance and energy budgets: radiation, soil heat flux and the evaporation process. Measurement and estimation techniques. Practical applications of microclimatological theory and techniques.
GEOG 456 The Social Geography of Metropolitan Areas in Global Perspective (3) A socio-spatial approach to human interaction within the urban environments: ways people perceive, define, behave in, and structure world cities and metropolitan areas. Cultural and social differences define spatial patterns of social activities which further define distinctions in distribution and interaction of people and their social institutions.
GEOG 472 Remote Sensing: Digital Processing and Analysis (3) Prerequisite: GEOG306, GEOG372 or equivalent. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG472 or GEOG480. Formerly GEOG480. Digital image processing and analysis applied to satellite and aircraft land remote sensing data. Consideration is given to preprocessing steps including calibration and geo registration. Analysis methods include digital image exploration, feature extraction thematic classification, change detection, and biophysical characterization. One or more application examples may be reviewed.
GEOG 473 Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis (3) Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: GEOG306 and GEOG373. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG473 or GEOG482. Formerly GEOG482. Analytical uses of geographic information systems; data models for building geographic data bases; types of geographic data and spatial problems; practical experience using advanced software for thematic domains such as terrain analysis, land suitability modeling, demographic analysis, and transportation studies.
GEOG 475 Computer Cartography (3) Prerequisite: GEOG306 and GEOG373. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG471 or GEOG475. Formerly GEOG471. Advanced skills of computer mapping using more sophisticated software packages. Map projection evaluation and selection, coordinate system conversion, techniques of quantitative thematic mapping, map design and generalization, hypermedia and animated cartography. Emphasis on designing and making cartographically sound sophisticated thematic maps.
GEOG 476 Programming for Geographers (3) Prerequisite: GEOG306, GEOG373 or equivalent. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG498G or GEOG476. Formerly GEOG498G. An introduction to programming for geography. Introduces the concepts of computer programming as applied to Geography. Implementation language is Visual Basic.
GEOG 496 NASA Academy (4) Two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: College Permission. Junior standing. Also offered as CMPS496 and ENES496. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: CMPS496, GEOG496 or ENES496. A ten-week resident summer institute at Goddard Space Flight Center for juniors, seniors and first-year graduate students interested in pursuing professional and leadership careers in aerospace-related fields. The national program includes research in a Goddard laboratory, field trips to NASA centers, and a combination of lectures and workshops on the mission, current activities and management of NASA. Students interested in the Academy will find information at http://nasa-academy.nasa.gov Application should be made by the end of January; sponsorship by an affiliated State Space Grant Consortium is customary, but not required.
GEOG 498 Topical Investigations (1-3) Restricted to advanced undergraduate students with credit for at least 24 hours in geography and to graduate students. Any exceptions should have approval of department. Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs. Independent study under individual guidance.
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