Geography and Environmental Studies

GEOG 101. The Physical Environment (3)

Study of the natural environment–nature, distribution and relationships of climate, landforms, vegetation, hydrology and soils. (Available for General Education, B1 Physical Science.)

Note: Students should only enroll in GEOG 101 if meeting the B3 Science Laboratory Activity in Life Science.

GEOG 101A. The Physical Environment (2)

Corequisite: GEOG 101AL. Examines the natural environment including the distribution of and relationships between weather, climate, landforms, vegetation, hydrology, and soils. Students will learn critical skills to understand the processes shaping the physical world and gain an understanding of environmental and landscape change over time. Students may not receive credit for both GEOG 101A and GEOG 101. (Available for General Education, B1 Physical Science. Students satisfy the B3 Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing GEOG 101AL.)

GEOG 101AL. The Physical Environment Lab (1)

Corequisite: GEOG 101A. Examines the natural environment including the distribution of and relationships between weather, climate, landforms, vegetation, hydrology, and soils. Students will learn critical skills to understand the processes shaping the physical world and gain an understanding of environmental and landscape change over time. 2 hours lab. Students may not receive credit for both GEOG 101AL and GEOG 102. (Available for General Education, B3 Science Laboratory Activity. Students satisfy the B1 Physical Science requirement by completing GEOG 101A.)

GEOG 102. Physical Geography Lab (1)

Corequisite: GEOG 101. Observations, experiments and demonstrations designed to familiarize students with techniques utilized by physical geographers. 2 hours lab.

Note: Students should enroll in GEOG 101A/AL instead of GEOG 101/102.

GEOG 103. Weather (3)

Study of atmospheric processes. (Available for General Education, B1 Physical Science.)

Note: Students should only enroll in GEOG 103 if meeting the B3 Science Laboratory Activity in Life Science.

GEOG 103A. Weather (2)

Corequisite: GEOG 103AL. Explores the fundamental concepts of the dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere, its composition, and the processes and patterns of weather. The topics covered in this course include an examination of how Earth’s atmosphere is warmed and cooled, daily and seasonal temperature variations, the development and type of clouds, moisture (rain, snow, humidity, dew, fog), wind systems, air masses and fronts, and special topics such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, as well as weather forecasting. Students may not receive credit for both GEOG 103A and GEOG 103. (Available for General Education, B1 Physical Science. Students satisfy the B3 Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing GEOG 103AL.)

GEOG 103AL. Weather Lab (1)

Corequisite: GEOG 103A. Explores the fundamental concepts of the dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere, its composition, and the processes and patterns of weather. The topics covered in this course include an examination of how Earth’s atmosphere is warmed and cooled, daily and seasonal temperature variations, the development and type of clouds, moisture (rain, snow, humidity, dew, fog), wind systems, air masses and fronts, and special topics such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, as well as weather forecasting. 2 hours lab. Students may not receive credit for both GEOG 103AL and GEOG 105. (Available for General Education, B3 Science Laboratory Activity. Students satisfy the B1 Physical Science requirement by completing GEOG 103A.)

GEOG 105. Weather Lab (1)

Corequisite: GEOG 103. Observations, experiments and demonstrations designed to familiarize students with the nature of California’s weather and climate. 2 hours lab per week.

GEOG 106LRS. The Physical Environment for Liberal Studies Majors (3)

Study of the natural environment—nature, distribution and relationships of climate, landforms, vegetation, soils, water bodies and the solar system. (Available for Earth Science credit for Liberal Studies majors.) (Cross-listed with GEOL 106LRS.)

GEOG 107. People, Places, and Landscapes (3)

Examines the patterns and processes of human occupance of the Earth, with a focus on the U.S. Topics such as population, agriculture, language, religion, ethnicity, politics and economics are covered using the tools, methods and perspective of the geographer. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.)

GEOG 112. Climate Change (2)

Corequisite: GEOG 112L. Severe global climate change will have disastrous consequences for Earth’s natural environment and human populations. This course provides students the opportunity to learn the scientific foundation for understanding climate change in the long and short terms and the role it plays in Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Implications for climate change are examined in the context of sustainability at multiple spatial and temporal scales. This course will develop the basic science behind the predictions for Earth’s climate, and explain why human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases, are the main drivers of global warming. Course topics include the causes of climate change, its impacts, projections for the future, possible mitigation strategies, and economic barriers imposed by the global capitalist system. Not available for credit in addition to GEOG 111, SUST 111 or SCI 111. 2 hours lecture per week. (Available for General Education, B1 Physical Science. Students satisfy the B3 Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing GEOG 112L.)

GEOG 112L. Climate Change Lab (1)

Corequisite: GEOG 112. Severe global climate change will have disastrous consequences for Earth’s natural environment and human populations. This course provides students the opportunity to learn the scientific foundation for understanding climate change in the long and short terms and the role it plays in Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Implications for climate change are examined in the context of sustainability at multiple spatial and temporal scales. This course will develop the basic science behind the predictions for Earth’s climate, and explain why human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases, are the main drivers of global warming. Course topics include the causes of climate change, its impacts, projections for the future, possible mitigation strategies, and economic barriers imposed by the global capitalist system. Not available for credit in addition to GEOG 111L, SUST 111L or SCI 111L. 2 hours laboratory per week. (Available for General Education, B3 Science Laboratory Activity. Students satisfy the B1 Physical Science requirement by completing GEOG 112.)

GEOG 150. World Geography: People, Places, and Globalization (3)

Geographical survey of the world’s major regions, with emphasis on those features important to an understanding of current global concerns and problems. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.)

GEOG 170. Water Resources of California (3)

This course examines the nature and challenges of California’s water resources. Topics include the physical attributes of water (sources, quantity, and quality), the underlying climatic and hydrologic processes that determine the surface and subsurface distribution of water, and the physical, social, economic and management issues that occur as California’s water resources face increasing pressure from agriculture, industry, and human populations and climate change. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.)

GEOG 206/L. Introduction to Geographical Information Science and Lab (2/1)

Corequisite: GEOG 206L. Introduction to fundamental concepts of geographical information science. Course will cover technical and context knowledge for basic spatial analysis, including data gathering, analysis and display through digital methods. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used to explore spatial questions about environmental and social issues. Lab demonstrates these principles through hands-on experience with the dominant GIS software, ArcGIS. Students also will be exposed to other online GIS software applications. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab. (Available for General Education, E Lifelong Learning.) (IC)

GEOG 300. The Geographer’s Craft (3)

Introduction to geography as a discipline, emphasizing its approach to analysis and problem solving, resources for conducting geographic research, methods for answering geographic questions, and techniques for communicating insights.

GEOG 301. Cultural Geography (3)

Prerequisites: Lower division course in the social sciences; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the literature, traditions and theories dealing with the human-environment relationship and an analysis of the approaches used by cultural geographers to elucidate the nature of this relationship. Major themes are the cultural landscape, cultural ecology and environmental perception. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (WI)

GEOG 304/L. Map and Imagery Interpretation and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: GEOG 101 or GEOG 101A or GEOG 150. Corequisite: GEOG 304L. Introduction to reading maps and interpreting aerial imagery. Emphasis on making simple measurements from maps and imagery, techniques of interpreting the physical and cultural landscape and elementary map-making. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

GEOG 305/L. Maps and Graphics and Lab (2/1)

Corequisite: GEOG 305L. Preparatory: Lower division course in Geography or other relevant field. Design, use and preparation of maps and graphs. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

GEOG 306/L. Intermediate Geographical Information Science and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: GEOG 206/L or instructor consent. Corequisite: GEOG 306L. Intermediate course on theories and application of geographical information science. Course will cover fundamental concepts of database management, spatial analysis and data creation. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used to discover spatial relationships among environmental and social phenomena. Labs will provide an introduction to spatial data structures and raster-based applications of GIS. Labs offer hands-on experience with the dominant GIS software, ArcGIS. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GEOG 311. The Atmosphere (3)

Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOG 101A or GEOG 103 or GEOG 103A or ASTR 152 or GEOL 100 or GEOL 110 or GEOL 122; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Explanations of rain, wind, smog, etc. Basic principles of energy transfer. 3 hours lecture. (Available for General Education, B5 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning.) (WI)

GEOG 311L. The Atmosphere Lab (1)

Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOG 101A or GEOG 103 or GEOG 103A or ASTR 152 or GEOL 100 or GEOL 110 or GEOL 122; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Explanations of rain, wind, smog, etc. Basic principles of energy transfer. 2 hours lab.

GEOG 316. Environmental Geography (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: GEOG 316L. Introduction to the principles of environmental geography with special emphasis on the connections between human activities and the physical (natural) environment. Emphasis will be placed on identifying the historical and contemporary impact of humans on the natural environment. 3 hours lecture. (Available for General Education, B5 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning.) (WI)

GEOG 318. Europe (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examination of the physical, historical, cultural, economic and political factors that have shaped the contemporary European landscapes. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (WI)

GEOG 321. United States (3)

Prerequisites: Lower division course in the social sciences; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Regional and cultural geography of the U.S. emphasizing human-environment interaction and the evolution of contemporary geographical patterns of population distribution, resource exploitation, transportation, and agricultural and industrial production. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (WI)

GEOG 322. Latin America (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Spatial and ecological survey of the environment, cultures, economies and societies of the Latin American nations. Emphasizes the changing settlement geography and pays special attention to Brazil and the Andean countries. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (WI)

GEOG 324. China (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Geographical analysis of the peoples and culture of China, emphasizing features important to an understanding of China’s cultural and regional diversity and contemporary problems. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (WI)

GEOG 326. Africa (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Geographical analysis of the peoples and cultures of Africa, emphasizing features important to an understanding of Africa’s cultural and regional diversity and contemporary problems. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (WI)

GEOG 330. California (3)

Prerequisites: Lower division course in the social sciences; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. An exploration of the diverse physical and human landscapes of California. The course examines the state’s environmental context (climate, landforms, water, vegetation, wildlife, minerals); human imprints on the natural landscape (population, agriculture, industry, urbanization); and the physical and human challenges facing California today. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (WI)

GEOG 334. Geography of Oceania (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Cultural and regional geography of Oceania, including Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific nations, territories and protectorates. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (WI)

GEOG 340. Economic Geography (3)

Prerequisite: Lower division course in Geography or ECON 160 or ECON 300. Principles governing spatial organization of society. Theoretical and empirical approaches to location of urban and rural settlement and economic activities. Spatial structures, their interrelationships and changes in organization.

GEOG 351. Cities, Space, and Power (3)

Prerequisites: Lower division course in the social sciences; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Geographical analysis of past and current patterns of world urbanization. Emphasis on city origins, growth, development and current problems. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (WI)

GEOG 364/L. Geography of World Ecosystems and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: GEOG 101 or GEOG 101A. Corequisite: GEOG 364L. Major vegetative formations of the world, their soil (edaphic) and atmospheric environments, and the role of human activity in modification, destruction and replacement of vegetative structures and environments through purposeful and inadvertent activities. Examines local vegetative types on field trips. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours field activity.

GEOG 365. Geomorphology (3)

Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOG 101A or GEOL 101; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Analytical and descriptive study of physical processes responsible for development and evolution of Earth’s surface features. Aspects of local geomorphology will be observed on field trips. 3 hours lecture. (Available for General Education, B5 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning.) (IC) (WI)

GEOG 365L. Geomorphology Lab (1)

Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOG 101A or GEOL 101; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite: GEOG 365. Analytical and descriptive study of physical processes responsible for development and evolution of Earth’s surface features. Aspects of local geomorphology will be observed on field trips. 2 hours field activity.

GEOG 366. Geography of Environmental Hazards (3)

Prerequisites: A lower division science course from Physical Geography, Geological Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology; completion of the lower division writing requirement. From a geographical perspective, comprehension of environmental hazards, their spatial distribution, their magnitude and frequency of occurrence and human perception of environmental hazards. Course emphasizes impact of environmental hazards on land utilization, settlement patterns, economic development and transportation systems. 3 hours lecture. (Available for General Education, B5 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning.) (WI)

GEOG 366L. Geography of Environmental Hazards Lab (1)

Prerequisites: A lower division science course from Physical Geography, Geological Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology; completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite: GEOG 366. Observations, experiments and demonstrations designed to familiarize students with the scientific investigation of environmental hazards. 2 hours lab.

GEOG 370. Water, Society, and the Environment (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. This course critically examines the complex relationships between human societies and water. A broad understanding of the coupled natural and human systems and their dependence on water will be examined. Topics include the global distribution of water, hydrological cycle, water supply and demand, water policy and law, water and public health, and the economics of water. This course will conclude with an examination of the growing water/energy nexus and provide insight into the future of water on our planet. Relevant examples will be drawn from California, the United States and from around the world. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (WI)

GEOG 375. Environment, Economy, and Development (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. How do you explain environmental change without falsely blaming the world’s poor? Why do we feel faced with a choice between the economy and the environment? And what have communities around the world been doing to work, produce, consume, and engage in environmental stewardship in new ways that support both environmental and human well-being? This geography course shows you how to integrate economic, environmental, and socio-cultural analysis in order to answer these questions. Geography has always included the study of both environmental change and human livelihoods. This course draws on the economic geography theory of “diverse economies” and the environmental geography approach of “political ecology” to answer these questions. The course provides concepts and research applications that students can use to explore and explain the links between environment, economy, and development.

GEOG 402/L. Physical Geography Techniques and Lab (2/1)

Corequisite: GEOG 402L. Preparatory: GEOG 311 or GEOG 364 or GEOG 365. This techniques course in geomorphology, climatology and biogeography includes the principles of field surveying and mapping, water sampling, stream velocity and sediment transport measurement, basic weather station instrumentation, programming and deployment, and sampling designs for vegetation and soil analysis. The course will include two off-campus field trips. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity.

GEOG 404A-Z. Field Studies in Geography (1-3)

Prerequisite: 6 units in Geography. Preparatory: GEOG 300. Techniques of field observation, recordings and analysis through mapping and written reports. Field studies may be repeated for credit. Available for graduate credit.

GEOG 406/L. Advanced Geographical Information Science and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: GEOG 306 or permission of instructor. Corequisite: GEOG 406L. This course will cover advanced topics in geographical information science. Students will investigate geographic data structures, advanced concepts in database design, algorithms for spatial data analysis, web-based mapping applications, customized applications, and implementation and management issues associated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Lab will demonstrate these issues through the use of GIS software packages. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GEOG 407/L. Remote Sensing and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: GEOG 304/L or GEOG 305/ L or GEOG 306/L or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: GEOG 407L. Theory and practice of remote sensing by satellites and aircraft in visible, infrared and microwave portions of the spectrum. Problem-oriented course emphasizing the application of image processing software and techniques to digital satellite imagery. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

GEOG 408A/L. Human/Cultural Applications in GIS and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: GEOG 306/L or permission of instructor. Corequisite: GEOG 408AL. Advanced applications of geographical information systems. Includes analysis of crime patterns, patterns of disease and healthcare delivery, population and housing characteristics, voting behavior and redistricting, market area analysis, utility management, transportation. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GEOG 408B/L. Environmental/Physical Applications in GIS and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: GEOG 306/L or permission of instructor. Corequisite: GEOG 408BL. Advanced applications of geographical information systems. Includes analysis of environmental hazards, animal and plant species distributions, distributions of archaeological sites, mineral exploration, forest inventory and management, navigation, hydrology, climatology, geomorphology. Project may result in the development of customized applications of software. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GEOG 408C/L. Geospatial Project Management and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: GEOG 206/L or permission of instructor. Corequisite: GEOG 408CL. This course exposes students to ideas and concepts in geospatial project management by covering concepts in system organization, design and analysis, as well as the interpersonal factors which influence professional interaction and that are specific and unique to projects in geospatial science and technology. Students will learn to think through issues of geospatial project scope, needs, work structure and timeline, budget, project stakeholder roles and responsibilities, quality control, risk, final plan documentation, and implementation. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GEOG 408D/L. Spatial Database Management and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: GEOG 206/L or permission of instructor. Corequisite: GEOG 408DL. Advanced concepts in spatial database management. This course explores the management and design of spatial datasets and their association with Geographical Information Systems. Students will be introduced to concepts such as the principles of spatial database planning, design, implementation, and administration. Final projects will result in the development of a customized geospatial database. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GEOG 408E/L. GIS Automation and Customization and Lab (1/2)

Prerequisites: GEOG 306/L or permission of instructor. Corequisite: GEOG 408EL. This course exposes students to GIS automation using industry standard programming systems. Basic programming concepts and methodologies for customizing and/or extending the available functions in ArcGIS are introduced. Available for graduate credit. 1 hour lecture, 6 hours lab.

GEOG 408F/L. WebGIS and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: GEOG 206/L or permission of instructor. Corequisite: GEOG 408FL. Introduction to the design, development, and implementation of interactive and accessible customized web-based GIS applications. The course provides an overview of conceptual and theoretical backgrounds of WebGIS system architecture and offers programming concepts and skill sets underlying development and implementation of distributed geographical information on the Internet. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GEOG 408H/L. GIS in Water Resource Management and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: GEOG 306/L or permission of instructor. Corequisite: GEOG 408HL. The course introduces the principles of hydrology and the applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in hydrologic modeling and water resource management. Selected GIS-based techniques will be applied in practical sessions. The main focus of the course will be on the use of digital data for better understanding and modeling water resources. The course also introduces hydrological terrain mapping and analysis using digital elevation models. Moreover, the course introduces watershed delineation technique as well as river and watershed networks creation. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GEOG 408I/L. Geospatial Big Data Analytics and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: GEOG 306/L. Recommended Preparatory: GEOG 408E/L. This course will introduce the theory, techniques, and analytical methods for working with big data sources using geographic information systems (GIS). Spatial Big Data ranges from mobile phone and traffic data to social media platforms and credit card transactions, to air quality sensors and satellite imagery. Methods for storing, processing, analyzing, and visualizing various types of geospatial big data using programming will be introduced. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

GEOG 409/L. Digital Cartography and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: GEOG 305/L. Corequisite: GEOG 409L. Advanced design, use and presentation of maps and information graphics. Course will explore computer-assisted cartography in theory and practice. Topics will include cartographic communications, data acquisition and design for computer generated mapping. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab. Available for graduate credit.

GEOG 414. Hydroclimatology (3)

Prerequisite: GEOG 311. Details of the hydrologic cycle, emphasizing cloud physics, precipitation, evaporation and runoff. Nature and causes of rainfall variability in time and space. Cloud seeding. Irrigation and water supply problems. Field studies. Available for graduate credit.

GEOG 416. Earth’s Changing Climate (3)

Prerequisite: GEOG 103 or GEOG 103A or GEOG 311. Analysis of Earth’s changing climate throughout geologic time. Includes consideration of the mechanisms of climate change, techniques of climate reconstruction and analysis, and the chronology of climate change. Examines the issue of global warming, climate data, climate models and predictions. Considers the environmental impact of global warming. Available for graduate credit.

GEOG 417. California for Educators (3)

Prerequisite: Limited to members of Multiple Subject Credential Program. Examination of California, focusing on its political, social and economic growth, its settlement, its population patterns, resource exploitation and human-environment interaction. Spatial and temporal variation of these factors is emphasized. (Cross-listed with HIST 417.)

GEOG 444. Conservation (3)

Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOG 101A; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Lecture-discussion on the precepts, concepts, practices and problems in the human utilization of resources. Regular written assignments are required. Available for graduate credit.

GEOG 449. Mixed Methods for Human and Environmental Geography (3)

Prerequisites: Lower division course in geography; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Preparatory: GEOG 300. This course provides training in a selection of qualitative and quantitative methods and their applications in human and environmental geography. This is useful for research into human dimensions of space, place, and landscape; the human-environment interface; and socio-ecological processes. Through seminar-based discussions and assignments, students will examine methods such as: questionnaires; participant observation; interviews; archival maps; discourse analysis; and participatory, feminist, and community-based approaches to geographic information systems (GIS). There is emphasis on integrating these methods into the research design process and on writing analytical research papers. Available for graduate credit.

GEOG 460/L. Spatial Analysis and Comparison and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: GEOG 360 or equivalent. Corequisite: GEOG 460L. Statistical analysis of quantitative data by areas. Measurement of aggregation and concentration, description of a real distribution and gradients, and significance of similarities and differences. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

GEOG 465/L. Fluvial Geomorphology and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: GEOG 365. Corequisite: GEOG 465L. Role of water in landform development—weathering, overland flow, open channel characteristics, drainage pattern evolution and drainage basin characteristics. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours field activity.

GEOG 467/L. Arid Lands Geomorphology and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: GEOG 365. Corequisite: GEOG 467L. Landform development in deserts—origin of deserts, erosion and sedimentation in dry climates, morphology, and aeolian processes. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours field activity.

GEOG 476. Principles of River Restoration (3)

Prerequisite: GEOG 365/L or GEOG 465/L or permission of instructor; Instructor consent required for graduate students. Introduction to the principles of river restoration integrating the fundamentals of water science, technology, and practice in projects designed to improve and restore fluvial environments. The course focuses on the hydrologic, morphologic and ecologic principles needed for understanding and managing river systems affected by human and natural environmental change. Students will work in the field on projects that integrate direct measurement of watershed and channel features while building a foundation for future employment and research opportunities. Available for graduate credit.

GEOG 482. Population, Migration, and the Environment (3)

Prerequisite: Lower division course in geography. This course introduces students to the intertwining concepts of human population, migration patterns, and the global environment through the lens of geography. Students will critically discuss current population questions across the globe and use various geospatial analysis techniques to visualize these issues. Available for graduate credit.

GEOG 483. Transportation Planning (3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or instructor consent. The course primarily focuses on the interrelated systems of urban transportation and urban land use and their effects on the growth, development and future of human settlements. The course will provide fundamental core competencies for students seeking employment in transportation planning in the public or private sectors. Four broad areas are covered: transportation planning history; transportation and land use theory; transportation planning process and techniques; and urban transportation policy. (Cross-listed with URBS 480.)

GEOG 486. Medical Geography (3)

Prerequisites: Lower division course in geography; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examination of the spatial distribution of human diseases at world, regional, national and local scales. Special emphasis on understanding the physical and cultural factors associated with patterns of disease. Available for graduate credit.

GEOG 490. Senior Project (3)

Prerequisite: GEOG 300 or consent of instructor. Preparation of a research proposal and writing of a senior paper under close faculty supervision. Available for graduate credit.

GEOG 494. Internship (3)

Prerequisite: GEOG major with senior standing. Upon prior approval of the Internship Coordinator, a student may earn 3 units of credit in the major for professional service as a geographer in a public agency or private organization. No more than 3 units may be applied to the major. Academic Internship course.

GEOG 496A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Geography (3)

Prerequisite: Appropriate upper division course in Geography. Selected topics in Geography, with course content to be determined. Topics may be repeated for credit.

GEOG 497A-F. Senior Seminar in Geography (3)

Prerequisite: Appropriate upper division course in geography. In a seminar setting, students are guided in reading, research and writing on selected topics within one of the major subdisciplines of geography. Each seminar focuses on a particular subject within the designated subdiscipline. Subjects will vary and be determined each semester. Available for graduate credit. Seminars in the same subdiscipline may be repeated for credit.

GEOG 499A-C. Independent Study (1-3)

Independent Study

GEOG 550F. Forensic Geography (3)

Prerequisite: GEOG 306 or an additional statistics course; or permission of the instructor. This course is designed to help students learn how to use the tools and techniques of the forensic geographer so they may prepare to do research in criminology or prepare for careers in the criminal justice field. Class activities will be split between discussion of concepts and theories that apply to a spatial understanding of crime, and applications of statistical techniques/spatial analysis to crime data.

GEOG 600. Geographic Thought, Analysis and Research (3)

Introductory seminar designed for first-year graduate students. Analysis of the trends in the theories, methods and problems pertinent to contemporary geography, including a review of the skills required for geographical research, analysis and writing.

GEOG 610A-E. Geomorphology (3)

(A) Fluvial, (E) Special Topics in Geomorphology.

GEOG 630A-E. Environmental Studies (3)

(A) Environmental Geography, (B) Biogeography, (C) Special Topics in Environmental Geography, (E) Human Impact on the Environment.

GEOG 650A-D. Urban Geography (3)

(A) Special Topics in Urban Geography, (C) Urban Social Geography, (D) Metropolitan Los Angeles.

GEOG 690A-J. Geographic Information Science (3)

Selected topics in digital mapping with course content to be determined. Can be taken twice for 6 units.

GEOG 696. Directed Graduate Research (3)

To be taken near the end of the student’s graduate program and prior to GEOG 698. Supervised research leading to the development of a thesis topic, preparation of a preliminary bibliography and a formal thesis proposal, and selection of a faculty thesis committee.

GEOG 698. Thesis (3)

Prerequisite: GEOG 696. Researching and writing the master’s thesis, under the supervision of the student’s faculty thesis committee. Only one enrollment permitted.

GEOG 698D. Graduate Project (3)

Prerequisites: GEOG 696. Classified graduate students in Geography/GIS option. Researching and completing a GIS project in collaboration with faculty. Only one enrollment permitted.

GEOG 699A-C. Independent Study (1-3)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor, graduate coordinator and department chair. Maximum of 3 units may be applied to the student’s program and only to the elective requirement in the Option 1 Program.