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Geography
Faculty
*Year of initial appointment at Binghamton
Blumler, Mark, Assistant Professor, PhD, 1992, University of California
at Berkeley: Biogeography, early agriculture, environmental history. (1991)*
Budin, Morris, Professor Emeritus, PhD, 1954, New School for Social Research:
Statistical geography, urban planning analysis. (1964)
Butler, Joseph H., Professor Emeritus, PhD, 1960, Columbia University: Economic
geography, water resources. (1963)
Frazier, John W., Professor and Director of Graduate Program, PhD, 1976,
Kent State University: Urban geography, geographical theory, applications
of Geographic Information Systems. (1976)
Henry, Norah F., Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Administration,
Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, PhD, 1976, Kent State University: Automated
cartography, medical geography, social geography. (1976)
Hsu, Shin-yi, Professor, PhD, 1967, University of California at Los Angeles:
Cartography, remote sensing and GIS, East Asia. (1970)
Lansana-Margai, Florence, Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate
Studies, PhD, 1991, Kent State University: Spatial analysis, environmental
planning, Africa. (1994)
Montz, Burrell E., Professor, PhD, 1980, University of Colorado: Natural
hazards, resource management and planning. (1979)
Roth, Harold, Adjunct Lecturer, MA, 1972, University of Washington, Seattle:
Urban planning. (1996)
Sweet, Robert, Adjunct Lecturer, MA., 1989, Binghamton University: Urban
planning. (1992)
Tettey-Fio, Eugene, Assistant Professor, PhD, 1996, Kent State University:
GIS and advanced cartography, location allocation modelling. (1995)
Timofeeff, Nicolay P., Associate Professor Emeritus, PhD, 1967, Columbia
University: Physical geography, quantitative geography, computer graphics.
(1966)
Van Riper, Joseph E., Professor Emeritus, PhD, 1939, University of Michigan:
Physical geography, pedology, Middle East. (1950)
Willis, Lucius S.,Lecturer, MA, 1983, State University of New York at Binghamton:
Geographic information systems. (1983)
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Undergraduate
Programs
The Geography Department offers students the opportunity to study a number
of contemporary problems such as physical resource development, urban decay,
business geography, pollution, and other human problems. Geography stresses
strategies for solving locational and environmental problems. Map design,
computer mapping, statistics, and the use of remotely-sensed data are central
to the field.
The department offers four tracks within its BA program. The general curriculum
encourages interdisciplinary work; the analytic geography specialization
emphasizes environmental/resource analysis and planning; the urban planning
track emphasizes the environmental, economic, and institutional aspects
of urban planning; the physical geography track emphasizes environmental
analysis. All four tracks provide preparation for graduate work. The courses
emphasize the problem approach, both theoretical and applied. Double majors
are encouraged and special programs may be designed on request.
The Geography Department views the grade of D as passing but unsatisfactory.
Courses passed with a grade of D, or P, do not fulfill requirements for
the major.
Grievance Procedure: resolution of student-faculty grievances should be
worked out in accordance with the departmental grievance procedure, available
from the department office.
Independent study courses (GEOG 497) will count toward the major tracks
only with the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
BA, Track 1: General
Geography
GEOG 121. Physical Geography
GEOG 261. Cartography
MATH 147. Statistics
One cultural/regional course
One introductory urban/economic course
Five courses from the physical/environmental, urban/economic, and mapping
categories.
TOTAL: 10 courses (40 hours). Credit is granted for equivalent courses.
BA,Track 2: Analytical
Geography
GEOG 121. Physical Geography
GEOG 261. Cartography
MATH 147. Statistics
CS 140 or 160 (preferred), Introduction to Computer Programming
One introductory urban/economic course
Two mapping courses
Three courses from the physical/environmental, urban/economic, and applications
categories
TOTAL: 10 courses (40 hours). Credit is granted for equivalent courses.
BA,Track 3: Geography and Urban Planning
GEOG 121. Physical Geography
GEOG 261. Cartography
MATH 147. Statistics
GEOG 233. Urban Geography
One cultural/regional course
Two urban/economic courses
One physical/environmental course
One mapping course
One applications course
TOTAL: 10 courses (40 hours). Credit is granted for equivalent courses.
BA, Track 4: Physical and Environmental Geography
GEOG 121. Physical Geography
GEOG 261. Cartography
MATH 147. Statistics
One regional/cultural course
Four physical/environmental courses
Two courses from mapping and applications categories.
TOTAL: 10 courses (40 hours). Credit is granted for equivalent courses.
Honors in Geography
Four credit hours are permitted for those geography majors interested in
writing an honors thesis. Students must be declared geography majors, have
a 3.5 grade-point average for geography courses attempted, and be in the
final year of undergraduate studies. Not more than one semester (total)
in researching, writing, and editing of the thesis is permitted. Requirements
and guidelines are available in the Geography Department office.
Requirements for
Geography Minors
Cartography
The six courses required for this minor are:
1. GEOG 261.
2. one course from: GEOG 101, 121, 151.
3. any four courses from: GEOG 361, 363, 463, 465, and 475.
Environmental Resource Management
The six courses required for this minor are:
1. GEOG 121, 151, 232.
2. any three courses from: GEOG 332, 337, 339, 341, 361, 422, 423, and 465.
Physical Geography
The six courses required for the minor are:
1. GEOG 121, 151, 261.
2. any three courses from: GEOG 321, 323, 325, 341, 361, 421, 422, and 465.
Joint Program:
Geography BA/Master of Landscape Architecture
Geography majors are eligible for participation in a special joint program
between Binghamton University and SUNY College of Environmental Science
and Forestry in Syracuse. The program permits students to take the final
year of undergraduate education in Syracuse while beginning the master of
landscape architecture program. The undergraduate degree in geography is
granted by Binghamton University; the MLA is granted by SUNY College of
Environmental Science and Forestry. Contact Professor Florence Lansana-Margai
for details.
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Course Offerings/
Undergraduate
NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all undergraduate courses carry 4 credits
and are offered every year.
Introductory/Service
Note: None of these can count toward the major.
GEOG 101. INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY: PEOPLE, LAND, AND SPACE
Concepts basic to geographic inquiry, such as areal differentiation, environmental
linkages, central place, human-environmental Interaction, spatial organization,
spatial interaction, spatial behavior. Problems of urban areas, population
trends, economic development, human-land relationships.
GEOG 102. MAP READING, INTERPRETATION, AND APPRECIATION
World of maps, from historical and thematic perspectives. Teaching modules
include: 1) historical maps; 2) topographic, navigational, and weather maps;
3) photo maps; 4) urban and regional planning maps; 5) atlases; and 6) computerized
maps.
GEOG 120. WEATHER AND CLIMATE 2 credits
A systematic study of processes that govern variations in atmospheric conditions
over time and space. Elements of heat exchange, moisture exchange, and dynamics
of air movement examined in relation to causes for various climatic patterns
on earth. Elements of applied climatology related to specific problems such
as irrigation needs, wind erosion of soils, acid rain, water pollution,
flood and storm prediction.
Core
GEOG 121. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Description, interpretation, human significance of major global patterns
of climate, land-forms and surface configurations, vegetation and soils.
Energy flow processes in various sub-systems of global earth-atmosphere
system.
GEOG 261. CARTOGRAPHY
Map compilation, map design, and reproduction. Cartographic methods for
mapping discontinuous and continuous areal data.
Cultural/Regional
GEOG 151. WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY
Differences between world regions on basis of human and physical geographic
factors. Spatial interactions and relations between selected world regions;
international geographic considerations and importance of world places.
Spatial diffusion, spatial interaction, human-land geographic processes
and patterns.
GEOG 211. CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY: SOCIETY, ENVIRONMENT, AND CHANGE
Ecological/spatial expressions and processes of culture. Interrelationship
between human and physical environments.
GEOG 212. HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED STATES
A synthesis of the historical geography of the United States, beginning
in the Colonial Era but with emphasis on the period after 1776. Specific
topics include: migration to and within North America; the migrants' experience
and creation of space and place in the New World; European and Native-American
interaction; land tenure, landscape, ecology, agriculture, and rural settlements;
and the geographic patterns of urban, economic, and industrial development.
GEOG 253. PEOPLE, SPACE, AND ENVIRONMENT IN LATIN AMERICA
Spatial and environmental aspects of economic, demographic, social conditions
in Latin America. Population dynamics, resource analysis, and urbanization.
Potential of Latin American countries for industrial development.
GEOG 255. AFRICA: PEOPLE, ENVIRONMENT, AND SPACE
Systematic study of environmental processes (landforms, climate, etc.) and
their effect on development of Africa. Parameters of change, contemporary
environmental problems in Africa. Population patterns, projections, policies,
conservation practices.
GEOG 257. GEOGRAPHY OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Physical, social, regional geography of Middle East.
GEOG 259. EASTERN ASIA: LAND AND PEOPLE
Systematic study of landforms, climate, their effect on development of early
regional cultures in China and Japan; population, rural and urban settlements
in relation to natural resource management. Natural disasters and coping
process; regional planning in modern China.
Introductory Urban/Economic
GEOG 232. ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY
Spatial patterns of economic activity. Relationship of land use to spatially
variable environmental factors. Introduction to location theory. Resource
management problems. Environmental consequences of production processes
and population growth.
GE0G 233. URBAN GEOGRAPHY
Processes involved in organization of space within urban areas. Theoretical
urban models; their application in empirical case studies in developed and
underdeveloped countries.
GEOG 235. INTRODUCTION TO URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING
Theories and practices of planning at urban and regional levels. Planning
processes; environmental and ecological bases of planning; planning function
in government; urban and regional dynamics; strategy and conflict theory;
planner's approach to locational analysis; grantsmanship planning data;
planning implementation, neighborhood as effective planning unit; comprehensive
master plan.
Physical/Environmental
GEOG 321 (also GEOL 314). GEOMORPHOLOGY
Sculpting of earth's crust by exogenic forces, integration of classical
and modern views in analysis of erosional and depositions Iandforms. Laboratory
and field exercises; independent study. Three lectures, one 3-hour laboratory
per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 121 or introductory geology.
GEOG 323 (also ENVI 323). SOILS: PROPERTIES, PROCESSES, AND DISTRIBUTION
Morphological properties of soils as natural bodies, factors in processes
of development, systems of classification at topographic, regional, and
global scales. Soil fertility and its role in land use. Prerequisite: GEOG
121.
GEOG 330 (also ENVI 330). NATURAL HAZARDS
Analysis of physical, geographic, political, and perceptual aspects of natural
hazards. Evaluation of physical environments in which natural hazards occur,
land use and development patterns in hazardous areas, tools and methods
for evaluating hazardousness and vulnerability. Prerequisites: GEOG 121
or ENVI 201; junior or senior standing.
GEOG 337. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION: THEORY, POLICIES, AND PRACTICES
Historic and contemporary examination of geographic, economic, environmental,
cultural factors relating to natural resource use and management. Specific
resources such as minerals, soil, water as related to conservation policy,
practice, theory. Lectures and discussion. Prerequisite: GEOG 121 or 232.
GEOG 339 (also ENVI 339). ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Geographic, environmental, economic, and cultural determinants of resource
management. Policy goals and decision-making elements influencing management
of environmental and natural resources. Management policy, practice, and
theory. Prerequisites: any one of GEOG 121, 232, 233, or 235, or ENVI 101
and 201.
GEOG 341. WATER RESOURCE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Role of water in environmental planning. Hydrologic, engineering, economic,
ecological, and institutional aspects of water management. Run-off models.
Flood hazard analysis. Water supply systems. Water quality management. Drainage
basins as planning units. Field trips; research reports.
GEOG 421. ADVANCED PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY SEMINAR
Detailed study of selected aspects of landforms, climates, soils. Field
measurement techniques, qualitative record analysis and interpretation.
Prerequisite: GEOG 121 or GEOL 111.
GEOG 422 (also BIOL 368). BIOGEOGRAPHY
Ecological principles applied to the study of past, present, and future
distribution patterns of living organisms. Effects of earth history, spatial
pattern, plate tectonics, climate and climate change, and human impacts
on biota. Prerequisites: GEOG 121 and/or an ecology course.
GEOG. 476. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
Problem-solving skills in environmental management based on research design,
spatial analysis and modeling. Topics include hazards and risk management;
attitudinal and behavioral analysis; waste management; environmental equity;
and valuation of environmental goods. Prerequisites: any one of these courses-GEOG
121, 235, 337, 339; ENVI 101, or 102 and junior standing.
Urban/Economic
GEOG 332. ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY SEMINAR
Theoretical and applied topics relating to land use, economic development,
resource analysis, waste management, and location analysis. Special emphasis
on international economic system and increasing integration of American
business into the global economy. Prerequisite: GEOG 232 or equivalent.
GEOG 335. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS OF PLANNING
Applications of legislative action, administrative rules and regulations,
court decisions to urban and regional planning issues. Specific legislative
acts, their administration; particular major cases to develop basic techniques
of legal research. Prerequisite: one urban geography course.
GEOG 345. URBAN PLANNING ANALYSIS I
Basic analytical methods used by urban and regional planners. New conceptions
of functions of urban areas, population analysis and forecasting, industrial
location and methods for attracting firms, commercial growth, the housing
sector. Prerequisite: any one of GEOG 232, 233, 235; or ECON 360, or 362.
Mapping
GEOG 361. AERIAL PHOTO INTERPRETATION
Elementary photogrammetry; linear, area, height measurements on vertical
photos. Interpretation of agricultural land use patterns, urban-industrial
settings, and landforms. Applications in regional planning, forestry, environmental
pollutions, etc., pursued by students. Prerequisite: GEOG 121 or 261.
GEOG 363. THEMATIC CARTOGRAPHY: SURVEYING AND MAPPING
Science and art of graphics, applied to mappable data. Methods of graphic
representation; map compilation, design, reproduction techniques. Prerequisite:
GEOG 261.
GEOG 463. INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER
MAPPING
Fundamentals of geographic information systems (GIS), from data acquisition
to final reports and maps, with particular emphasis on their role in geographic
analysis. Projects cover environmental topics (with IDRISI) and urban-economic
topics (with MapInfo). ARC/Info will be introduced. Prerequisites: GEOG
261 and declaration of a major or minor in geography.
GEOG 465. REMOTE SENSING OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Fundamentals of remote sensing, various sensing systems, methods of data
acquisition and processing, applications in land use mapping, crop stress
detection, pollution, and population estimation. Prerequisites: GEOG 361
and junior standing.
GEOG 475. COMPUTER CARTOGRAPHY
Principles of digital mapping. Topics include: the character of geographic
data in a digital environment; automated generalization of data; topological
models and operations (ARC/node, quad-tree, DLG, etc); digital terrain models;
geographic data exchange formats (ARC/generate, DXF, MBI, etc.); interface
design; structure of commercial GIS software; graphics libraries and their
application to mapping. Projects in C. Prerequisites: GEOG 261 and CS 140
(Pascal) or 160 (C, preferred), or their equivalents; and junior standing.
Applications
GEOG 485. INTERNSHIP IN GEOGRAPHY: PLANNING/variable credit
Internship in agencies such as planning and engineering departments, consulting
firms. Prerequisites: two upper-level geography courses and consent of instructor.
Research
GEOG 497. INDEPENDENT STUDY /variable credit
Meets special needs and interests of advanced students on tutorial or seminar
basis. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and department chair.
GEOG 499. HONORS THESIS /variable credit
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Graduate Programs
The department's master of arts program in geography educates qualified
students for work toward the PhD degree, and for professional careers in
government service, industry, and regional or urban planning. There is a
thesis option for each of the three tracks. Each track requires a total
of 40 credits, as well as oral and written comprehensive examinations.
Please note that the track in cartography and geographic analysis is currently
under revision.
Admission
Undergraduate specialization in geography is not required. However, students
lacking a suitable background in geography are required to take appropriate
undergraduate work beyond course requirements for the MA degree. The deficiencies
to be made up are determined by the department. All applicants are required
to submit scores for the Graduate Record Examination aptitude tests.
MA TRACK 1: General Geography
The program provides disciplinary foundation along classical liberal arts
lines that can lead to interdisciplinary work in scholarly areas such as
conservation, environmental management, economic development, and international
studies. A total of 40 credits is required.
Required:
GEOG 500. Geographical Theory
GEOG 569. Advanced Cartography
GEOG 531. Advanced Geographic Field Study
Select two of the following:
GEOG 573. Seminar in Physical Geography
GEOG 574. Seminar in Economic Geography
GEOG 571. Seminar in Urban Geography
GEOG 599. Thesis
Plus five electives, no more than three in any one area:
Area 1 Area 2 Area 3
GEOG 508 GEOG 502 GEOG 501
GEOG 518 GEOG 505 GEOG 511
GEOG 535 GEOG 532 GEOG 512
GEOG 571 GEOG 533 GEOG 536
GEOG 574 GEOG 544 GEOG 542
GEOG 566 GEOG 573
GEOG 575
Electives are to be approved by the advisor.
Language requirement: Approved computer or foreign language.
MA, TRACK 2:
Cartography and Geographical Analysis
This track educates students as geographical spatial analysts, with emphasis
on cartography, remote sensing, and geographic information systems. Among
the essential components of the program are theory, research methods, and
advanced statistics. The objective of this track is career preparation in
the specified area. To fulfill this goal, practical experience obtained
from internships and field research is integrated into the formal curriculum.
This track also provides the option of pursuing the PhD degree at many institutions.
A total of 40 credits is required.
Prerequisites include elementary statistics and GEOG 261, Cartography, or
their equivalents.
Required:
GEOG 500. Geographical Theory
GEOG 502. Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Computer
Mapping (GIS I)
GEOG 531. Advanced Geographic Field Study
GEOG 533. Advanced Statistical Techniques for
Geographical and Spatial Analysis I
GEOG 564. Computer Cartography*
GEOG 569. Advanced Cartography
Select three of the following:
GEOG 532. Remote Sensing of the Environment
GEOG 545. Geographic Information Systems II:
Theory * **
GEOG 550. Photogrammetry
GEOG 552. Cartographic Design**
GEOG 555. Geographic Information Systems III:
Applications* **
Select one of the following (substitution is at the
discretion of the director of graduate studies):
GEOG 570. Urban Planning Seminar
GEOG 574. Economic Geography Seminar
GEOG 577. Retail Geography
GEOG 597. Independent Study (in Cartography or GIS)
GEOG 598. Internship in Geography,
Cartography, and Planning
GEOG 599. Thesis Research
Language requirement: Approved computer or foreign language
* GEOG 502 must be taken before GEOG 564 and GEOG 545 before GEOG 555.
** GEOG 552 and 555 are currently being revised; substitutions are available,
when
approved by the advisor.
MA, Track 3: PhysicalEnvironmental Systems and Urban Planning
The program educates students in physical environmental systems and in urban
analysis and planning, with particular emphasis on the integration of the
environmental, urban-economic, and institutional aspects of planning. Among
the essential components of this concentration are geographic techniques,
geomorphology, urban seminars, environmental concerns, community involvement,
and practical experience through internship programs. Students share a common
core curriculum, but choose one of two specific foci. As with Track 2, graduates
from this program might work for planning agencies or pursue an advanced
degree. A total of 40 credits is required.
Prerequisite: elementary statistics or equivalent
Focus on Physical Environmental Systems
Required:
GEOG 500. Geographical Theory
GEOG 531. Advanced Geographic Field Study
GEOG 533. Advanced Statistical Techniques for
Geographical and Spatial Analysis I
Select seven of the following:
GEOG 502. Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Computer
Mapping (GIS I)
GEOG 511. Advanced Geomorphology I: Fluvial
GEOG 512. Advanced Geomorphology II: Glacial
GEOG 544. Sampling and Measurement of Elements of the Physical Environment
GEOG 566. Advanced Statistical Techniques for Geographical and Spatial Analysis
II
GEOG 569. Advanced Cartography
GEOG 575. Resource Management
GEOG 598. Internship in Geography, Cartography, and Planning
GEOG 599. Thesis Research
GEOL 514. Applied Geomorphology
GEOL 614. Seminar in Geomorphology
Focus on Urban Planning
Required:
GEOG 500. Geographical Theory
GEOG 502. Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Computer
Mapping (GIS I)
GEOG 518. Legal and Administrative Aspects of Planning
GEOG 533. Advanced Statistical Techniques for Geographical and Spatial Analysis
I
GEOG 566. Advanced Statistical Techniques for Geographical and Spatial Analysis
II
GEOG 508. Urban Planning Seminar I
GEOG 535. Urban Planning Seminar II
Select three of the following:
GEOG 531. Advanced Geographic Field Study
GEOG 536. Land Use Analysis
GEOG 542. Water Resources Planning and Management
GEOG 569. Advanced Cartography
GEOG 571. Seminar in Urban Geography
GEOG 574. Seminar in Economic Geography
GEOG 595. Research and Colloquium
GEOG 598. Internship in Geography, Cartography, and Planning
GEOG 599. Thesis Research
Language requirement (both foci): Approved computer or foreign language
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Course Offerings/
Graduate
GEOG 500. GEOGRAPHIC THEORY
Theoretical foundations of modern geography.
GEOG 501. QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY
Systematic development of statistical methods; their application to geographic
research. Sampling design; analysis of spatial relationships and areal associations;
taxonomic classification, discrimination and regionalization problems. Intensive
use of digital computer.
GEOG 502. INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER
MAPPING (GIS I)
The fundamentals of geographic information systems (GIS), from data acquisition
to final reports and maps, with particular emphasis on their role in geographic
analysis. Projects cover environmental topics (with ARC/INFO) and urban-economic
topics (with MapInfo). Limited to geography students. Prerequisite: GEOG
261.
GEOG 505. ADVANCED AIR PHOTO INTERPRETATION
Advanced photogrammetry, manual, semi-automatic, and automatic photo interpretation
techniques; their applications in urban and natural resources analysis.
GEOG 508. URBAN PLANNING SEMINAR I
Basic theory and techniques used in urban and regional planning analysis.
Topics for papers include population analysis and forecasting, uses of planning
data, regional analysis and balances, labor force policies, role of models
in planning, and cost-benefit analysis.
GEOG 509. CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Historic and contemporary analysis of trends in conservation thought and
practice. Geographic, environmental, cultural, economic factors relating
to natural resource use and management. Specific resources such as minerals,
soil, water as related to conservation policy, practice, need.
GEOG 511 (also GEOL 511). ADVANCED GEOMORPHOLOGY I-FLUVIAL /fall semester
Hydrologic cycle, stream dynamics, morphology. Independent research projects
and seminars. Laboratory, field exercises stressing quantitative methods.
Two lectures, one 3-hour laboratory per week.
GEOG 512 (also GEOL 512). ADVANCED GEOMORPHOLOGY II-GLACIAL/spring semester,
alternate years
Historical and geological importance of glaciation periods. Analysis of
vast landform changes created by glacial, periglacial, glaciofluvial processes.
Reference paper, independent study project, field trips. Two lectures, one
3-hour laboratory per week.
GEOG 516 (also GEOL 516). HYDROGEOLOGY /spring semester
A survey of hydrogeology: hydrologic cycle; properties of rocks and soils;
fluid flow in porous media (Darcy's Law, diffusion equation); hydrological
boundary conditions, numerical techniques; groundwater chemistry; case studies.
Prerequisites: calculus and introductory geology, or consent of instructor.
GEOG 518. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS OF PLANNING
Administrative structures of planning systems at local, state, and federal
levels. Particular administrative and legal relationships that apply to
major programs such as federal housing, urban renewal, state financing,
local zoning, etc.
GEOG 522. BIOGEOGRAPHY
Interrelationships between physical geography and ecology. Study and explanation
of distribution patterns of living organisms.
GEOG 523. SOILS AND ENVIRONMENT
Study of basic properties of soils and pedogenic processes operating in
environments. Survey of major types of soils and their world distributions,
uses of soils, their basis of land capability assessment. Material presented
in a structured modular format, highlighting the complexity of soils, their
interaction with physical and environmental systems. Local field trips will
consist of examining and mapping soil development, collecting field measurements
and samples, and performing mechanical and chemical tests.
GEOG 530. NATURAL HAZARDS*
Analysis of physical, geographic, political, and perceptual aspects of natural
hazards. Evaluation of physical environments in which natural hazards occur,
land use and development patterns in hazardous areas, tools and methods
for evaluating hazardousness and vulnerability. Prerequisite: GEOG 121 or
ENVI 201.
GEOG 531. ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC FIELD STUDY
Application of field research techniques in geography to analysis and evaluation
of human use of physical environment. Field research problems requiring
reconnaissance, intensive and multiple data gathering techniques, quantitative
and non-quantitative analytic methods. Written research reports.
GEOG 532. REMOTE SENSING OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Remote electromagnetic sensing, including photographic infrared, and radar
imagery. Geographic research through manual and automated analysis of physical
and cultural data. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
GEOG 533. ADVANCED STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR GEOGRAPHIC AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS
I
Multivariate analysis that includes correlation and regression analysis,
analysis of variance, chi-square tests. Prerequisite: introductory course
in statistics.
GEOG 535. URBAN PLANNING SEMINAR II
Planning commercial development, industrial location planning, planning
housing development, public and private sectors, planning reorganization
of public services, transportation, urban renewal, and zoning.
GEOG 536. LAND-USE ANALYSIS
Analysis of urban, suburban, and rural land and water use as basis for spatial
planning, resource and environmental management. Application of remote sensing,
air photo interpretation, surveying, field techniques, other tools to land-use
problems. Classification methods and cartographic representation. Field
experience. Prerequisites or corequisites: courses in physical, economic,
and urban geography and remote sensing.
GEOG 542. WATER RESOURCE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Hydrologic, engineering, economic, ecological, and institutional aspects
of water planning and management. Urban industrial water quality, flood
plain management and riverbasin planning. Governmental and private water
decision-making systems and processes.
GEOG 544. SAMPLING AND MEASUREMENT OF ELEMENTS OF PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Field measurement, variable selection, numerical taxonomy, computer mapping
of physical land systems. Sampling techniques, variable ordination and coding,
measurement procedures, data bank structure and retrieval, variable association,
clustering and computer mapping of soils, topography, vegetation, and micro
climate. Prerequisite: GEOG 501 or consent of instructor.
GEOG. 545. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS: THEORY
AND PRACTICE (GIS II)
This course focuses on theoretical and applied issues in desktop Geographical
Information Systems. The data acquisition, portrayal, and analysis functions
of GIS are explored through research topics. Desktop GIS, MAPINFO and ARC/INFO
UNIX are applied in a laboratory and project basis. Prerequisites: GEOG
261 and 502. Limited to geography students. Permission of instructor.
GEOG 550. PHOTOGRAMMETRY
Systematic study of measuring data recorded on photographs; geometric relationship
between physical objects and their images. Geometry of aerial photography,
its relationship with terrain height, depression angle, flight height, other
camera parameters. Emphasis on numerical solutions rather than instrument
solutions. Relationship with modern remote sensing, traditional photo interpretation.
Available to undergraduates by petition.
GEOG 564. COMPUTER CARTOGRAPHY
Principles of digital mapping. Topics covered include: the character of
geographic data in a digital environment; automated generalization of data;
topological models and operations (ARC/node, quad-tree, DLG, etc.); digital
terrain models; geographic data exchange formats (ARC/generate, DXF, MBI,
etc.); interface design; structure of commercial GIS software; graphics
libraries and their application to mapping. Projects in C. Prerequisite:
GEOG 261.
GEOG 566. ADVANCED STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR GEOGRAPHIC AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS
II
Advanced variance analysis, covariance analysis, future analysis, survey
sampling techniques.
GEOG 569. ADVANCED CARTOGRAPHY
Mapping and analyzing the statistical surface. Effect of class interval
systems and interpolating schemes on choropleth and isopleth maps. Map perception.
Automatic pattern recognition. Prerequisite: GEOG 261.
GEOG 570. URBAN PLANNING SEMINAR III
Students who have been assigned internships in governmental agencies combine
their experiences and research with work in this seminar. Students not interns
are assigned research projects in field of urban and regional planning.
Research generally requires field work.
GEOG 571. SEMINAR IN URBAN GEOGRAPHY
Examination and application of contemporary theories, concepts, and methods
to study of urban geographic problems. Dynamics that have created urban
agglomerations in world: regional and local comparisons. Theoretical explanations
of urban spatial structure and spatial organization; concepts and theories
of distribution of modes of urban transportation as geographic factor in
spatial analysis of integrated development; urban spatial behavior and urban
imagery; competing philosophies in study of urban geography. Prerequisite:
undergraduate course in urban geography.
GEOG 573. SEMINAR IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Processes shaping physical environmental base for human use. Techniques
of sampling and inventorying aspects of soils and climate. Students prepare
climatic and soil maps both at micro and macro scales, perform mechanical
analyses of soils, use both heat and water budgets quantitatively. Prerequisite:
physical geography.
GEOG 574. ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY SEMINAR
Intensive study of selected problems in economic
geography.
GEOG 575. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Decision-making methods used by administrators of public agencies concerned
with environmental issues. Public policy objectives and administration;
alternative environmental management systems; implications of alternative
methods of control; applied administrative methods for directing operations.
GEOG 576. ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
An analytical examination of selected environmental problems and issues.
Fundamental aspects of planning including research design, analysis, and
implementation of environmental policies will be covered.
GEOG 577. RETAIL GEOGRAPHY
Examines the applicability of geographic theories to retailing, including
location theory and site selection. Use of major data bases and computer
mapping software in the solution of retail problems. Prerequisites: GEOG
500 and 533, or equivalents.
GEOG 591. SEMINAR IN TEACHING METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY /1-4 credits
Philosophy of teaching, course preparation and presentation, source materials,
tools, problems associated with college teaching. Graduate students only.
One hour per week, one credit hour.
GEOG 595. RESEARCH AND COLLOQUIUM
Geography faculty provides topic(s); research team of faculty and students
completes project and presents findings in Geography Colloquium Series.
Examination and attempted solution of geographical problems that exist in
Binghamton SMSA. Applied problems include monitoring of environmental systems,
transportation planning, and urban planning. Students apply geographical
and planning theory and techniques obtained in other courses, and work closely
with faculty members. Community experts invited to participate where appropriate.
GEOG 597. INDEPENDENT STUDY /variable credit
Research under direction of faculty member. Consent of instructor and chairperson
required.
GEOG 598. INTERNSHIP IN GEOGRAPHY-CARTOGRAPHY AND PLANNING
One formal meeting per week with instructor, plus eight hours of interning
in an agency. Students undertake real-world problems approved by agency
and faculty member. Evaluation on basis of project performance at agency,
judged by agency sponsor and faculty. Consent of instructor required.
GEOG 599. THESIS RESEARCH /1-4 credits
GEOG 700. CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION /1 credit/semester
Required for maintenance of matriculated status in graduate program. No
credit toward graduate degree requirements.
GEOG 707. RESEARCH SKILLS /1-4 credits
Development of research skills required within graduate programs. May not
be applied toward course credits for any graduate degree. Prerequisite:
approval of relevant graduate program directors or department chairs.
*Pending Graduate Council approval
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