GEO 400 Level Courses

  • GEO 401  Global Plant Geography

    GEO 401  Global Plant Geography

    Semester:
    Fall of odd years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Prerequisite:
    GEO 201 or FOR 101 or FOR 204 or PLB 218 or IBIO 355 or approval of department
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen.
    Description:
    Patterns of global plant distributions. Plant-atmosphere interactions, ecological processes, biogeographic patterns and predictive models of plant distributions.
  • GEO 402  Agricultural Climatology

    GEO 402  Agricultural Climatology

    Semester:
    Fall of even years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Prerequisite:
    MTH 110 or MTH 116
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen or sophomores.
    Description:
    Relationships between climate and agriculture in resource assessment, water budget analysis, meteorological hazards, pests, crop-yield modeling, and impacts of global climate change.
    Interdepartmental With:
    Biosystems Engineering
  • GEO 403  Dynamic Meteorology (W)

    GEO 403  Dynamic Meteorology (W)

    Semester:
    Spring of odd years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Prerequisite:
    (MTH 234 and GEO 203) and completion of Tier I writing requirement
    Recommended Background:
    GEO 405
    Restrictions:
    Open to juniors or seniors or master's students or doctoral students.
    Description:
    Principles of fluid dynamics and their application to the atmosphere.
  • GEO 405  Weather Analysis and Forecasting

    GEO 405  Weather Analysis and Forecasting

    Semester:
    Spring of even years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 4   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3   Lab Hours: 2
    Prerequisite:
    GEO 203 and (MTH 110 or MTH 116)
    Description:
    Dynamic and thermodynamic principles of atmospheric science applied to the development and evolution of extratropical cyclones. Laboratory sessions include analysis of current observations and satellite imagery.
  • GEO 407  Regional Geomorphology of the United States

    GEO 407  Regional Geomorphology of the United States

    Semester:
    Spring of odd years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Recommended Background:
    GEO 306 or GLG 201 or GLG 412 or ISP 203A or ISP 203B
    Description:
    Geomorphic characteristics of physiographic regions of the United States.
  • GEO 408  Soil Geomorphology Field Study

    GEO 408  Soil Geomorphology Field Study

    Semester:
    Fall of odd years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 4   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 2   Lab Hours: 4
    Prerequisite:
    CSS 210 or GEO 306 or GLG 201 or GLG 412 or GEO 206
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen or sophomores.
    Description:
    Common geographic relationships among soils, landforms, and vegetation in lower Michigan. Description, analysis, and genesis of soils and landscapes. Surficial processes.
  • GEO 409  Global Climate Change and Variability

    GEO 409  Global Climate Change and Variability

    Semester:
    Fall of odd years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Prerequisite:
    GEO 203 or GEO 206
    Description:
    Analysis of climate change and variability at various time and space scales. Climate systems, paleoclimatology, global warming, climate models, and climate impact assessment.
  • GEO 410  Geography of Food and Agriculture

    GEO 410  Geography of Food and Agriculture

    Semester:
    Fall of even years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Recommended Background:
    GEO 113 or GEO 151 or GEO 204 or GEO 206
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen or sophomores.
    Description:
    Spatial patterns of contemporary global agriculture and food systems. Human-environment geography of select agricultural practices and food systems. Effects of agricultural practices on natural and human resources.
  • GEO 411  Stream Systems and Landform

    GEO 411  Stream Systems and Landforms

    Semester:
    Spring of even years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Recommended Background:
    GEO 206 or GEO 306 or GLG 201 or GLG 431
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen or sophomores.
    Description:
    Themes associated with stream systems. Evolution of drainage basins and channel hydrology. The nature of flowing water, stream discharge, and flooding. Controls of stream behavior. Channel patterns and landform development. Character of Michigan stream systems. Field project.
  • GEO 412  Glacial Geology and the Record of Climate Change

    GEO 412  Glacial Geology and the Record of Climate Change

    Semester:
    Spring of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 4   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3   Lab Hours: 2
    Recommended Background:
    GLG 201 or GEO 306 or GEO 408 or GLG 301
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen or sophomores.
    Description:
    In-depth analysis of glacial geology and the record of climate change, with emphasis on North America and Europe. Field trip required.
    Interdepartmental With:
    Geological Sciences
  • GEO 413  Urban Geography

    GEO 413  Urban Geography

    Semester:
    Spring of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen or sophomores.
    Description:
    Theories and models of urban spatial form. Underlying structures and processes. Socio-spatial dimensions of modern urbanism. Differentiation and locational conflict in residential, commercial, and industrial space.
    Interdepartmental With:
    Urban Planning
  • GEO 414  Geography of Transportation

    GEO 414  Geography of Transportation

    Semester:
    Fall of odd years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Prerequisite:
    GEO 113
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen.
    Description:
    Spatial principles of transportation. Theories of interaction, network structures, and location-allocation models. Role of transport and transport planning.
    Interdepartmental With:
    Urban Planning
  • GEO 415  Location Theory and Land Use Analysis

    GEO 415  Location Theory and Land Use Analysis

    Semester:
    Fall of even years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Prerequisite:
    GEO 113 or UP 201
    Recommended Background:
    EC 201 or EC 202
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen or sophomores.
    Description:
    Classical and neoclassical, static and dynamic models of industrial location and spatial organization. Land rent theory. Central place theory. Multi-locational organization. Growth transmission.
    Interdepartmental With:
    Urban Planning
  • GEO 418  The Ghetto

    GEO 418  The Ghetto

    Semester:
    Fall of odd years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen or sophomores.
    Description:
    Analysis of the ghetto including its spatial organization and structure. Distribution of racial and ethnic populations. Emphasis on U.S. cities.
    Interdepartmental With:
    Urban Planning
  • GEO 419  Applications of Geographic Information Systems to Natural Resources Management

    GEO 419  Applications of Geographic Information Systems to Natural Resources Management

    Semester:
    Spring of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 4   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 2   Lab Hours: 4
    Recommended Background:
    GEO 221
    Description:
    Application of geographic information systems, remote sensing, and global positioning systems to integrated planning and management for fish, wildlife, and related resources.
    Interdepartmental With:
    Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife, Biosystems Engineering
  • GEO 424  Advanced Remote Sensing

    GEO 424  Advanced Remote Sensing

    Semester:
    Spring of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 4   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3   Lab Hours: 2
    Prerequisite:
    GEO 324
    Description:
    Interaction of solar radiation with the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Introductory digital image processing. Earth-resources satellite sensors, data products, and applications. Radar and thermal remote sensing.
  • GEO 425  Problems in Geographic Information Science (W)

    GEO 425  Problems in Geographic Information Science (W)

    Semester:
    Spring of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 2   Lab Hours: 2
    Prerequisite:
    (GEO 325 or GEO 802) and completion of Tier I writing requirement
    Description:
    Advanced theoretical and technical issues in geographic information science utilizing a problems oriented approach. Development and implementation of geographic information science solutions and formal documentation of work.
    Interdepartmental With:
    Urban Planning
  • GEO 426  Thematic Cartography

    GEO 426  Thematic Cartography

    Semester:
    Spring of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 4   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3   Lab Hours: 2
    Prerequisite:
    GEO 221 and GEO 221L and GEO 326 or approval of department
    Description:
    Principles, theories, decision making, and techniques in thematic map production. Graphic and Geographic Information Systems applications. Print and digital display.
  • GEO 428  Digital Terrain Analysis

    GEO 428  Digital Terrain Analysis

    Semester:
    Fall of odd years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 2   Lab Hours: 2
    Prerequisite:
    GEO 325
    Description:
    Theoretical and technical issues of collection, management, analysis, and display of terrain data. Application of photogrammetry, geographic information systems, and cartography.
  • GEO 429  Geoprocessing

    GEO 429  Geoprocessing

    Semester:
    Spring of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Prerequisite:
    GEO 325 or GEO 802 or approval of department
    Description:
    Applications of computer programming to address geographic information problems. Integration of digital spatial data, geographic information systems, spatial analysis, and expert systems.
  • GEO 432  Environmental Ethics (W)

    GEO 432  Environmental Ethics (W)

    Semester:
    Fall of even years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Prerequisite:
    Completion of Tier I writing requirement.
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen or sophomores.
    Description:
    Ethical dimensions of environmental and spatial issues and associated public policies
  • GEO 435  Geography of Health and Disease

    GEO 435  Geography of Health and Disease

    Semester:
    Fall of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen or sophomores.
    Description:
    Spatio-environmental concepts and techniques applied to health problems. Disease transmission cycles, community nutrition, and health-care planning.
  • GEO 436  Spatial Analysis of Populations

    GEO 436  Spatial Analysis of Populations

    Semester:
    Spring of odd years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen or sophomores.
    Description:
    Concepts and methods to measure and evaluate geo-spatial and temporal trends in populations and their components, such as natality, mortality, migration, and characteristics at different geographic scales. Sources of spatial population data. Visualization and analysis of data in a geographical information system.
  • GEO 440  Critical Geopolitics

    GEO 440  Critical Geopolitics

    Semester:
    Spring of even years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen.
    Description:
    Political geographies of origins and conduct of nation-states. Identity-place dynamics. Colonialism and imperialism. Geopolitics and geopolitical ideas. Resource and environmental politics. Resistance and terrorism.
  • GEO 441  Cultural Geography

    GEO 441  Cultural Geography

    Semester:
    Spring of odd years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Recommended Background:
    GEO 151
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen.
    Description:
    Survey of the geographic study of world cultures, cultural ecologies, cultural landscapes, and cultural influences on societies’ patterns of spatial organization.
  • GEO 442  Social Science Data Analytics Applications

    GEO 442  Social Science Data Analytics Applications

    Semester:
    Fall of every year, Spring of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Prerequisite:
    PLS 202
    Description:
    Application of computational tools for data collection and visualization to various topics in social science research.
    Interdepartmental With:
    Social Science, Political Science
  • GEO 453  Metropolitan Environments: Urban Forms and Land Uses

    GEO 453  Metropolitan Environments: Urban Forms and Land Uses

    Semester:
    Spring of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 2   Lab Hours: 2
    Prerequisite:
    GEO 221
    Description:
    Land-use change, the physical fabric of the city, and the growth of regional centers in the American urban landscape. Issues associated with urban developments, practices, and patterns in the 20th century and the resulting metropolitan form and function. Extensive use of geographic information software in spatial analysis.
  • GEO 459  Tourism in Regional Development

    GEO 459  Tourism in Regional Development

    Semester:
    Fall of odd years
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Recommended Background:
    GEO 259
    Description:
    The role of tourism in regional development. Examples from Michigan, the United States and other nations. Environmental considerations.
  • GEO 460  Green Roofs and Walls

    GEO 460  Green Roofs and Walls

    Semester:
    Fall of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 2   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 2
    Prerequisite:
    HRT 203 or FW 101 or GEO 206 or PDC 120 or EGR 100
    Restrictions:
    Open to juniors or seniors or graduate students.
    Description:
    Green roof and wall design and installation practices including plant species and substrates. Environmental impact, ecosystem services, integration with other environmental practices. Influence of economics, public policy, and industry organizations on the implementation of green roofs on a wide scale. Multidisciplinary nature of planning and implementation of successful green roof and wall projects.
    Interdepartmental With:
    Horticulture, Fisheries and Wildlife, Planning, Design and Construction
  • GEO 478  Urban Transportation Planning

    GEO 478  Urban Transportation Planning

    Semester:
    Fall of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Restrictions:
    Open to juniors or seniors in the Geography Major or in the Urban and Regional Planning Major or approval of school.
    Description:
    Principles of decision-making in urban transportation planning. Demand and supply analysis, social and environmental impacts, implementation programs. Use of computer models.
    Interdepartmental With:
    Urban Planning
  • GEO 480  Senior Seminar (W)

    GEO 480  Senior Seminar (W)

    Semester:
    Fall of every year
    Credits:
    Total Credits: 3   Lecture/Recitation/Discussion Hours: 3
    Prerequisite:
    Completion of Tier I Writing Requirement
    Restrictions:
    Open to seniors in the Geography Major or in the Geography Minor.
    Description:
    History, philosophy, and methodology of the geographic discipline as it has evolved within academic and social contexts.
  • GEO 490  Independent Study

    GEO 490  Independent Study

    Semester:
    Fall of every year, Spring of every year, Summer of every year
    Credits:
    Variable from 1 to 4
    Reenrollment Information:
    A student may earn a maximum of 12 credits in all enrollments for this course.
    Restrictions:
    Approval of department.
    Description:
    Supervised individual study in an area supplementary to regular courses.
  • GEO 492  Geographic Research Problems

    GEO 492  Geographic Research Problems

    Semester:
    Fall of every year, Spring of every year, Summer of every year
    Credits:
    Variable from 1 to 4
    Reenrollment Information:
    A student may earn a maximum of 12 credits in all enrollments for this course.
    Restrictions:
    Not open to freshmen or sophomores. Approval of department.
    Description:
    Supervised original research on selected aspects of geography.
  • GEO 495  Field Study

    GEO 495  Field Study

    Semester:
    Fall of every year, Spring of every year, Summer of every year
    Credits:
    Variable from 1 to 4
    Reenrollment Information:
    A student may earn a maximum of 8 credits in all enrollments for this course.
    Description:
    Supervised field study in geography.
  • GEO 498  Internship in Geography

    GEO 498  Internship in Geography

    Semester:
    Fall of every year, Spring of every year, Summer of every year
    Credits:
    Variable from 1 to 4
    Reenrollment Information:
    A student may earn a maximum of 8 credits in all enrollments for this course.
    Description:
    Individual experience in geography in an approved organization.

Courses