College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Geography

Geography Courses

		Spring 2012 Geography Courses NMSU Catalogs Course Descriptions NMSU Course Lookup NMSU Class Schedule Search

---

Spring 2012 Geography Courses (Back to Top)

---

NMSU Catalogs (Back to Top)

Graduate and Undergraduate Catalogs
Academic Calendar
Final Exam Schedule

---

Course Descriptions (Back to Top)

GEOG 109. The Atmosphere and Hydrosphere 3 cr. (2+3P)
Introduction to physical forces that shape the environment: Earth geometry and seasons; the atmosphere; components of weather and climate. Completion of both GEOG 109 and GEOG 110 will substitute for GEOG 111G. Community Colleges only.

GEOG 110. The Biosphere and Lithosphere 3 cr. (2+3P)
Introduction to physical forces that shape the environment: unique spatial characteristics of flora and fauna; soil development and classification; geomorphic processes and landform development. Completion of both GEOG 109 and GEOG 110 will substitute for GEOG 111G.Community Colleges only.

GEOG 111G. Geography of the Natural Environment 4 cr. (3+3P)
Introduction to the physical processes that shape the human environment: climate and weather, vegetation dynamics and distribution, soil development and classification, and geomorphic processes and landform development.

GEOG 112G. World Regional Geography 3 cr.
Overview of the physical geography, natural resources, cultural landscapes, and current problems of the world s major regions. Students will also examine current events at a variety of geographic scales.

GEOG 120G. Culture and Environment 3 cr.
Study of human-environmental relationships: how the earth works and how cultures impact or conserve nature. Introduction to relationships between people and natural resources, ecosystems, global climate change, pollution, and conservation.

GEOG 281. Map Use and Analysis 3 cr. (2+3P)
Introduction to map use and analysis. Emphasis on physical and cultural features.

GEOG 291. Special Topics 1-3 cr.
Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.

GEOG 315V. World Agriculture and Food Problems 3 cr.
Same as AG E 315V.

GEOG 325V. New Mexico and the American West 3 cr.
Examination of the cultural and historical patterns, economic activities and physical characteristics of New Mexico with comparisons made with other western states.

GEOG 326. U.S. National Parks 3 cr.
Exploration of origins, landscapes, ecosystems, management issues, and conflicts in U.S. National Parks. The regional geography of the United States as seen through the creation and protection of biologically and culturally significant lands.

GEOG 328V. Geography of Latin America 3 cr.
Explores Latin America from a geographical perspective, integrating environmental, cultural and socioeconomic factors in an in-depth study of the development of the region.

GEOG 331V. Europe 3 cr.
Focus on the cultural continent of Europe, from Iceland to the Ural Mountains and from Archangel, U.S.S.R., to Malta. An overview of climate, geology, topography, soils, and vegetation, as well as a brief historical geography of the continent. Current environmental, social, and political issues of Europe will be discussed. A series of regional studies is also offered.

GEOG 351. Fundamentals of Biogeography 3 cr.
Floristic and physiognomic characteristics of the Earth's major ecosystems and their distributions; ecosystem dynamics, evolution, and physical environment; field and laboratory techniques including remote sensing.

GEOG 353. Geomorphology 3 cr. (2+3P)
Endogenic and exogenic processes that shape the Earth’s surface. Emphasis on origin and evolution of landforms. Prerequisite: GEOL 111G and GEOG 111G. Same as GEOL 353.

GEOG 357. Climatology 3 cr.
Elements and controls of climate. Energy and hydrologic cycles, general circulation, climate classification, distribution of climate types, microscale effects, applications. Prerequisites: MATH 120. Same as AGRO 357, SOIL 357.

GEOG 361V. Economic Geography 3 cr.
The geographic relationships of supply and demand resources, population, and transportation. Site analysis and decision-making in different economic systems and cultures and how these decisions affect the environment and the location of economic activities.

GEOG 363V. Cultural Geography 3 cr.
The world s diverse cultural landscapes. Emphasis on the connections between social, political, religious, and agricultural patterns and the impact of societies on the natural environment.

GEOG 365V. Urban Geography 3 cr.
The global historical development of urban areas, as well as the changing functions of today s cities. A comparison between the North American city system and cities in Europe, Asia, and South America, including the development of the city form, the internal spatial organization of commercial, residential, and industrial areas, and the socio-economic and political factors.

GEOG 373. Introduction to Remote Sensing 3 cr. (3+2P)
Introduction to the theory, techniques, and applications of remote sensing. Topics include electromagnetic radiation; remote sensing systems; remote sensing of the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and cultural landscapes. Course includes lectures and also labs focused on the basic analysis and interpretation of remote sensing products. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 381.

GEOG 374V. The European City: History and Culture 3 cr.
Course presents the rich, complex history and cultures of European cities from ancient to modern times, linking these cities to crucial issues in European history.

GEOG 381. Cartography and Geographic Information Systems 3 cr. (2+3P)
Design and construction of thematic maps. Introduction to cartographic principles in lecture. Emphasis on map-making using GIS software in the labs. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 281.

GEOG 382. Aerial Photo Interpretation 3 cr. (2+3P)
Introduction to use and analysis of aerial photographs. Emphasis on physical features and cultural patterns.

GEOG 401. Internship/Co-op 1-3 cr.
Provides an opportunity whereby students work with a local, regional, or federal agency, or private sector firm on applied geographic work, under the supervision of an agency or firm professional and a geography faculty member. Consent of instructor required.

GEOG 441. GIS Design 3 cr.
A critical aspect of GIS is its ability to provide the necessary products within the organization within which it is implemented. This is an in-depth analysis of currently accepted planning methodologies designed to create a successful implementation of GIS inside organizations. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 481 or consent of instructor.

GEOG 452. Landscape Ecology 3 cr.
Analysis of the structure, function and change of natural and anthropogenic landscapes. Patches, corridors, matrix and network, spatial organization, landscape dynamics, and role of disturbance in overall functioning of landscapes. Role of landscape heter. Prerequisite(s): Either GEOG 351, BIOL 301, or other basic ecology course or consent of instructor.

GEOG 461. U.S. Mexico Border Development 3 cr.
Analysis of the socioeconomic development of the U.S.-Mexican border region, including perspectives and issues from both sides of the border. Opportunities for individualized study of contemporary issues in the region. Prerequisite: GEOG 361 or consent of instructor.

GEOG 467. Transportation Geography 3 cr.
Nature and distribution of land, air and water transport facilities and their importance in regional development. Prerequisite: GEOG 120G or consent of instructor.

GEOG 472. Soil Morphology and Classification 4 cr. (2+2P)
Same as SOIL 472. Terminology used to describe soils. Soil classification systems of the world with emphasis on systems used in the United States. Theory of classification and taxonomy as applied to soils. Prerequisite: SOIL 252. Same as GEOG 472.

GEOG 473. Advanced Remote Sensing 4 cr. (3+3P)
Introduction to advanced topics in digital image processing, analysis, interpretation, and visualization. Topics include geometric and radiometric correction, image enhancement, image classification, change detection, and accuracy assessment. Lectures focus on the discussion of advanced remote sensing concepts, techniques, and applications; labs are applications-oriented. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 373, Intro to Remote Sensing.

GEOG 481. Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems 4 cr. (3+3P)
Fundamentals of computer-based systems which organize, analyze, and present spatially referenced data. Prerequisite: GEOG 281 or GEOG 381.

GEOG 482. Geodatabase Design 3 cr. (2+3P)
A practical introduction to designing geodatabases. The course takes you through the eleven steps of geodatabase design divided into four stages: thematic characterization; developing the database elements, relationships and properties; capture and collection; and finally, implementation and documentation. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 481 or consent of instructor.

GEOG 483. Field Explorations in Geography 3 cr. (6P)
A field-based class where students complete exercises in physical, human, and environmental geography in the Southwest. May be offered as a two-week intensive class where students are away from Las Cruces and camping; or may be offered with weekend field trips depending on the instructor. A lab fee for transportation and other expenses is required. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 281,physical geography class, human geography class, or equivalents, or consent of instructor.

GEOG 487. GIS Capstone 3 cr. (2+3P)
A capstone course in Geospatial Analysis. Demonstration of competence in the use of Geospatial tools, techniques, and concepts for the solution of applied geographic problems. Software may change from semester to semester. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 373 and GEOG 481.

GEOG 491. Special Topics 1-3 cr.
Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Consent of instructor required.

GEOG 492. GIS Applications and Modeling 3 cr.
Group oriented class in which students conduct an applied research project in GIScience application or modeling area of choice and conduct focused library research. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 481 or consent of instructor.

GEOG 493. Special Problem Research 1-3 cr.
For advanced and exceptional students. Research, and preparation of a paper in some phase of geography. A maximum of 6 credits may be earned. Consent of instructor required.

GEOG 495. Directed Readings 1-3 cr.
Individual study through selected readings. A maximum of 6 credits may be earned. Consent of instructor required.

GEOG 501. Research Design and History of Geographic Thought 3 cr.
Understanding and application of the research process, including conceptualization and definition of a research problem, study designs, data sources, data collection, and report writing in development of geographic thought.

GEOG 521. GIS Applications and Modeling 3 cr.
Group oriented class in which students conduct an applied research project in a GIScience application or modeling area of choice and conduct focused library research. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 481, or consent of instructor.

GEOG 552. Landscape Ecology 3 cr.
Analysis of the structure, function and change of natural and anthropogenic landscapes. Patches, corridors, matrix and network, spatial organization, landscape dynamics, and role of disturbance in overall functioning of landscapes. Role of landscape heterogeneity in landscape management. Prerequisite: either GEOG 351, BIOL 301, or other basic ecology course or consent of instructor. Same as BIOL 552.

GEOG 553. Applied Geomorphology 3 cr. (2+3P)
Geomorphic concepts applied to human activities that affect landforms. Prerequisite: GEOG/GEOL 353 or GEOG/GEOL 453 or consent of instructor. Same as GEOL 553.

GEOG 555. Southwestern Environments 3 cr.
The U.S. Southwest: physical and human geography, coupled human-environment interactions, causes and consequences of environmental issues, and implications for sustainable development. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 281, physical geography class, human geography class, or equivalents, or consent of instructor.

GEOG 557. Biogeography 3 cr.
Global distributions of plants and animals: their origins, radiations, and factors controlling distribution.

GEOG 571. Cartography and Geographic Information Systems 3 cr. (2+3P)
Graduate level design and construction of thematic maps. Introduction to cartographic principles in lecture. Emphasis on map-making using GIS software in the labs. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 281.

GEOG 572. Geodatabase Design 3 cr. (2+3P)
Graduate level introduction to designing geodatabases. The course takes you through the eleven steps of geodatabase design divided into four stages: thematic characterization; developing the database elements, relationships and properties; capture and collection; and finally implementation and documentation. Taught with GEOG 482. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 382.

GEOG 573. Introduction to Remote Sensing 3 cr.
Introduction to the theory, techniques, and applications of remote sensing. Topics include electromagnetic radiation; remote sensing systems; remote sensing of the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and cultural landscapes. Course includes lectures and also labs focused on the basic analysis and interpretation of remote sensing products.

GEOG 577. GIS Capstone 3 cr.
Graduate level capstone course in geospatial analysis. Demonstration of competence in the use of Geospatial tools, techniques, and concepts for the solution of applied geographic problems. Software may change from semester to semester. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 373 and 481.

GEOG 578. Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems 4 cr. (3+3P)
Fundamentals of computer-based systems that organize, analyze, and present spatially referenced data. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 571 or consent of instructor.

GEOG 581. GIS Design 3 cr.
A critical aspect of GIS is its ability to provide the necessary products within the organization within which it is implemented. This is an in-depth analysis of currently accepted planning methodologies designed to create a successful implementation of GIS inside organizations. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 481 or consent of instructor.

GEOG 582. Advanced Remote Sensing 3 cr.
Introduction to advanced topics in digital image processing, analysis, interpretation, and visualization. Topics include geometric and radiometric correction, image enhancement, image classification, change detection, and accuracy assessment. Lectures focus on the discussion of advanced remote sensing concepts, techniques, and applications; labs are applications-oriented. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 373/573 or consent of instructor.

GEOG 583. Field Explorations in Geography 3 cr. (6P)
A field-based class where students complete exercises in physical, cultural, and environmental geography in the Southwest. May be offered as a two-week intensive class where students are away from Las Cruces and camping; or may be offered with weekend field trips depending on the instructor. A lab fee for transportation and other expenses is required. Prerequisite(s): Geography 281, physical geography class, human geography class, or equivalents, or consent of instructor.

GEOG 585. Advanced Spatial Analysis 3 cr.
Statistical analyses of point and areal patterns. Emphasis on quantitative research in geography. Prerequisite: STAT 251G or E ST 311; or consent of instructor.

GEOG 586. Geospatial Techniques for Natural Resource Assessments 3 cr.
Use of integrated geographic information science and technology (GIS&T, includes remote sensing and geographic information systems) approaches for the monitoring and assessment of environmental issues. Lectures focus on the analysis and evaluation of current uses, potentials, and challenges of GIS&T. Labs emphasize the design and implementation of an original research project that uses GIS&T to model a local or regional environmental issue. Prerequisite(s): Geography 481/521 and 373/573 or equivalents.

GEOG 595. Directed Readings 1-3 cr.
Advanced individual study through selected readings. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

GEOG 596. Residency 3-12 cr.
A contractual learning experience in the public or private sector under the supervision of a field supervisor and two faculty members. Restricted to majors. PR/U grading only.

GEOG 597. Seminar in Advanced Digital Imagery 3 cr.
Supervised group study of geospatial techniques using advanced digital imagery. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits when topics change. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

GEOG 598. Selected Topics 1-3 cr.
Readings, discussions, lectures or laboratory studies of selected geographic themes. May be repeated for unlimited credit.

GEOG 599. Master's Thesis 0-12 cr.
Supervised individual study of a student’s thesis topic. May be repeated for an unlimited number of credits.

---