COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Notes:
Not all courses are offered every year.
All courses are half-credit courses unless indicated otherwise.
* indicates a course which may be used for credit in the MES program.

*600 Seminar in Spatial Data Handling
An overview of concepts and methodologies in several aspects of spatial data handling: cartography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, spatial statistics. Analysis of spatial data sets.

*601 Environmental Change and Remote Sensing
Principles and techniques of analyzing environmental change from long time-series of remotely sensed imagery are examined. Case studies include the impacts of climate change on sea ice and the role of natural and human-induced stress on tropical coral reefs.

*602 Remote Sensing of Cold Regions
This course focuses on the extraction of hydrologically-relevant parameters from remote sensing that are germane to cold regions such as snowfall, snow cover, glaciers and ice caps, lake and river ice, permafrost, and seasonally frozen ground. The determination of hydrological parameters in the liquid and vapour phases such as precipitation, soil moisture, surface water, and evaporation/evapotranspiration from remote sensing, as well
as the integration of remote sensing data into hydrological models are also covered.

*603 Remote Sensing and Earth System Science
This course will explore how remote sensing is used and in concert with empirical or physically-based models to help us better understand Earth system processes from the local to global scales. Students will learn how remote sensing measurements are coupled with radiative transfer models, energy and mass balance models and spatial analytical models from different components of the Earth system. Examples will be drawn from the
hydrologic and carbon cycles from the human built environment.

*604 Spatial Statistics
An overview of spatial statistics and their use in geographic studies.

*605 Spatial Information Technology, Globalization and International Development
(cross-listed as Planning 654 at UW)
This course considers the role of GIS and RS technologies for problem solving and planning decision support in developing countries. Topics include the globalisation of information technology and its transfer from developed to developing countries and general aspects of the spatial information technology industry and its relationship to society.

*606 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Introduction to GIS concepts and to their application in geographic studies using basic GIS software. This course is designed for students with little or no prior experience with GIS.

*607 Geographic Information Systems Applications
Current applications of GIS and related technologies in geographic research and enfironmental management are examined through discussions and individual student projects. This course is designed for students with previous GIS experience.

*608 Urban Remote Sensing
An overview of high-resolution remote sensing systems and advanced study of image segmentation, data fusion, feature extraction, and change detection algorithms. Topics include 3D city modeling, land use/cover classification, urban heat island study, urban sprawl monitoring, and risk mapping.

611 Industrial Location Theory and Concepts
(cross-listed as Local Economic Development/Planning 611 at UW)
Examination of industrial location theory, and themes concerning the role of manufacturing in the space-economy. Factors of location will be considered as will the way that manufacturing has led to spatial disparity on international, regional and local levels.

613 Regional Development Principles and Practice
(cross-listed as Local Economic Development/Planning 613 at UW)
This course will review the principles underlying regional development theory and evaluate the application of these principles in policy and practice. The purpose is to explore regional development options in the context characterized by fiscal conservatism and intense international competition for investments.

615 Community Economic Development
(cross-listed as Local Economic Development/Planning 615 at UW)
Community Economic Development is a field of theory, process and practice that I concerned with understanding the forces shaping communities and finding sustainable local solutions to economic needs. This seminar course will examine topics such as capacity-building, asset-based strategies, social capital, poverty-alleviation, social enterprises and co-operatives, and comprehensive community initiatives, using international and local examples and case studies.

*616 Multivariate Statistics
(cross-listed as Planning 616 at UW)
Theory and application of multivariate statistics, regression and correlation analysis, factor analysis, discriminant analysis and grouping analysis, with emphasis on the use of the computer.
Prerequisite: Environmental Studies 178 at UW or consent of instructor.

*618 Spatial Analysis
(cross-listed as Planning 618 at UW)
Presentation of analytical and simulation models useful in analyzing geographic phenomena such as spatial interaction, spatial dependence, spatial equilibria and location optimization; consideration is given to both theoretical and empirical components.

619 Regional Planning Economic and Investment Analysis
(cross-listed as Planning 619 and LED 619 at UW)
Critical appraisal of regional economic analysis, projection and decision making techniques. Problem based study of methods commonly used by regional planners, economic developers, and consultants. Identification of leverage sectors, trend analysis, investment decision-making and input/output analysis are discussed. New analysis applications and approaches are explored.
Cross-listed as GEOG 619 and LED 619
Students may receive credit for only one of Plan 619 or Geog 619 or LED 619

620 Seminar in Urban and Economic Geography
An overview of the paradigms and methodologies of urban and economic geography, illustrated by focusing on a specific project relating to the development of the space economy or the internal structure of cities.

621 Metropolitan Form and Structure in Canada
A seminar on selected topics of particular relevance to understanding and planning for contemporary processes of metropolitan change in Canada. Major topics represent an interrelated set of exogenous forces (globalization, economic restructuring, technological innovation and immigration and demographic shift) and endogenous structural responses (central city decline, revitalization, dispersed styles of suburban development and new urbanist and ecologically sustainable styles of planned intervention).

622 Perspectives on Social & Behavioural Geography
Examination of geographical contributions to contemporary social and behavioural research. Among the topics considered are behaviour based research in learning, perception, and personality. Topics in contemporary social theory and research are also considered such as class, ethnicity, gender, and community.

623 Geography of Commerce
An overview of concepts and methodologies for examining the spatial aspects of commercial systems.

624 Transportation Geography
Concepts and methodologies for examining mobility and various impacts of transportation systems.

630 Seminar in Cultural and Historical Geography
Students’ analytical and applied skills are developed through a mix of readings, discussions, and individual student-originated research projects. Appropriate use of cultural and historical evidence in both physical and human geographical research is emphasized. Readings include the following themes: environmental history, ethnohistory, post-modernism, gender studies, and interpretation of culturally modified landscapes.

631 Research in Historical Geography
The investigation of a substantive topic in historical geography using the concepts, approaches and techniques of the field.

632 Research in Cultural Geography
An investigation of a selected topic in terms of the social organization of space, and the cultural and subcultural beliefs and values involved. Examination of the kinds, locations and uses of primary sources of data and other sources.

633 Concepts and Research in Regional Studies
An investigation of holistic approaches involving temporal and national origins and cross-influences; examination of the kinds, locations, and uses of primary sources of information and other sources.

634 A-H Selected Topics in Regional Studies
Detailed study of physical, cultural, economic and political geography of a specified world region; (a) Europe; (b) Mediterranean; (c) Africa; (d) Russia and Post Soviet States; (e) East Asia; (f) Caribbean; (g) Canada; (h) North America

635 International Development: Theories and Practice
This course emphasizes both theoretical and conceptual frameworks, techniques, practices and methods for analysis of development, focusing in particular on the development - environment interface and questions of sustainability.

636 Gender Perspectives on Geographical Issues
This course examines several conceptual research methods and action approaches, ranging from the purely theoretical to applied planning and program development issues.

*640 Seminar in Physical Geography
Basic concepts related to temporal and spatial scales together with variability as they directly affect data collection and analysis. Leading edge research related to selected sub-disciplines of physical geography will be critically discussed.

*641 Climate Change
Advanced study of the atmosphere as a natural resource system. Emphasis on the enhanced greenhouse effect; climate change scenarios, impacts and policy implications.

*642 Micrometeorology
Advanced study of boundary-layer meteorology. Energy balance regimes for complex surfaces are examined. The theory of turbulent and radiant transfer is studied using field data collected during the course.

*643 Dynamic Geomorphology
An overview of current issues and methodologies in geomorphology with special emphasis on processes operating in fluvial, glacial, periglacial or coastal environments.

*644 Applied Geomorphology
An examination of the way in which human activities modify landscapes and the impacts of government policy and planning with respect to landscape change. The role of the geomorphologist in landscape rehabilitation.

*645 Fluvial and Glaciofluvial Sediment Transport
Laboratory (hydraulic) models and sediment transport theory are emphasized in the analysis of modern and ancient (Pleistocene) landforms of fluvial and glaciofluvial origin.

*646 Hydrology
An overview of hydrological processes with emphasis on Canadian examples related to the hydrologic cycle, surface hydrology, groundwater hydrology and measurement techniques.

*647 Recent Advances in Wetland Studies
Selected topics on the distribution, classification, functional dynamics, and ecosystem structure of wetlands. A scientific basis for wetlands management is emphasized.

*648 Paleolimnology
(to be cross-listed as Biology 646 and Earth Science 646 at UW) This course examines the use of stratigraphic records from lakes to reconstruct environmental change. Topics include sediment coring techniques, radiometric dating methods, analysis of physical, geochemical and biological indicators, and case studies demonstrating applications to address scientific and management questions. Practical experience gained from a lake sediment coring field trip and subsequent laboratory analysis.

*649 Hydrology of Cold Regions
This course provides an overview of the hydrology of cold regions. Physical processes are emphasised, but hydrological modelling, and geochemistry are included where appropriate.

*660 Perspectives in Resource and Environmental Management
(cross-listed as Planning 660 and Environment and Resource Studies 660 at UW)
Current research and practice in resource and environmental management.

*661A Applied Studies in Hydrology and Environment 1
(cross-listed as Planning 661A at UW)
This applied hydrology course involves defining, designing and conducting research on the hydrology and/or water quality of a specific environmental setting. Drawing on strengths and interests of students, the field and laboratory activities in this course typically involve collection, analysis and reporting of primary data. The Fall-term (661A) focuses on literature review, problem definition, methodological design and data collection; the Winter-term (661B) includes analysis, interpretation and write-up suitable for publication in a refereed journal. Group work is typically involved.

*661B Applied Studies in Hydrology and Environment 2
(cross-listed as Planning 661B at UW)
Continuation of 661A
Prerequisite: Geography 661A..

*664 Political Ecology: Nature, Society and Sustainability
Readings, discussions and case study analysis draw attention to the intersection of political economy and ecological analysis, and contested understandings of environmental change, livelihoods and sustainability. Topics may include communities and conservation, knowledge systems and power, ecological change, property rights and institutions, social movements, and research methods.

*665 Environmental Planning Theory and Practice
(cross-listed as Planning 665 at UW)
An interdisciplinary approach to environmental planning. Focuses on the socio-economic, planning, environmental science, design, and decision-making theories and methods utilized in environmental planning theory and practice. Regional and local case studies and studio projects will be used to demonstrate professional practice issues and techniques.
Recommended: a senior level course in ecology, environmental science, landscape architecture or equivalent.

*666 Ecosystem Approach to Park Planning
(cross-listed as Planning 666 at UW)
An ecological approach to planning national and provincial parks, focusing on system planning, master planning and park administration. Examination of the theory and practice of parks planning utilizing ecological concepts.
Recommended: a senior undergrad or graduate ecology course. Estimated additional field trip cost to student $30.

*668 Environmental Assessment
(cross-listed as Planning 668 at UW)
Techniques and technicalities covered in the first part of the course include legal aspects, teamwork, data collection and manipulation, public participation, and cost benefit analysis. These topics are followed by case histories considered from the perspective of proponent, public, consultant and government. Finally, the ethics and politics of environmental impact assessment are reviewed. Students are required to participate in a group case study on a current impact assessment issue.

*669 Energy and Sustainability
(cross-listed as ERS 619 at UW)
Renewable and non-renewable energy supply systems are compared using economic and environmental measures. Consumption trends, conservation options and choices are considered at the household, community and global levels. Projects are used to demonstrate the economic and environmental challenges in the design of sustainability energy systems.

*671 Contemporary Perspectives on Tourism
(cross-listed as Local Economic Development 671 and TOUR 601 at UW)
This course will introduce participants to a variety of topics and research methods through presentations made by active researchers from Canada and abroad.

*672 Human Ecology of Stressed Environments
An examination of socioeconomic-biophysical system interactions emphasizing multi- and transdisciplinary perspectives such as human ecology, health, ecosystems and complexity. Students normally focus on one particular problem and region to illustrate concepts and methods.

*673 International Perspectives on Resource and Environmental Management
An overview of issues, problems and concepts in international resource and environmental management. The complex nature of ecological/biophysical, economic, and sociocultural aspects of resource management will be explored, with particular emphasis placed on tracing challenges experienced in developing countries.

675 A - Z Selected Topics in Geography
Topic(s) to be negotiated on an individual basis with faculty members. An outline for this course, approved by the professor in charge, must be submitted to the Program Director within three weeks of registration.

685 Theory of Local Economic Development
(cross-listed as Local Economic Development 685 at UW)
This course focuses on economic development for regions, communities and municipalities. We examine organizational structures and strategies that a community may employ to increase its capacity to control its destiny. Topics include: strategic economic planning, information management, partnerships, internet opportunities, entrepreneurship, incubators, tourism, sustainable development and healthy community initiaitves. Finally, we critique various evaluation methods.

690 Geographic Thought and Methodology
An analysis of changing methods and philosophy of geographic research with emphasis on problem formulation and the design and evaluation of geographic research.

691 Graduate Student and Faculty Seminar in Geography
Participation in departmental seminars; invited presentations by guest speakers, program faculty and students.
Graded on a Cr/NCr basis

692 International Study
The aim of this course is to provide academic credit for a foreign academic learning experience. This will take one of the following formats: study with a foreign expert, a specialized graduate course taken at a foreign institution, or a research/study project abroad conducted under the guidance of an approved advisor. In all instances the plan of study must be approved before a student leaves and in each case a final normal graduate course workload report must be submitted.
Graded on a Cr/NCr basis

698 Masters Research Paper (1.0 credit)

699 Masters Thesis (2.0 credits)

891 PhD Comprehensive Examination (0.0 credit)

899 Doctoral Thesis (2.0 credits)