100-Level Introductory and General Education Courses
Our 100-level courses are generally for first-year and second-year students. Through lectures, discussions, and written assignments, these courses provide our students with a fundamental basis in and exposure to key concepts and global issues in Physical Geography, Environmental Science, and Human Geography.
GC 100 - Physical Geography [SCII]
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: Yes Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
General Education: Scientific Inquiry (SCII)
This course examines interactions between the atmosphere, the Earth’s surface, water, and living things, as well as the role of humans in those interactions. Students will be able to explain the processes that drive Earth’s seasons, weather, climates, biomes, and landforms, and how they are impacted by human activities. Students will learn how to develop research questions, collect data, and produce and interpret graphs, maps, and figures relating to major geographic patterns and their processes.
Notes: Course does not meet the laboratory course graduation requirement.
Field work may be required.
Contact instructor for more information.
View the Catalog entry.
GC 101 - Introduction to Environmental Science [INTT]
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: Yes Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
General Education: Integrative Thinking (INTT)
This course introduces students to environmental science and its role in ensuring a sustainable future. Students will discuss and synthesize complex environmental issues while drawing from their own experiences and other disciplines. Students also examine the science behind those issues involving both social and ecological systems. Course assignments strive to show students how to make decisions based upon their own assessment of scientific evidence.
Notes: Formerly ENV 101 Introduction to Environmental Science.
Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
View the Catalog entry.
GC 105 - World Regional Geography
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact Department
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Provides a thematic survey of world regions emphasizing environmental, population, cultural, geopolitical and economic development issues.
Notes: May not be applied toward any major offered by the Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department.
View the Catalog entry.
GC 164 - Human Geography [SOCR] [WC]
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: Yes Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
General Education: Social Responsibility in a Diverse World (SOCR) and World Cultures University Requirement (WC)
Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of locations, patterns, and processes that shape human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface and their environments. Students will explore human activities around the world and in their own environments. They will explain how people affect places, how places affect people, and how geography impacts aspects of their daily lives. Students will also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and practice.
200-Level Introductory and General Education Courses
Our 200-level courses are generally for first-year and second-year students and provide our students with a fundamental basis in and exposure to key concepts and global issues in Soils, Geographic Research, Maps, Quantitative Methods, Economic Geography, and Sustainability. These courses help students develop more in-depth knowledge and skills experience through research papers, lab work, and field trips.
GC 202 - Soils
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 3-0-2
Prerequisites: GC 100 or GC 101 or instructor permission.
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive and applied understanding of soil physical, biological, and chemical properties useful for environmental science, natural resource management, and agronomy related outcomes. Specifically, this course will use a variety of professional measurement, assessment and analysis methods to examine soil biogeochemical processes that support conservation and management of soil resources.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
View the Catalog entry.
GC 205 - Introduction to Geographic Research
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: EN 211, and either GC 100 or GC 164.
This course is designed to provide students with a basic introduction to the field of geography and related environmental fields. Course content includes the history of geography and its major theoretical paradigms, and students will engage in various methodological approaches to study geographical and environmental phenomena. In addition, students build essential skills related to geographically-informed research, such as data collection, data analysis, research design, data visualization, and scientific communication skills.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
View the Catalog entry.
GC 210 - Earth Hazards
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
General Education: Scientific Inquiry (SCII)
Earth Hazards introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of extreme events that naturally occur and cause harm to humans. This includes volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, wildfires, floods, cyclones, tsunamis, and meteorite impacts. Students will be able to explain how earth processes drive these hazards, the methods scientists use to predict and assess the risk of these events, and the means by which individuals and societies respond and adapt to them.
View the Catalog entry.
GC 220 - Economic Geography
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
This course is designed to provide students an exploration of the social, political and spatial dimensions of economic phenomena. Students will examine the environmental aspects of economic and political systems, inequality, international development, power relations, commodity chains and economic change. Students will also study global problems and develop local solutions through project-based assignments.
GC 225 - Introduction to Maps
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
2 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 1-0-2
Prerequisites: Mathematics placement at MA 100 or higher.
This course introduces students to map reading, analysis and interpretation, with special emphasis on USGS topographic maps. Students will develop foundational knowledge regarding map data types, map development, map reading and analysis. Additionally, they will learn to create topographic profiles, work with scale, become familiar with three different coordinate systems, determine bearings, calculate distance and areal extents manually and with GPS, and examine land partitioning using the Public Land Survey System.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
View the Catalog entry.
GC 235 - Quantitative Methods
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: Yes Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: DATA 109 or MA 111 or mathematics placement at MA 115 or higher.
This course introduces students to classic and spatial statistical concepts and techniques relevant to and used by environmental scientists, geographers, and geoscientists. Students will examine statistical concepts and methods and their theoretical underpinnings, and then apply their quantitative skills using computer-based tools and software. Students will assemble and analyze data sets and summarize their interpretations.
GC 255 - Physical Geology [SCII] [LAB]
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 3-0-2
General Education: Scientific Inquiry (SCII) and Laboratory Science University Requirement (LAB)
This course introduces students to geology, the study of Earth’s structure and composition, its history and the processes that shape it. Students will learn to identify minerals and rocks, investigate rock formation processes, plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes and the development of various topographic landforms. Additionally, students will learn to read topographic and bedrock geologic maps, and evaluate stream and groundwater flow, seismic data and sand dune movement.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 269 - Introduction to Sustainability
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: EN 211, GC 164, and at least one of GC 100, GC 101 or GC 255.
This course helps students answer urgent questions about sustainability, such as: “How can we meet the needs of our current population without sacrificing the needs of future generations?” Students will investigate environmental problems while also designing and implementing sustainable solutions. This course includes field-based experiences and a community-based project, allowing students to contemplate global sustainability while implementing local solutions.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 285 - Earth's Climate: Past, Present, and Future
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Knowledge of past climates is valuable for understanding patterns and processes of the climate system and for predicting future climate change. Students will examine: components of the climate system; techniques used to interpret past climates and predict future climates; and patterns, variations and events occurring at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Students will also discuss predictions for future climate change and investigate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
GC 295 - Special Topics in Geography
300-Level Courses
Our 300-level courses are generally for third- and fourth-year students majoring and our programs and provide our students with in-depth knowledge and exposure to concepts, issues, and skills experience in domains like Urban Geography, Food Systems, Environmental Policy, GIS, Cartographic Design, Population Geography, Geology, and Weather and Climate. Students will develop their knowledge through lectures, discussions, readings, and field trips, and then have opportunities to apply, synthesize, and assess information in lab work and research papers.
GC 300 - Regional Studies: World Cultures [SOCR] [WC]
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
General Education: Social Responsibility in a Diverse World (SOCR) and World Cultures University Requirement (WC)
Prerequisites: EN 211 and sophomore standing.
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study an important geographic region and its associated environmental, social, cultural, political and economic dimensions. The specific regional focus will be determined by demand and availability of faculty with relevant expertise.
Notes: May be repeated if topic differs.
GC 303 - Practicing Geography
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: GC 205 and junior standing.
The course provides an opportunity for EEGS majors to gather up, review, polish and collate their EEGS skills and abilities sets to help them prepare for the successful transition from EEGS major to environmental careers or post-baccalaureate education opportunities.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 310 - Urban Geography
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: GC 164 or GC 220, and GC 205.
Urban Geography introduces students to concepts pertinent to the city, its origins, contemporary form, and urban challenges. Students will examine the city and urban phenomena in both the American context and international setting, and will be able to explain social, economic, demographic, and political forces that alter urban environments. Students will explore sustainability initiatives introduced by cities to address environmental challenges. Students will also apply methods and tools geographers use in research and practice.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 316 - Geography of Tourism
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: GC 164 and GC 205 or instructor’s permission.
Understand the historical development of tourism, its importance to local and national economies and the impact that tourists have on the environment, economy and local cultures.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 317 - Geography of Food Systems
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: EN 211 or GC 205 or instructor’s permission.
This course is designed to provide a broad understanding of the global agrifood system. We focus on the social and environmental aspects of food production systems and commodity chains, inequality and access and economic and policy dimensions. Students will also engage in field-based experiences and group projects that enable them to interact with and impact the global food system at the local scale.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 320 - Environmental Policy and Regulation
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: Yes Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: GC 100 or GC 101 or junior standing.
This course introduces students to public policy and regulatory processes in the United States with a focus on federal and state involvement in environmental decision-making. Students will examine the history of environmental policy and relevant environmental laws. Students will also explore issues related to international environmental law with an emphasis on climate policy.
GC 330 - Planning Theory and Practice
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
2 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 2-0-0
Prerequisites: GC 205.
Study of land use planning from its beginnings through contemporary comprehensive and policy plans. The focus is on planning as a technical, political and economic process.
GC 335 - Geographic Information Systems
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: Yes Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: GC 225 required or junior standing or instructor permission.
This course introduces students and professionals to foundational ideas underpinning the growing field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students will examine fundamental concepts related to the creation, management, analysis, and visualization of geographic information. Students will then apply these concepts using industry-standard software to assemble and analyze data, and develop visualizations to communicate, solve problems, and make decisions. These skills will prepare students for work in a variety of job sectors.
GC 337 - Cartographic Design
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 3-0-2
Prerequisites: GC 335 or instructor permission.
This course explores the art and science of representing a geographical area on a map. With GIS software, students analyze and visualize spatial data using traditional and cutting-edge techniques. Students apply principles of cartographic design to further their technical expertise in spatial science by creating web maps, thematic maps, cartographic figures for reports, and topographic maps using GIS data from various sources. Students develop portfolios of maps that are aesthetically appealing, practical, and effective.
GC 340 - Land Use Controls
GC 342 - Energy and the Environment
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: Completion of MA 100 higher, or math placement in MA 111 or DATA 109 or above.
Modern society draws on their environment to provide low-cost, reliable energy; however each of the energy forms we use have societal and environmental costs. Students will examine our energy system, its development, and its future. Specific topics include the foundational science concepts of energy and power, the technology, availability, and socio-environmental impacts of fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources, and the policy and economics of energy use. Students will become more informed citizens regarding the science, policy, and economics of energy use and the potential for a sustainable energy future.
GC 350 - Methods and Materials in Teaching Social Studies Education
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: Admission to the methods phase of teacher education.
Strategies, methods, materials and media that can be used to improve the teachinglearning process of geography in grades seven through 12.
Notes: May not be applied toward a non-teaching major or any minor in the Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department. Can be applied to the secondary education geography minor if required.
GC 360 - Population Geography [PERS]
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
General Education: Perspectives on Society (PERS)
Prerequisites: EN 211 and sophomore standing.
Population Geography enables students to explain issues and themes related to the patterns, processes, and consequences of the spatial distribution of people on Planet Earth. Students will analyze challenges associated with the geographic distribution of populations at the global, national, regional, and local scales, and they will learn the fundamental components of population change, fertility, mortality, and migration. Students will also apply methods and tools geographers use in their research and practice.
GC 362 - Wetlands
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 3-0-2
Prerequisites: GC 100 or GC 101 or BI 210.
This course focuses on wetland ecosystems, and it is designed to give students an applied understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of wetlands. Students will examine i) the global variation of wetland types, ii) their soil, hydrological and vegetation characteristics, iii) their management, iv) restoration and regulation, and v) techniques to measure and analyze wetland properties. They will be able to differentiate among wetland types, identify and assess wetland soil hydric indicators, analyze biogeochemical properties, perform wetland vegetation assessment techniques, interpret management and restoration practices, and examine societal implications.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 365 - Historical Geology
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 3-0-2
Prerequisites: GC 255.
This course introduces students to the changes, and methods of study, of the Earth over geologic time. Historical Geology begins with the formation of Earth, and proceeds systematically through the development and geography of landmasses, atmospheric and oceanic changes, and the origin, development and extinction of life. Additional topics include the effects and implications of asteroid impacts, mass extinctions, volcanism, glaciation and tectonics on the surface of the Earth.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 370 - Geomorphology
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 3-0-2
Prerequisites: GC 225, and GC 100 or GC 255, or instructor’s permission.
This course is designed to introduce students to the field of geomorphology, which is the study of the processes that shape the Earth’s surface and its landforms. Students will measure, collect and analyze data relating to landforms created by streams, glaciers, shorelines, groundwater, wind and human activities. Course activities will help students infer from physical evidence how landscapes change over time. In addition, students will gain experience interpreting topographic maps, aerial photographs, satellite imagery and landforms.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 376 - Field Geology
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 3-0-2
Prerequisites: GC 225 and GC 255.
This course provides students with the opportunity to learn and experience field data collection techniques to supplement their knowledge of geology, geologic processes, petrology and geomorphology. Students will travel to geological sites in Marquette County to learn to describe rock outcrops, collect strike and dip data, conduct level loop surveys, prepare field maps, sample soil on a drill rig, collect depth-to-groundwater data, and perform groundwater pump tests.
Notes: Formerly GC 260.
Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 385 - Weather and Climate
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 3-0-2
Prerequisites: GC 100 and MA 111 or higher, or instructor’s permission.
This course provides students with an advanced examination of the science of the Earth’s atmosphere. Students will develop their knowledge relating to the processes in the atmosphere that are responsible for weather and longer term climate patterns. In addition, students will examine and interpret different types of scientific and meteorological data, the natural and human-made causes of climate variations and change, as well as the interactions between the atmosphere and human activities.
GC 390 - Oceanography
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
2 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 2-0-0
This course introduces students to the field of oceanography, an interdisciplinary science focusing on ocean formation, bathymetry, ocean circulation, currents, tides, chemistry, plants and animals, and issues of ocean pollution and cleanup. Students will also explore the effects of solar energy, gravitational forces and atmospheric circulation that help to define the unique historical, chemical and physical aspects of the world’s oceans and seas.
400-Level Courses
Our 400-level courses are generally for third- and fourth-year students majoring in our programs and provide our students with in-depth knowledge and exposure to concepts, issues, and skills experience in domains like Biogeography, Remote Sensing, Spatial Analysis, and Hydrology. The culmination of their program is either the Human-Environment or Earth and Environment capstone, where students develop and execute a research project and bring together all of their skills and knowledge from their program to bear.
GC 401 - Biogeography
Offered Fall: Yes, Odd Years Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 3-0-2
Prerequisites: GC 100, BI 111 or BI 112, and junior standing.
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of biogeography. Biogeographers are primarily interested in answering questions like “why do organisms live where they do?” and “what are the spatial patterns by which organisms are distributed?” Students will be able to explain, analyze, and interpret vegetation-environment relationships, vegetation dynamics, disturbance ecology, human impacts on plants and animals, dispersal, extinction, and conservation through discussions and readings and then apply their knowledge in field-based lab exercises.
Notes: Field work is required during scheduled lab time.
GC 412 - Database Development
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Students will examine and explain foundations of relational databases, familiarity with and fundamentals of Structured Query Language (SQL) databases, and general database operations, and apply their skills using industry-standard software. Students will develop proficiency developing and managing both spatial databases and non-spatial databases.
GC 424 - Environmental Justice
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
The course examines how race, class, and gender have influenced environmental decision-making, and explores how groups of people that have been disproportionately affected by environmental problems have organized to address those issues. We examine how laws and policies contributed to environmental injustice, and how have they been used to achieve environmental and social equality. Students develop deeper understandings of the history of the environmental justice movement, contemporary environmental justice issues, and directions forward for the field.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 425 - Remote Sensing
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 3-0-2
Prerequisites: GC 225, BI 412 or DATA 109 or GC 235, and junior standing.
This course introduces fundamental remote sensing topics essential for monitoring the Earth’s resources and characterizing environmental problems. We examine the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, and the platforms used to observe the Earth system. Students will be able to explain and apply digital image processing techniques and their theoretical underpinnings in the context of aerial images, satellite images, LIDAR, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ground-penetrating radar and make appropriate interpretations.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 428 - Spatial Analysis
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: GC 335 or GC 425.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrates data from social and environmental disciplines and offers powerful platforms for data analysis from a spatial vantage point. Students will examine the analytical capabilities of GIS and build their technical experience. Students will work through multiple hands-on exercises using ESRI ArcGIS Pro to develop proficiency with spatial data analysis techniques such as data assembly, interpolation, proximity analysis, and overlay analysis.
GC 431 - Landscape Dynamics and Analysis
Offered Fall: Yes, Even Years Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 3-0-2
Prerequisites: GC 100 or BI 112, and GC 335, or instructor permission.
This course introduces students to fundamental topics in landscape ecology, the field concerned with the analysis of the relationship between ecological processes and spatial patterns on the Earth’s surface at landscape scales. Students will become proficient with key concepts, methods of analysis, and their importance in land management and conservation. Students will use analysis operations and their theoretical underpinnings to explore pattern-process relationships relating to vegetation, climate, habitat fragmentation, fire, and invasive species.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 444 - Gender and Environment
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Every other year.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
This course explores gender and the environment from an intersectional perspective. Through case studies ranging from the local to the global scale, we will discuss power, politics, identities, inequalities, social movements and ecological crises. This interdisciplinary course is for environmentalists, feminists, and any student curious about the interconnections between global environmental change and gender relations.
Cross Listed/Same As GN 444.
GC 465 - Hydrology
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 3-0-2
Prerequisites: BI 210 or GC 100 or GC 101, MA 111 or higher, and junior standing, or instructor permission.
Hydrology provides students with an advanced understanding of physical and chemical water properties and how they relate to the Earth and environmental sciences. This course examines storage and transport of water in the ground, on the surface, and in the atmosphere, as well as the human dimensions of water resources, including management, water quality and natural hazards. Students will be able to perform professional hydrological sample collection, data analysis and resource assessment techniques. Students will attend formal lectures infused with informal discussions and applied exercises, and will gain professionally relevant knowledge skills and abilities through field-, analytical-, and computation-based labs.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 470 - Environmental Ethics
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: GC 101 and GC 205.
This course investigates the philosophical discipline of environmental ethics. Students will examine the moral relationship of humans to the environment and its non-human contents in the context of social ecology, deep ecology and ecofeminist paradigms. They will explore the ethics of biodiversity loss, resource use, population, climate change and sustainability. Students will develop their own individual ethical perspective and understanding of the environment to become actors in the resolution of environmental and ecological controversies.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 475 - Environmental Impact Assessment
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: BI 310 or GC 205, GC 320, and senior standing, or instructor permission.
This course provides students with practical experience in the writing and development of an environmental impact assessment and an environmental site assessment. Through formal lectures and field-based lab experiences, students will identify and assess environmental, social and economic impacts of a proposed local development project and synthesize these concepts in their site assessment. Students will also become familiar with the laws, regulations and policies governing environmental decisions.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 482 - Earth Systems Interactions
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
2-4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 2-0-0
Prerequisites: GC 205, GC 235, and junior standing.
Earth Systems Interactions focuses on research-oriented skills applicable to many physical and natural science careers. The course is designed to provide students with an applied understanding of research theory, a working knowledge of analysis and data visualization techniques, and an ability to interpret complex earth systems science data. GC 482 integrates a variety of professional skills required to conduct scientific investigations as an/a earth, environmental, geographical, or biological scientist.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 485 - Planning Practicum
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: GC 205, GC 330, GC 335, GC 340, and senior standing or instructor’s permission.
Development of planning skills by working through planning problems in a real world context.
GC 488 - Earth and Environmental Science Capstone Research
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: GC 205, GC 235, GC 335, 24 GC credit hours, and junior standing, or instructor’s permission.
The Earth and Environmental Science Capstone Research course enables students to leverage upon the knowledge, skills, and abilities they have accumulated as majors in Earth Science or Environmental Science. Through formal lectures, discussions, exercises, and hands-on activities, students will learn how to execute a research design, identify data collection strategies, interpret and evaluate scientific data, and comprehend peer-reviewed research, culminating in the execution and presentation of their own professional research project.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 489 - Human-Environment Capstone
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No
4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: GC 205, GC 235, 24 GC credit hours, and junior standing, or instructor permission.
The Human-Environment Capstone course enables students to apply the knowledge, skills and abilities they have developed as majors in geography- and environmental-related disciplines. Through lectures, discussions, exercises and hands-on activities, students will examine peer-reviewed research relating to human-environment relationships. Students will develop a research question, design a project, collect data, interpret and evaluate information and summarize the findings of their final capstone project orally and in writing. This course also includes professional development opportunities.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 490 - Seminar
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
2-4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: Departmental major and junior standing or instructor’s permission.
The opportunity to apply skills and concepts developed within departmental programs.
GC 491 - Internship
Offered Fall: Yes Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: Yes Offered Other: No
2-6 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 0-0-6
Graded: S/U
Prerequisites: Overall grade point average of 2.75 and 88 credit hours or instructor’s permission.
Internships are increasingly important in preparing students for careers. They help students apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to real world situations, explore a given profession and gain practical experience in the working world. Once a student has identified an organization for which they will intern, they will work with their organizational supervisor and the EEGS Department to complete satisfactory documentation detailing their internship experience and performance in order to earn credit.
GC 495 - Special Topics in Geography
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
2-4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor permission.
Special study of problems and/or regions that are not part of the regular offerings.
Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 498 - Directed Studies in Geography
Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: No Offered Summer: No Offered Other: Contact department for information.
1-4 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: Major in earth science, environmental science, environmental studies and sustainability or geographic information science and technology; or one of the department’s minors; junior standing, or instructor’s permission.
Directed Studies credit permits students to work with a faculty member on a specialized topic or project that enhances a student’s professional development involving research, practical experience and/or community engagement. Once a student has identified a faculty member who will serve as the instructor of record, they will engage in that work and complete a set of deliverables commensurate with the nature of the topic and number of credits of the course.