Courses in Geography

Geography has a new undergraduate program and new courses starting in Fall 2005. What does this mean to you, as a Geography major or potential major? Check out our FAQ. Click the graphic below to download a flow chart of the new program.

Following is a list of couses offered in the Department of Geography. Click here for the official 2005/2006 Geography calendar listings. Click here to access Infonet for the current Geography course offerings.

An overview of human and physical environments, their inter-relationships and their relevance to environmental issues and world affairs. Major topics are drawn from current global issues where location matters. Specific examples are discussed in a global context and vary by session.

Notes: Not open to students with credit in Geography 201, 203, 211 or 251.

Introduction to the physical elements of the environment such as weather, climate, hydrology, landforms, soils, vegetation, and the processes producing variations of these elements on the surface of the earth. The social implications of environmental change, disasters, and hazards are emphasized.

Prerequisites: Geography 205 or admission to the Major or Minor in Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Urban Studies, or Latin American Studies or the Minor in Transportation Studies, and Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics II (offered by Continuing Educati

Focuses on the major culture regions of the world and also individual countries. Emphasis on the characteristics, distribution, inter-relationships and comparisons of the major culture and physical phenomena of these areas, i.e. population, political situation, economy, language, religion and environment. Some historical developments in each of the areas are presented for perspective, but the major emphasis is on the background for understanding contemporary world affairs.

An introduction to cartography, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and descriptive spatial statistics.

Prerequisites: Geography 205 or admission to the Major or Minor in Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Urban Studies, Latin American Studies or the Minor in Transportation Studies., and Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics II (offered by Continuing Education

The study of people, their origins, culture, technology, economy and impact on the environment. The manner in which people attempt to impose order upon the surface of the earth. Concepts of relative location are introduced with particular regard to both the external orientation and the internal organization of urban areas.

Prerequisites: Geography 205 or admission to the Major or Minor in Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Urban Studies, or Latin American Studies or the Minor in Transportation Studies or East Asian Studies or Bachelor of Health Sciences.

Notes: Formerly Geography 203

A broad introductory survey, from diverse perspectives, of the processes that shape cities and urban life.

Notes: Same course as Urban Studies 253

Physical principles of meteorology and climatology. Weather development in relation to different scales of atmospheric circulation. Elements of synoptic and dynamic climatology as determinants of characteristics and the distribution of climates. Laboratory work emphasizes North American examples.

Prerequisites: Geography 211

A systematic study of the origin, nature and distribution of landforms. Laboratory work will include several field trips and geomorphic interpretation of maps and air photographs.

Prerequisites: One of Geography 211

Notes: Credit for both Geography 307 and Geology 373 will not be allowed.

Soil: physical, chemical and biological properties, and the environmental and spatial relationships of vegetation patterns.

Prerequisites: Geography 211.

Environmental and resource issues, with emphasis on topics such as sustainability, ethics; planning; policy and decision making; and management strategies. Case examples highlight issues in resource sectors such as freshwater, oceans, parks and wildlife, tourism and recreation, forests and energy.

Prerequisites: One of Geography 251, 253, Urban Studies 253.

Basic instruction in the use and interpretation of remote sensing imagery. Identification, interpretation and mapping of both physical and cultural landscape features will be covered.

Prerequisites: Geography 231 or consent of the Department.

Notes: [Note April 2006:]

GEOG333 is required for students starting a major before F05, but for these students GEOG231 is not required.

Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methodology, sampling and survey design in geography. Covers the background analytical techniques for an understanding of geographic literature. Examples will involve the use of statistical computer packages.

Prerequisites: Geography 231 or consent of the Department.

Theories, concepts and techniques of economic geography with emphasis on policy issues relating to Canadian examples at the urban, regional, and national levels.

Prerequisites: One of Geography 251, 253, Urban Studies 253.

Concepts of urban geography with particular reference to intra-urban social issues.

Prerequisites: One of Geography 251, 253, Urban Studies 253.

The technical and theoretical foundations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Explorations of data types and structures (raster, vector, object based), data input and manipulation, analytical basics, and visualization techniques will be carried out in lecture and laboratory. Case studies of GIS analysis form the basis of assignments.

Prerequisites: Geography 231 or both 333 and 339.

Notes: Formerly Geography 447

An exploration of geography as a product and producer of social relationships and cultural meanings. How landscapes encode meanings and how places and spatial processes shape identities.

Prerequisites: One of Geography 251, 253, Urban Studies 253.

Spatial study of political systems, structures and processes, and their relationship to geographic factors.

Prerequisites: One of Geography 251, 253, Urban Studies 253.

Spatial distribution of population, including density composition and characteristics; patterns of migration and settlement in selected areas.

Prerequisites: One of Geography 251 or 253 or Consent of the Department.

Notes: One of Geography 251 or 253 or Consent of the Department.

A survey of the physical, cultural and historical geography of Latin America.

Prerequisites: Any course in Geography or consent of the Department.

Dimensions and underlying causes of issues facing African peoples: the colonial legacy, fragile environment, cultural and political diversity, population growth, resource development, urbanization, and economic challenges.

Prerequisites: Any course in Geography or consent of the Department.

The regional geography of Canada. The physical framework of Canada and its significance in Canada's historical development. The concept of the geographic region, the patterns and characteristics of these regions, with selected detailed studies.

Prerequisites: Any course in Geography or consent of the Department.

An introduction to field research techniques and topics in physical and human geography. Lectures and projects will provide an introduction to a range of geographic disciplines. Field exercises will be conducted away from Calgary, in 2009 between August 28 and September 6. Watch for more 2009 information in April 2009.

Prerequisites: One of Geography 211, 251, 253, Geology 201, 209 or consent of the Department.

Notes: Enrollment in Geography 391 may be limited. Only declared Majors in Geography, Earth Science, and Environmental Science will be admitted prior to June 30. Other students may enroll until July 21.

Field research and reconnaissance survey of techniques applied to regions outside North America. Group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.
Spring 2009: May 1-31: Baltic countries. The proposed itinerary is available at Baltic itinerary and at more Baltic info . Budget and payment schedule for the Baltic course is at Baltic Budget .

June 1-July 1: Rhine in '09.

More information please see GEOG393 course description.

How to register for both programs is found at Registration Info.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.: application form

Notes: May be repeated for credit. For information about Spring and Summer 2009 courses, contact Aaron Williams at awill@ucalgary.ca.

Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques applied to regions outside North America. Group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.

Spring 2009:
May 1-30: Baltic Europe course. Please see information listed under GEOG392 .

May 31-June, 2009: Rhine in 09. For more information about the course, click Rhineland info . Budget and payment schedule for the Rhine course at Rhine in 09 Budget.

How to register for both programs at Registration Info.

Both course outlines are available here.

Prerequisites: Co-requisite Geography 392 or consent of the Department

Notes: May be repeated for credit.
For information about 2009 courses, and to obtain an application form, contact Aaron Williams, awill@ucalgary.ca soon.

Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques applied to regions outside North America. Group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.

Spring 2009: For information about Spring 2009 courses, or an application form, contact Aaron Williams at awill@ucalgary.ca as soon as possible. Information on the May Baltic Europe course is found in the GEOG392 course description. Information about the June Rhineland trip is found in the GEOG393 course description. Both course outlines are available here.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.
For information about 2009 travel courses, and for application forms, contact Aaron williams, awill@ucalgary.ca as soon as possible

May be repeated for credit. For information about Spring and Summer 2009 courses, or an application form, contact Aaron Williams at awill@ucalgary.ca as soon as possible. Information on the May Baltic Europe course is found in the GEOG392 course description. Information about the June Rhineland trip is found in the GEOG393 course description.

Prerequisites: Co-requisite Geography 394.

Notes: May be repeated for credit. For information about Spring and Summer 2009 courses, or an application form, contact Aaron Williams at awill@ucalgary.ca as soon as possible.

Selected regional geographies. A survey of the physical, cultural and historical geography of a world region.
397.01. The United States of America
397.02. Former Soviet Union
397.03. Australia, New Zealand, Oceania
397.04. Europe

Prerequisites: A previous course in geography is strongly recommended.

Notes: Geography 397.01 is not open to students with credit in 379; 397.02 is not open to students with credit in 387; 397.03 is not open to students with credit in 389.

A regional survey of physical, cultural and economic geography of the European continent. Emphasis throughout the course will be on contemporary problems, such as: political and economic integration and the European supranationalism, political, military and economic associations and their relevance to the contemporary global scene, historical cultural and economic differences within the European realm, and political and economic challenges facing the post-Cold War Europe

A regional survey of physical, cultural and economic geography of the states of the former Soviet Union. Specific sections of the course will include: a review of the physical environment; cultural and linguistic spatial patterns; historical evolution of the region; population distribution and demographics; settlement patterns; economic geography; socio-economic regions of Russia; a survey of the non-Russian successor states to the former USSR.

A regional survey of physical, cultural and economic geography of the USA.

Prerequisites: A previous course in Geography is strongly recommended.

A regional survey of physical, cultural and economic geography of the southern Pacific region.

Prerequisites: A previous course in Geography is strongly recommended.

A regional survey of physical, cultural and economic geography of southeast Asia

Prerequisites: A previous course in Geography is strongly recommended.

An exploration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from its theoretical basics through to advanced applied analysis, with emphasis on transportation systems. Topics include representing reality in a digital realm, data models, analytical approaches and linkages to traditional modelling. Applications include infrastructure development analysis, suitability analysis, least cost path analysis, location allocation modelling, routing and scheduling analysis.

Prerequisites: Geography 339 or Statistics 213, and Transportation Studies 303.

Oceanic circulation and air-ocean interactions as controls of climate. Wave and current dynamics. Role of sea-ice in energy transfers. Climatic variability in historic time and the instrument period.

Prerequisites: Geography 305 or consent of the Department.

Role played by weather and climate in determining environmental quality. Storms, floods, droughts and human adjustment to severe weather. Urban and rural climates, air pollution. Climate in agriculture and forestry. Implications of Canada's climate(s) for the nation's water resources, agriculture and forests.

Prerequisites: Geography 305 or consent of the Department.

This course has been changed to GEOG509 as of the 2008-2009 Calendar. Also, a 3-hour lab has been added. Please see 509 for details and the course description.

Notes: Changed to GEOG509 as of Fall 2008.

Research approaches and field techniques in studies of fluvial parameters, channel processes, morphology, sedimentology and deposition models, mapping of textural facies and depositional environments.

Prerequisites: One of the following: Geography 307, Geology 373, Geology 381, or consent of the Department.

Notes: Offered in even-odd dated academic years.
Formerly Geography 511: changed in 2008-2009 Calendar

Characteristics of soils and the processes and factors of soil formation. Soil development related to geomorphic materials, geomorphic events, anthropogenic sources, and erosional and depositional landscapes.

Prerequisites: Geography 313 or consent of the Department.

Notes: Co-listed as Archaeology 413

The physical basis of water utilization and management. Elements of the hydrologic cycle - precipitation, ground water and stream flow. Techniques for estimating water yield and renewal potential in drainage basins.

Prerequisites: Geography 305 or 307, and 339 (or a course in Statistics by consent of the Department).

Environmental and spatial relationships of plant communities. Interpretation of soil-plant inter-relationships applied to the classification and geographic distribution of natural ecosystems.

Prerequisites: Geography 313 or consent of the Department.

Notes: Normally offered in even- dated years during the Spring or Summer Session.

Geographical resources analysis and management approaches applied to resource sectors such as urban natural areas, wilderness parks and reserves, freshwater resources and fisheries.

Prerequisites: Geography 321 or consent of the Department.

A critical approach to meanings of economic and social development and the theories of development from a spatial perspective. Other areas of study include: population and health dynamics, gender and development, rural development, industrialization, formal and informal economies, foreign aid, trade and debt, community development. Case studies from Latin America, Asia and Africa.

Prerequisites: Geography 351 or 365.

Dimensions of, approaches to, and issues in recreation and environmental management; planning for sustainable tourism; cultural and heritage tourism; adventure and eco-tourism; and other representative tourism and recreational activities and environments. Case studies emphasize assessment and monitoring, policy initiatives and decision-making, and other practical orientations.
Click here for the Borneo poster.

Prerequisites: One of Geography 321, 327, or 329.

Notes: Offered Spring 2007 in Borneo. Information here, or contact Carol Patterson or Dianne Draper.

Principles of earth resource analysis using digital images collected from instruments on airborne and spaceborne platforms. The full range of the electromagnetic spectrum currently used in remote sensing. Emphasis will be given to complementing conventional data and methods with automated techniques.

Prerequisites: Geography 333 and 339.

Geography 437 covers production of maps from start to finish, including both rough and precision surveying, digital data compilation and manipulation working with Geographic Information System software (ESRI’s ArcView, ArcGIS), Adobe Illustrator and other software, thematic map design theory and practice, communication theory for both physical and human geography, and final computer-based map production, including website development. The course is primarily project based, and includes hands-on map work in most sessions. This course focuses on the communication, theory, power and visualization aspects of mapping,

Prerequisites: GEOG 231 plus either GEOG333 or 357 or consent of the Department

Methods for the analysis of temporal, spatial and multivariate data sets. Emphasis is placed on data sets relating to geographic phenomena, resource utilization and environmental problems, with examples from the geographic literature. Examples will involve the use of computer packages.

Prerequisites: Geography 339 or consent of the Department.

The processes of economic location in a global context. Sub-topics include: the importance of transportation networks; decision-making within firms; differences between small, medium-sized and large companies; corporate restructuring; inter-firm networks; and public policy issues.

Prerequisites: Geography 341 or consent of the Department.

Please see description under Geography 507.

Notes: Course number changed from 445 to 507 as of 2008-2009 Calendar.

A critical review of the principles of urban growth and development in the context of systems of cities. Topics include: single factor explanations, such as central place, long distance trade models, industrial and service growth; cumulative development models; society explanations.

Prerequisites: Geography 341 or 351 or consent of the Department.

The role of Geographic Information Systems in environmental (physical-human interactions) research and management is explored both theoretically and practically. Topics will relate to major issues within the environmental/earth sciences field. Advanced analytical approaches will be critically examined within lecture and laboratories. A major GIS package will be used for laboratories and student projects.

Prerequisites: Geography 339 and one of 357 or 447 or consent of the Department.

Notes: Formerly Geography 547

Analysis of the explosive growth and geographical character of Third World cities. Topics normally include: rural-urban migration, development theory and urbanization, housing, formal/informal labour market, service and food provision, social and political conflict. Case studies from Latin America, Asia and Africa.

Prerequisites: Geography 351 or 365 or consent of the Department.

Overview of global climate dynamics and the interactions between ocean, atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, and biogeochemical cycles. Examination of climate change in Earth's past, present, and future, scrutinizing both natural and anthropogenic influences on the global climate system.

Prerequisites: Geography 305 or consent of the Department.

Evaluation of hypotheses and theories on the formation of glacial landforms and sediments. Glacial mechanics, erosion, deposition, and hydrology. Timing and dynamics of glaciation and deglaciation in Alberta.

Prerequisites: Geography 307 or consent of the Department.

Notes: Formerly GEOG445.

Development, characteristics and significance of permafrost, including the thermal and hydrological processes and resulting periglacial geogmorphology and geotechnical implications.

Prerequisites: Geography 305 and 307.

Notes: This course was formerly numbered 409. The change is currently effective as of the 2008-2009 Celandar.

Renumbered as Geography 411 starting in 2008-2009 Calendar

Notes: Number has been changed to Geography 411.

Dam and reservoir water management, irrigation forms, stream routing and flood control, municipal water supply, well development and water conservation. Canadian water resources are emphasized.

Prerequisites: Geography 415 or an equivalent course in Engineering by consent of the Department.

Concepts and methods for examining the spatial pattern of natural and managed landscapes and their effects on ecological processes. Applications in land management and biological conservation will also be considered.

Prerequisites: One of Geography 313 or Biology 313 and one of Geography 339 or Biology 315 or consent of the Department. At least one of the following is also strongly recommended: Geography 417, 421, 517, or Ecology 419, 439, 501.

Advanced topics in environmental sustainability and management, and critical analysis of approaches to resolving sustainability issues in environmental management. Students are usually involved directly in a major case study/field research project.

Prerequisites: Geography 421 or 429.

Notes: Offered in odd-even dated academic years. May be repeated for credit.

The development of human ecology, its current directions and application of analytical techniques as they apply to anthropology, archaeology and geography.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: Cross-listed as (Anthropology 523) (Archaeology 523)

Key issues in environmental policy, focusing on the power and interest mechanisms that determine environmental resource access and sustainable use. Case-specific applications explore the dynamic roles of the global and the local including international development paradigms, indigenous resource rights, common-pool resource management, powerful policy networks, and local communities struggling in between.

Prerequisites: GEOG 321 plus one of (361, 421, 425); or consent of the Department

Notes: this course appears for the first time in the 2008-2009 Calendar

Research and techniques in analysis, planning and management of touristic and recreational resources. Usually involves a major case study field research project.

Prerequisites: One of Geography 321, 421 or 429 or consent of the Department.

Notes: Formerly Geography 527. Offered in even-odd dated academic years.

Advanced digital image analysis used in forest ecological studies including mapping, monitoring and modelling. Includes field work and computer laboratories.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: Normally offered only in Summer Session.

Advanced topics of current interest in one or more of remote sensing, geographic information science and spatial statistics. Chosen topics vary by session and focus on integrating raster and vector systems. GEOG 533 changes topics each offering. This year is remote-sensing focused, students will choose from a list of possible topics in advanced and cutting-edge remote sensing topics.

Prerequisites: Any two of Geography 433, 439, 457 or consent of the Department.

Notes: Click here for more information.

Techniques of forestry landscape analysis and modelling using multiple digital data types within a GIS framework; fundamental operations, issues and applications. Field and computer work.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: This course is normally offered only in summer term.

GEOG539 changes in emphasis with each offering. The following Calendar description is followed by a description of the 2007-2008 offering provided by this year's instructor.

Calendar description: Advanced topics in the communication, representation and display of digital geospatial data. Main themes include: cartography, spatial cognition, data mining and information visualization.

Description of 2007-2008 topics: The objective of this course is to provide a hands-on introduction to students for programming in IDL (Interactive Data Language[1]) from a geographical perspective. A previous computer science course is recommended, but not required. IDL is a programming and visualization environment that facilitates numerical modeling, data analysis, image processing and visualization – that can be linked to, and used in ENVI (Environment for Visualizing Images). ENVI is a software package for analyzing remotely sensed data (and other image types), and includes tools for image analysis, fly-throughs, spatial filtering, statistics, advanced spectral tools for hyperspectral imagery, along with a complete set of tools for radar and fundamental GIS operations. ENVI is written in IDL, and both programs provide partial access to much of their code, thus – time permitting - we will explore opportunities to customize the ENVI graphical user interface (GUI) with programs we will create in IDL. Emphasis will be on IDL, labs and a student project/presentation.

Prerequisites: Geography 339, and two of 433, 439, 457 - or consent of instructor.

Note for the 07-08 offering: some previous course in computer science is recommended. Please consult the instructor if you have any questions.

Prerequisites: Geography 339, and two of 433, 439, 457.

Selected topics in the field, such as the processes of growth in urban systems or urban ecology.

Prerequisites: Geography 351 and 451 or consent of the Department.

Introduction to the economic, political and cultural forces operating on a global scale that increasingly shape the growth and development of cities. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics of growth, competition, and polarization that structure urban hierarchies as well as cities' internal social and economic geographies.

Prerequisites: One of Anthropology 379, 387, Economics 361, Geography 253, 351, Sociology 353, Urban Studies 253 or consent of the Department.

Notes: Offered in even-odd dated academic years.

This intensive one-week course addresses the challenges of urban planning and development in one of the largest mega-cities in the Western hemisphere – Mexico City. The course tests students’ theoretical knowledge of concepts of urban planning as they come into direct contact with the challenges faced by rapid urbanization in situ.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department

Notes: Admission is limited and competitive. Consent is usually given to students with strong background in Latin American Studies and/or Urban Geography.

This course is provisionally approved for inclusion in the 2009-2010 Calendar

The role of GIS in the urban realm is explored both theoretically and practically. Topics will relate to urban management, design, planning, and research drawn from a broad spectrum of socio-economic issues facing urban areas. Advanced analytical approaches will be critically examined within lectures and laboratories. A widely used GIS package will be used for laboratories and student projects.

Prerequisites: Geography 231. Geography 351 and 357 or 457 are strongly recommended.

In-depth discussion of key topical issues and points of debate in the field, including methodological issues, points of theoretical conflict among the subfields of Geography, moral or ethical issues in Geography.

Prerequisites: Geography 361.

Notes: Offered in odd-even dated academic years.

An examination of how urban spatial relations shape, and are shaped by, political institutions, organizations, and social movements.

Prerequisites: Geography 351 or 451.

Introduction to computer programming for customizing and automating a GIS. Topics include object-oriented programming techniques, advanced geoprocessing, scripting, and automation using a programming language such as Python or Visual Basic.

Prerequisites: Geography 357 or consent of the Department. Geography 457 is recommended.
This course appears for the first time in the 2008-2009 Calendar.

This course explores the global Geography of HIV/AIDS with a concentration on the African and Asian pandemics. Topics will include: epidemiology and epidemic roots, social and economic impacts, orphans and vulnerable children, food security and migration, gendered impacts, anti-retroviral therapy (ART) programs and global response.

Prerequisites: One of: Geography 361, 377, 425, 463 or permission of the Department.

Notes: This course appears for the first time in the 2008-2009 Calendar

Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques applied to regions outside North America. Individual and group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars. Spring 2008: Mediterranean Europe (Turkey, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia) Mediterranean field school (July-August).

How to register at Registration Info.

Budget and payment schedule at Budget.
For more information contact Aaron Williams

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

Field research and data collection techniques applied to geographical phenomena in regions outside North America. Periods of individual and group travel-study are interspersed with formal instruction and seminars.

May be repeated for credit. For information about Spring and Summer 2009 courses, or an application form, contact Aaron Williams at awill@ucalgary.ca as soon as possible. Information on the May Baltic Europe course is found in the GEOG392 course description. Information about the June Rhineland trip is found in GEOG393 course description. GEOG592 will not be offered in these sessions.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

See the description of Geography 555, which will be the number of this course starting in 2009.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department

Content will vary from year to year. Consult Department for details.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

Project Explorer involves advanced undergraduate Geography majors who act as subject specialists for local elementary and junior high school teachers. Students spend one hour per week at a class meeting on campus, and about 3-5 hours per week in preparation and in-classroom time (time commitment is arranged individually and may be somewhat lumpy through the term). Assignment to a collaborating teacher is made by the teacher's requirements and the student's expertise and preferences for subjects and grade level. School location preferences will be taken into account but cannot be guaranteed.

Enrollment is limited to about 8 students in W09, and approval will be competitive. An application form needs to be submitted by October 17, 2008. An information session will be held on September 23 2008 at 4 p.m. in ES319.

Students may enrol in either GEOG597.81 for Area II credit or in GEOG599.81 for Area III credit.

Prerequisites: Geography, Earth Science and Environmental Science majors nearing the end of their p

Notes: The Calgary Board of education requires a Calgary Police clearance for anyone working with kids in the classroom. There is no cost. Students must be citizens or permanent residents.

The course will examine critically the use of DSS for tackling environmental planning problems. Six DSS will be used: 1 Multi Attribute Trade-off System (MATS) 2 Decision Matrix Method (DMM) 3 Pairwise Comparison Method (PCM) 4 Aspiration Interaction-level Method (AIM) 5 TopDec 6 Definite The basic theory of each DSS will be elaborated. Each student will be expected to run each DSS with sample data. Selected environmental planning problems will be identified and the ways that DSS can assist in the reduction of chances of making mistakes will be explained. The concept of planning mistakes will be discussed. The attributes of a useful/successful DSS will be identified and the ways that DSS can be incorporated into a regulatory planning process to improve accountability will be stressed. The course will include a discussion on data requirements for each DSS.

Content will vary from year to year. Consult Department for details. For information about GEOG599.81, Project Explorer, please look under GEOG597.81.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

This course is designed to introduce the applications of remote sensing and techniques of digital image processing. Emphasis is on the use of satellite remote sensing data and methods in practical applications, including, image transformations and classification for identifying vegetation, geomorphic, geologic, and cultural features. Remote sensing is an increasingly useful information resource for managers and scientists, but data sources are becoming more varied and analysis techniques more complex. This course will provide a solid background in the application of image processing techniques in lecture, laboratory, and project settings.

Prerequisites: Consent of the department.

Notes: There is no registrar-scheduled final exam in this course. It is not necessary to pass each course component in order to pass the course.

Introduction to applied statistics, particularly as they are used in geographical analysis. Topics include sampling design, summary statistics, probability theory, inferential statistics, and multivariate analysis. Laboratory exercises give students hands-on experience in computer-based statistical analysis

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department

This course provides MGIS students with an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The main goal of the course is to provide students with a solid theoretical and applied foundation in GIS, in order to support future course work in the program. The topics covered in the course with begin with fundamentals; representing reality in the digital realm, georeferencing, data structures, software history and comparison, to advanced topics such as spatial interpolation and network analysis. The primary software utilized will be ArcGIS 9.0, with some exposure to other software. This course is not about learning software exclusively – training is not the goal. However, the software is a vehicle for taking the theory and concepts into a working reality. A major part of your work in this course will be hands on and applied. Weekly lectures will provide the knowledge basis from which to tackle the 5-6 lab assignments, which form the core of your work. The lab assignments will require written submissions that will involve the formal lab presentation and discussion of GIS analysis you carry out. Further, the assignments are largely self-directed, with a minimal amount of detailed command direction provided. One of the keys to learning GIS software is to be forced to problem solve on your own. There is course assistant who will be helping the lab setting but the challenge is for you the student to discover the solution. The application area review is designed as an opportunity to explore the potential for GIS in your area of interest, and as a way of establishing ideas for future course projects.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department

Applies the principles of landscape ecology and conservation biology to the study of spatial effects on individual species and on the structure, dynamics, diversity and stability of multi-species communities. The use of GIS and remote sensing technologies is a central theme. Topics include habitat fragmentation, metapopulation analysis and viability, wildlife habitat modelling (static and dynamic), management of endangered species, and spatial decision support. Other aspects of this course include the importance and use of indicator, umbrella, keystone and flagship species in conservation.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: Not open to students with credit in Geography 695.11.

Review of basic and advanced principles of image analysis; advanced laboratory techniques. Integration of remote sensing with GIS; current research in remote sensing. Project organization; data sources for remote sensing.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Theoretical and applied ascpects of active microwave remote sensing for geophyisical parameter estimation. Discussion of sensor configuration, dielectic mixture modelling, mircowave-surface interactions, microwave scattering (surface and volume) modelling and polarimetry. Laboratory work includes field scatterometer use, computer modelling and polarimetric analysis.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department

History of spatial modelling in geography; comprehensive coverages of techniques, spatial analysis and spatial modelling as currently used within GIS and remote sensing.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Focus on advanced GIS applications in core areas; methodological developments in GIS, and current research directions in GIS.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Advanced topics in GIS and database systems, including integration of enterprise database systems with a GIS, data modelling, database management, distributed GIS via the world wide web, and web-based GIS.

Prerequisites: Geography 647 or consent of the Department.

Advanced programming techniques in ArcGIS using the ArcObjects framework. Topics include customizing the user interface, COM and interface-based programming techniques, and creating macros to perform advanced tasks in ArcGIS. A significant portion of evaluation will be based on an independent term project. Completion of a pre-study package is required.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department

Notes: This course appears for the first time in the 2008-2009 Calendar.

A critical and comprehensive review of information and literature on a GIS research topic This course provides the conceptual basis for Geography 683.

Prerequisites: Geography 633, 639 and 647; or consent of the Department.

Implementation of a project on a GIS topic which will involve demonstrating mastery of GIS project design and the implementation and presentation of results commensurate with graduate level work. This topic will relate to material covered by the student in Geography 681.

Prerequisites: Geography 681 or consent of the Department.

Contemporary topics in glacial geomorphology and sedimentology. Course consists of lecture, seminar and field trip components.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department

Notes: Co-scheduled with Geography 507.
This course appears for the first time in the 2008-2009 Calendar

Contemporary topics in the science and engineering of seasonally and perennially frozen ground. Course consists of lectures and seminars.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department

Notes: Co-scheduled with Geography 509
This course appears for the first time in the 2008-2009 Calendar

Advanced theory and research issues in fluvial geomorphology. Topics may include flow hydraulics, sediment transport, river morphology, channel networks, sediment routing, drainage basin evolution, and channel response to environmental change.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: Co-scheduled with Geography 411.

The geomatics business is highly competitive – locally, nationally and globally. The ability to manage this project-based business effectively and efficiently provides a very significant competitive advantage. Effective geoproject management is thus a necessary business skill for any professional entering or working in the geomatics field. This course is designed to provide MGIS students with the management skills required to plan, execute, control and complete geomatics projects within an industrial, research or governmental organizational environment. The course will cover the definitions and principles of project management, and the tools and techniques required for project planning, scheduling, budgeting, controlling and reporting. Specific topics include management of project scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk and procurement. Throughout the course, geomatics project examples from real-world experience will be presented and discussed, and practical tips provided throughout. After completing this course successfully, students will feel comfortable working in a geomatics project environment, and will be able to apply their skills to planning and managing geomatics projects in a business or research setting.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department

This course is being offered as a graduate equivalent to GEOG533. It is appropriate for students who have completed GEOG603 or preferably 633, or have equivalent remote sensing background. To enroll you need permission of the instructor (see below).

The course meets for lecture TR 8-9:20, and lab W 10-1:00. The course is seminar-based, with major lab project. Students will choose from a list of possible topics in advanced and cutting-edge remote sensing topics. Click here to see more details. Email Mryka Hall-Beyer at mhallbey@ucalgary.ca for more information or for permission to enroll.

Prerequisites: Permission of the Department

This course is designed to provide MGIS students with proposal development skills required to source, research, write and submit quality proposals for projects. The significance of preparing well thought out proposals will be discussed from project idea through to approval and project initiation. The course will cover the basic written and budget components of a proposal and will examine how proposals are written for different situations. Proposal budgets will be discussed from single source to multiple source projects. Students should be proficient in the use of word processing, spreadsheet packages and Internet research skills. They should come to this course with an idea for a proposal whether it is a thesis proposal or funding proposal for a specific project. At the completion of this course, students will be prepared to write proposals for most situations for GIS and other projects. As this course involves active learning strategies, the students will be expected to participate in class activities and demonstrate clear communication skills (verbal and written).

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department

Advanced topics in GIS and database systems, including integration of enterprise database systems with a GIS, data modelling, database management, distributed GIS via the world wide web, and web-based GIS.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department

Understanding the hydrologic functions of watershed structure is central to water resources management. However, measurements of watershed metrics are frequently unavailable and expensive to measure in the field. Because these metrics are spatially dependent, GIS (in conjunction with DEMs) is an excellent alternative to generate some parameters needed to assess watershed hydrology. This course is designed to prepare students on: a) data requirements for hydrologic modeling and water resource management, b) the use of digital terrain models to measure watershed metrics, c) integrate and execute GIS hydrologic models, d) use GIS to develop water management strategies. The course will be centered on concepts and methods to integrate data on biogeochemical cycles, water balance, flood mapping, and non-point source pollution.

Prerequisites: Basic skills on ArcGis 9.2, and the modules of 3D and Spatial Analyst

In today’s highly competitive and globalized economy, decision-makers face tough challenges in managing complex projects and businesses in a sustainable and profitable manner. Many corporations have become aware that understanding geography through mapping can be a strategic advantage in today’s highly competitive marketplace. Significant cost savings and profit opportunities can result from an understanding of the geographic context of corporate activities such as sales and marketing, distribution and logistics, as well as competitor activity. Business GIS involves the use of GIS and desktop mapping technology, as well as supporting Database Management Systems (DBMS), in the following business activities: • Customer profiling • Risk assessment and underwriting • Facility planning and management • Market segmentation • Sales territory analysis • Trade area profiling Typically, businesses use GIS to answer questions such as: • Who are my customers? • Where do they live? • Where can I find more of them? • How can I reach them effectively? • How many potential customers will there be in 1, 5 years and 10 years? Once understood, businesses are able to take this information and leverage this into new business opportunities. The course will explore many of the specialized aspects of geodemographic data acquisition and handling, manipulation of census data, as well as refining GIS skills to advance the use of GIS as a tool for decision-support. This will be accomplished through a combination of lectures, hands-on practical laboratory exercises, and a detailed project.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

This seminar will explore geographical and anthropological approaches to housing and place and their relationships with social, cultural and spatial processes. A cross-cultural perspective will help to put contemporary issues of housing and place in a wider context and challenge taken for granted assumptions about what policy options are available and viable. Considerable attention will be paid to issues of affordability and place-attachment as they are currently experienced in Calgary. An interdisciplinary approach will be taken, relevant to students from a variety of disciplines.

Prerequisites: Consent of the department

This graduate course is designed to provide a critical survey of the key issues and problems in the ‘construction’ of the field of Geography throughout history and its relationships with other fields of enquiry. This will provide an essential background to a survey of the contemporary methodological and philosophical debates about its nature, from such issues as the scientific approaches of the 1960s and their utility, the humanistic reactions, through structuralism and post structuralism, radicalism, the new ecological and technical approaches, gender geography, post-modernism, and hermeneutic perspectives, especially the critical practice approach and the new cultural geography. In addition, questions such as the decline and relevance of traditional fields such as regional geography, and new trends such as globalization will be addressed.

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

This course provides an introduction to ArcGIS customization using the ArcObjects programming framework. There are two major components to this course: first, all students will attend lectures and hands-on training in a one-week block week course format; second, each student will complete a term project assignment where students will research an advanced programming task and produce an ArcGIS extension or stand-alone GIS application that implements the ArcObjects framework. Both the lecture/hands-on training and the term project will be based on the Visual Basic programming language. Therefore, all students must be proficient programmers in Visual Basic prior to enrolling in this course. Major topic covered in this course will include customizing the user interfaces of the ArcGIS applications (particularly ArcMap and ArcCatalog), the Microsoft COM model and interface-based programming techniques, creating VBA macros in ArcMap to extend the built-in functionality of the ArcGIS applications, creating customized code to perform advanced tasks in ArcGIS, and creating and deploying ArcGIS custom extensions.

Prerequisites: Consent of the department

In the first part of the course, we explore the philosophy and nature of science. Next we review and analyze the history of physical geography and key developments in our discipline. Scientific method is then explored; in particular, we examine how key research issues (spatial/temporal scales, experimental method, modelling etc.) relate to the study of physical geography. Finally, we will conclude by investigating environmental issues and public policy.

Prerequisites: Consent of the department

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

Decision making in natural resource management requires the analysis of multiple variables; it is characterized by uncertainty and sometimes conflicting management objectives. The decision making process requires information about alternative management scenarios. A diversity of methods and techniques exist to assist in information processing, which ultimately may lead to better decisions. GIS Multi-Criteria analysis (GIS/MCA) is a set of methods and procedures by which concerns about multiple, spatially conflicting criteria can be formally incorporated into the management planning process. GIS/MCA provides the opportunity for decision makers to include their own judgments in the decision making process without limiting the criteria necessary for good management decisions. The aim of this course is to introduce the set of MCA tools and methods allowing the comparison of different alternatives according to many criteria, often conflicting, to guide the decision maker towards a judicious choice. Students will learn how to use GIS/MCA to generate information for spatial-decision making, and understand the limitations of the different approaches. The course includes the theory and methods involved in spatial analysis, GIS modeling and MCA. The practical component involves the use of ArcGis 9.2 modules and ancillary programs to solve practical issues.

Prerequisites: Basic skills on ArcGis 9.2 and the spatial statistical modules

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

Understanding the hydrologic functions of watershed structure is central to water resources management. However, measurements of watershed metrics are frequently unavailable and expensive to measure in the field. Because these metrics are spatially dependent, GIS (in conjunction with DEMs) is an excellent alternative to generate some parameters needed to assess watershed hydrology. This course is designed to prepare students on a) data requirements for hydrologic modeling and water resource management, b) the use of digital terrain models to measure watershed metrics, c) integrate and execute GIS hydrologic models, d) use GIS to develop water management strategies. The course will be centered on concepts and methods to integrate data on biogeochemical cycles, water balance, flood mapping and non-point source pollution.  Basis concepts on watershed management  Approaches to hydrologic modeling  Terrain analysis (grids and TINs)  River and watershed networks  Non-Point source pollution modelling

Prerequisites: Basic skills on ArcView3.x, ArcGis 8.x and the spatial statistical modules

This seminar course examines qualitative research methodology by focusing on a variety of methods and analytical techniques. Much of the material, particularly the empirical examples are firmly rooted in geography. Nevertheless, the major themes of the course connect to debates concerning qualitative research in all of the social sciences. The general themes are philosophy, methods of data gathering, analysis strategies, and evaluation (qualitative rigour).

Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

Notes: May be repreated for credit.

An introduction to sources of data and methods of analysis for describing and analysing transportation systems. Transportation systems will be treated at the municipal, provincial and federal levels and on a model basis.

Provides a critical foundation for understanding transportation systems in their modern context, with a particular emphasis on broad, policy focused exploration. Topics include the role of various transportation modes in Canada’s development as a nation, the current status of Canadian transportation modes and challenges facing the transportation system.

Civil Engineering 473 FORMERLY TRANSPORTATION SCIENCE 473 Goals and objectives of urban and regional transporation planning; the transportation planning process; trip generation, trip distribution, modal split, traffic assignment; transportation surveys and data collection; fundamentals of traffic flow; capacity and level of service; urban transporation technology, computer simulation models of urban transportation; environmental impacts; transportation systems management; energy considerations; pedestrain movement systems; urban goods movement; impact of transportation system on city growth; urban transportation policy and financing in Canada.

Prerequisites: Transportation Studies 301 or both Engineering 319 and Civil Engineering 371; or consent of the Instructor.

Individual work on an assigned topic concerning a practical transportation issue under the supervision of a faculty member. The project will normally involve a literature review and the application of theoretical analysis to an actual problem encountered by practitioners. Submission and defence of a midterm progress report and a final report are included.

Prerequisites: Consent of program or Transportation Minor Advisor

This course is designed as a general introduction to the diverse processes that shape cities. While covering the interdisciplinary field of Urban Studies, it emphasizes the most diverse of the disciplines: Geography. In this course we will examine fundamental issues of city growth and development, social differentiation, urban culture, urban politics, urban economic processes, urban planning, urban morphology, urban design, and urban futures. While emphasizing a geographic (spatial) perspective, we will draw from a variety of perspectives, including those of Anthropology, Architecture, Cultural Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Sociology, Urban Design and Urban Planning. Examples will come from a variety of locations around the world, emphasizing Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Introduction to urban gender issues from historical and spatial perspectives. Issues such as the gendering of urban design and planning, daily urban activities, urban labor markets, gentrification, suburbanization and identity construction in urban places are addressed.

Prerequisites: Urban Studies 201 or 253 or consent of the Faculty.

The social and spatial organization of cities shapes the lives of the majority of the world's inhabitants. While urban scholars understand a great deal about the socio-spatial processes that create and organize the cities, the ways in which these processes shape human beings' lived experience is often overlooked. A number of film directors have thoughtfully protrayed a wide variety of urban processes, allowing us to connect our theoretical understandings of these processes to the (portrayed)lived experiences of film characters (individuals as well as groups). This course utilizes one of contemporary society's primarary communications media, film, to link our theoretical understanding of urban processes with the meaningful world of lived experiences.

Introduction to Canadian urban planning theory and practice. Focuses on the histroy of planning, and aspects of practice such as neighbourhood planning, historic preservation, urban design and long-range planning.

Transit Orientated Development (TOD) and transit supported land use planning guidelines are becoming an important element of municipal transportation and land use policy in urban centres across North America. However, land use that incorporates and supports urban transit has long been an element of urban policy elsewhere in the world (e.g. Europe, Asia. This course will explore the relationship between public transport, urban form, and urban land-use transportation policy. From a basis of formal lectures, local field trips, and class discussions on issues of theory, practice, and policy implementation, the focus of this special topics course will be the students' examination of 'real world' issues of transit and urban form within Calgary and globally.

Prerequisites: consent of the urban studies program (an introdfuctory Urban Studies, Human Geography or related course)

Advanced seminar for the interdisciplinary consideration of selected problems in urban studies

Prerequisites: Urban Studies 201 or 253 and two of Economics 361, Geography 351, Political Science 425, Sociology 353 or consent of the Faculty

Notes: May not be offered every year. May be taken as a reading course if an instructor is available.