Courses

EOS  Geography and Geoinformation Science  (EOS Prefixes)

The courses offered under the Geography and Geoinformation Science department appear under two titles: GEOG and EOS.

EOS 121 Dynamic Atmosphere and Hydrosphere(4:3:3) Prerequisites: none. This natural science lab course is a systematic study of weather, climate, energy, and hydrologic systems viewed from a geospatial and global perspective. We will study the spatial distribution and relationships of the Earth's climate and hydrologic systems to other Earth systems, as well as the processes driving and changing them, including energy, climate, weather, and water resources.

EOS 122 Dynamic Geosphere and Ecosphere (4:3:3) Prerequisites: none. Systematic study of biogeography and soils, viewed from a geographic, or spatial, perspective. We will study the spatial distribution and relationships of Earth's biomes and soils systems to other Earth systems, and the processes driving them, including energy, climate, nutrients, chemistry, and moisture.

EOS 303 GIS Applications for Earth Systems (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 30 hours; and EOS 121, EOS 122 and IT 103, or permission of instructor. An overview of fundamentals in GIS, with emphases on aspects related to Earth systems and global studies. Review the use of GIS in different aspects of the Earth systems at the global and regional scales.

EOS 304 Population Dimensions of Global Change (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 30 credits of prior course work. Interdisciplinary course combining knowledge from social sciences and environmental science to develop global understanding of world population condition, issues, and related problems. Applies demographic concepts using GIS and quantitative methods. Satisfies general education syntheses requirement.

EOS 305 Global Environmental Hazards(3:3:0) Prerequisites: 30 hours and undergraduate status. Introduces applications of observational and modeling techniques to natural hazards and the threat they pose to the world, as well as a general introduction to global climate change and its effect on regional and local scales. Examples include topics of interest to different countries and regions of the world, such as earthquakes, sand and dust storms, slope failures, volcanoes, land slides, droughts and desertification, floods, hurricanes and typhoons, severe weather, wild fires (U.S., Indonesia, Africa, S. America), sea-level rise, and tsunamis. Covers Earth system science topics related to the above hazards and their coupling with anthropogenic hazards as well as how societies respond to natural disasters and mitigation.

EOS 306 Sustainable Development (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 60 hours; EOS 122 and EOS 305, or permission of instructor. Explores the concepts, applications, and tools for analysis and decision making in support of environmentally sustainable development. Case studies and problem-solving exercises will be used to stimulate learning and provide practical experience in addressing sustainable development issues.

EOS 310 Severe and Unusual Weather (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 30 hours. Introduce the student to a general survey of the atmosphere and the fundamentals of severe and unusual weather. Designed for students who generally have little physical science background and want to satisfy their intellectual curiosity about severe weather and complete basic science requirements. Mathematics is not emphasized. Appropriate equations are provided in an optional format during the course material for mathematically oriented students.

EOS 312 Physical Climatology (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 30 hours; EOS 121 or equivalent, EOS 310 or GEOG 309, PHYS 243 244, or permission of instructor. Quantitative description of nature and theory of the climate system, dynamics of atmosphere-ocean-land surface, internal interactions and response to external forcing, description of the climate record and simple climate models.

EOS 320 Air Pollution (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 30 hours. Devoted to air pollution fundamentals and aimed at undergraduates who are beginning to study of air pollution problems. The use of Gaussian plume dispersion models is also covered in detail, because it serves as the basis for most computer models used for regularity analysis by the EPA. The course also deals with pollution and atmospheric interactions, and the nature of our climate.

EOS 322 Issues in the Global Change (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 30 hours and courses in chemistry, physics, ecology, and advanced mathematics. Provides the basis for evaluating existing and emerging issues in the environmental sciences at the regional and global scale, using interdisciplinary scientific principles. This objective is met by a combination of activities designed to provide an understanding of the following: first principles underlying regional/global issues in the environmental sciences, with attention to links among the disciplines of atmospheric sciences, biology, ecology, hydrology, oceanography, geology, human health, toxicology, and mathematical modeling; concepts of systems control, feedbacks, modeling, and hierarchical scales (spatial and temporal); role of retrospective analyses in developing a scientifically sound basis for evaluation and analysis; and studies of specific issues of interest on a regional to global scale.

EOS 353 Observations of the Earth and Its Climate (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 30 hours. Provides a general introduction to observations of the Earth and its climate, focusing on regional and global aspects. Introduces remote sensing and other Earth-observing techniques, as well as provides a survey of some of the physical and mathematical aspects of remote sensing at a very high level. Concepts and foundations of remote sensing in addition to different approaches and techniques are discussed. The course covers several key Earth system science topics such as El Niño, carbon dioxide increase, climate change including sea rise, ozone depletion, and the energy budget of the Earth.

EOS 354 Data Analysis and Global Change Detection Techniques (3:3:0) Prerequisites: Competency in basic programming or tools used in data analysis. Introduces basic time series methods, especially those used in detecting trends and randomness in time series data. Various data related to global changes on different temporal and spatial scales will be identified, and the relevant analysis methods will be used to those data so that students can detect or confirm changing trends or lack of them in data. Other topics such as data formats, data visualization, and data mining may also be included based on the background of the student body.

EOS 399 Selected Topics in Global Change (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 30 credits or permission of instructor. Covers selected topics in global change not covered in fixed-content global change courses. Content varies and is determined by instructor. May be repeated.

EOS 410 Introduction to Hyperspectral Imaging (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 30 hours PHYS 243-244, 245-246, MATH 113 and 114, EOS 353, or permission of instructor. Provides an introduction to quantitative measurements by remote-sensing methods covering an introduction to quantitative spectroscopy, spectral and thermal signatures, atmospheric physics, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Emphasis will be on the scientific principles involved and the transition of the technology to real-world applications. The requisite materials to begin to understand hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology and its many civil and military applications are presented. The course covers the needed mathematics used in the analysis of n-dimensional data. Topics such as hyperspectral concepts, data collection systems, data processing techniques, case studies, and U.S. national policy issues will be covered. The data processing techniques will include N-dimensional space, scatterplots, spectral angle mapping, spectral mixture analysis, spectral matching, and other techniques. Applications and case studies will include environmental, medical, agricultural, military, and others. Ground, airborne, and spaceborne hyperspectral systems will be covered.

EOS 455 Environmental Impact Assessment(3:3:0) Prerequisites: 60 hours; EOS 120, EOS 305, EVPP 377 and 6 hours of courses in ecology or environmental science, or permission of instructor. Evaluates current methods and practices for conducting and planning environmental assessments to include techniques and requirements for assessing impacts on air, water, natural resources, transportation, water facilities, and industrial and community development.

EOS 495 Senior Research (3:0:0) Prerequisites: open only to authorized majors with 90 credits. Applications of research tools and techniques on specific global change topics, in conjunction with faculty instruction and research. Individualized sections taught by arrangement with full-time faculty.

EOS 600 Communication Skills for Scientists (1:2:0) Prerequisite: graduate standing. Develops basic set of essential skills for scientific communication of written and oral materials. Oral skills focus on delivery of successful and informative presentations to both peers and the general public. Written communication skills focus on writing of scientific abstracts, manuscripts, and grant proposals. Meets objectives through combination of activities, including practical writing assignments, planned and extemporaneous oral presentations, discussion of grant preparation for extramural competition, and personal advice on developing and delivering oral presentations.

EOS 650 Introduction to GIS Algorithms and Programming (3:3:0) Prerequisites: introductory GIS course (GEOG 553). Prepares students to program using object-oriented languages for GIS or in a GIS environment. A comprehensive programming training process, including computer programming, syntax, data types, data structure, control structures, and integrated programming environment (such as Python & JBuilder), will be introduced. Several technical aspects of GIS related to algorithms, such as file reading/writing and topology will be discussed.

EOS 656/EVPP 652/GEOG 570 The Hydrosphere(3:3:0) Prerequisite: two semesters of calculus, preferably partial differential equations; or permission of instructor. Components and transfer processes within hydrosphere, which consists of aqueous envelope of Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, snow, ice, glaciers, soil moisture, groundwater, and atmospheric water vapor. Offers understanding of various components of hydrosphere, spatial and temporal distributions, physics of transfer processes for redistribution, and appreciation of waters role in sustaining life and influencing global and regional energy and mass balance.

EOS 657/GEOL 601/GEOG 671 The Lithosphere (3:3:0) Prerequisite: graduate standing. Global-scale overview of lithosphere, the solid nonliving Earth, its materials, cycles, plate tectonic and geomorphic processes; and history, including interactions with hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, and methods of analysis. Offers understanding of materials, features, and landforms of solid Earth, and processes by which they formed.

EOS 670 Fundamentals of Atmosphere (3:3:0) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Introduces students to a general survey of the atmosphere and the fundamentals of weather.

EOS 680 Environmental Applications of Integrated Geographic Information Technologies (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EOS 753, and GEOG 550 or 585; or permission of instructor. Focuses on how geoinformation technologies, including GIS, RS, and GPS, and spatial analytical techniques can be integrated to address various situations in environmental risk assessment, monitoring, and planning.

EOS 684 Select Studies in Geospatial Intelligence (3:3:0) Prerequisites: admission in the geospatial intelligence certificate program or permission of program coordinator. A course for students in the geospatial intelligence certificate (GI) program. It is intended to cover specialized topics relevant to geospatial intelligence. Accordingly, it comprises lectures, reading assignments, and exercises.

EOS 685 Capstone Course in Geoinformatics (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 12 credits in the geospatial intelligence certificate program or permission of program coordinator. A course for students completing their geospatial intelligence certificate (GI) program. It is intended to provide a capstone experience by synthesizing the knowledge and experience they acquired in their previous courses to address a complex geospatial intelligence problem. The course requires analytical, collaborative, and communication skills.

EOS 704 Spatial Analysis and Modeling of Population (3:3:0) Prior courses in quantitative methods and GIS recommended. Intermediate-level, population geography course discussing demographic concepts and spatial dimensions of population. Features various indices, measures, and models commonly used in human geography.

EOS 721 Biogeography (3:3:0) Prerequisites: courses in ecology, chemistry, and geology. Provides broad understanding of how physical geography and environment influence spatial and temporal distribution of plants and animals on Earths surface.

EOS 722 Regional and Global Issues in the Earth Sciences (3:3:0) Prerequisites: courses in ecology, chemistry, and physics. Provides basis for evaluating existing and emerging issues in Earth sciences at regional and global scales, utilizing interdisciplinary scientific principles.

EOS 725 Advanced Hydrosphere (3:3:0) Prerequisite: two semesters of calculus, preferably partial differential equations; or permission of instructor. Uses mathematical and modeling approaches for in-depth study of different components and transfer processes within hydrosphere. Topics include transfer processes relevant for oceans, lakes, rivers, snow, ice, glaciers, soil moisture, ground water, and atmospheric water vapor.

EOS 740 Hyperspectral Imaging Systems (3:3:0) Prerequisite: CSI 660 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Provides requisite materials to understand hyperspectral imaging technology and its many civilian and military applications. Emphasizes scientific principles involved and technology application to real-world imaging systems. Topics include hyperspectral concepts and system tradeoffs; data collection systems; calibration techniques; data processing techniques and software; classification methods; and case studies. Data processing techniques include N-dimensional space, scatterplots, spectral angle mapping, spectral mixture analysis, spectral matching, and mixture tuned matched filtering. Discusses ground, airborne, and spaceborne hyperspectral remote sensing systems.

EOS 747 Satellite Data Reception and Product Generation (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EOS 753, or introductory remote-sensing course; computer programming; or permission of instructor. Provides a practical experience on how to receive, process, and distribute remote-sensing data using an antenna-receiving station. Covers basic orbital mechanics, characteristics of satellite sensors and their limitations, and algorithms used to generate products from the raw measurements. Data mining techniques are presented for the analysis of large volume of data.

EOS 753 Observations of the Earth and Its Climate (3:3:0) Prerequisite: CSI 660 or introductory remote sensing course; environmental science, space science, physics, or chemistry undergraduate background; or permission of instructor. Provides requisite material to understand techniques of remote sensing and other observational methods as applicable to Earth science and global change. Surveys methodologies and their applications, including systematic study of how each part of electromagnetic spectrum is used to gather data about Earth. Describes limitations imposed by satellite engineering, sensor limitations on data gathering, and a survey of data reduction specific to remote sensing applications. Also covers current research issues, including examples pertaining to atmosphere, land masses, and oceans. Includes discussions of current efforts by NASA and NOAA to provide integrated data gathering and dissemination systems.

EOS 754 Earth Science Data and Advanced Data Analysis (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EOS 753 or permission of instructor. Covers accessing and applying Earth observations and remote-sensing data for Earth system science research and applications. Major topics are data formats, analysis and visualization tools, advanced data analysis methods, and data applications. Also covers combining innovative information technology techniques and Earth science data to set up online data centers for accessing data through the web.

EOS 756 Physical Principles of Remote Sensing (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EOS 753 or permission of instructor. Emphasizes fundamental physical and mathematical principles of remote sensing. Also provides overview of the current Earth Observation System as well as the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite Systems (NPOESS), and NPOESS Preparatory Project missions.

EOS 757 Techniques and Algorithms in Earth Observing and Remote Sensing (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EOS 753 or permission of instructor. Covers retrieval, analysis, and application of geophysical parameters derived from remotely sensed data for Earth system research and applications. Includes theory of visible and infrared and microwave remote sensing, heritage sensors, sensor calibration, retrieval algorithms, validation, and error estimates.

758 Earth Image Processing (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EOS 753 and GEOG 580, plus knowledge of a computer language; or permission of instructor. Intermediate-advanced level course focusing on digital processing of Earth images, with significant coverage of hyperspectral images, mathematical and algorithmic foundations, analysis procedures, and computational implementations. Emphasizes programming projects.

EOS 759 Topics in Earth Systems Science (3:3:0) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Covers selected topics in Earth systems and global changes not covered in fixed-content Earth systems and global changes courses. May be repeated.

EOS 760 Advanced Remote Sensing Applications (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EOS 753 or GEOG 580. Focuses on applications of remote sensing in various important areas of Earth systems science, including analysis of surface radiation budget, land cover, inland and coastal waterways, and soil moisture. Details algorithms, techniques, and examples.

EOS 771 Algorithms and Modeling in GIS (3:3:0) Prerequisites: prior course or experience in GIS, and knowledge of computer programming language. Examines several fundamental GIS algorithms based upon computational geometry and computer graphics. Also discusses issues in modeling features of different dimensions and surfaces in GIS. Significant programming expected.

EOS 772 Distributed Geographic Information Systems (3:3:0) Prerequisites: introductory course in GIS and some programming experience, or permission of instructor. Examines different aspects of science and technology in the context of distributed GIS. Includes general concepts, architecture, component design and development, and system integration as well as other advanced topics, including interoperability and agent-based GIS.

EOS 773 Interoperability of Geographic Information Systems (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EOS 754 and GEOG 553, or a course in GIS. Advanced course addressing theories, standards, and implementations of web-based interoperable geographic information systems for online data and information services. Reviews international standards, including OGC, and associated tools for interoperability.

EOS 777 Remote Sensing of Natural Hazards (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EOS 753 or GEOG 579 or GEOG 580; or permission of instructor. Provides an overview of major natural hazards, their governing dynamics and remote-sensing techniques used to study, forecast, and mitigate hazards.

EOS 780 Graduate Internship in Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences (1-6:0:0). Prerequisites: permission of program director and instructor. Applications of knowledge and skills in Earth systems and geoinformation sciences to real-world issues and problems in private industry, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.

EOS 791 Advanced Spatial Statistics (3:3:0) Prerequisites: GEOG 585 or STAT 535/554, or permission of instructor. Advanced course focusing on analyzing georeferenced or spatial data represented as points or polygons. Addresses higher moments, point pattern analyses, and interpolations of points to surfaces. Includes spatial regression.

EOS 792/EVPP 792/GEOG 792 Seminar in Earth Systems Science (2:2:0) Prerequisite: 15 graduate credits, including CSI 655,EOS 656 and 657. Seminar for Earth systems science graduate students who have background in Earth's major systems. Intended to be capstone experience. Seminars presented by faculty and students; topics vary from semester to semester.

EOS 796 Directed Reading and Research (1-6:0:0). Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Reading and research on specific topic in Earth systems and geoinformation sciences under direction of faculty member. May be repeated as necessary.

EOS 798 Research Project (3:0:0). Prerequisites: admission to Earth systems science MS program, 12 graduate credits, and permission of instructor. Reading project chosen and completed under guidance of graduate faculty member resulting in acceptable technical report. For students enrolled in Earth systems science master's program.

EOS 799 Master's Thesis (1-6:0:0). Prerequisites: admission to Earth systems science MS program, 12 graduate credits, and permission of instructor. Project chosen and completed under guidance of graduate faculty member, resulting in acceptable technical report (master's thesis) and oral defense. Graded S/IP. For students enrolled in Earth systems science master's program.

EOS 840 Hyperspectral Imaging Applications (3:3:0) Prerequisite: CSI 660 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Introduces advanced hyperspectral imaging and multisensor concepts with emphasis on real-world civilian and military applications. Topics include advanced hyperspectral concepts, multisystem tradeoffs, data collection and processing systems, imaging radar systems, laser systems, calibration techniques, data fusion, quantitative remote sensing techniques, data compression techniques, case studies, and U.S. national policy. Applications and case studies include environmental, homeland security, medical, military, disaster mitigation, agricultural, and transportation.

EOS 854 Air Pollution Meteorology and Dispersion (3:3:0) Prerequisite: CLIM 710 or 711, or permission of instructor. Covers the basic concepts, theories, and models of pollutant dispersal in the atmosphere and the related atmospheric systems affecting dispersal of hazardous atmospheric releases.

EOS 855 Introduction to Mesoscale Atmospheric Modeling(3:3:0) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Introduces physical and numerical modeling issues involved in mesoscale atmospheric flows. These flows involve time and space scales associated with diurnal cycle, atmospheric inertial mode, thermal and mechanical forcing due to mesoscale terrain inhomogeneities, mesoscale precipitation systems, and downscale energy transfer from synoptic scale to mesoscale due to nonlinear flow interactions.

EOS 900 Research Colloquium in Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences (1:1:0) Prerequisite: graduate standing. Presentations in specific research areas of Earth systems and geoinformation sciences by faculty and staff, Mason faculty in related programs, and professional visitors. May be repeated for credit, but maximum 3 credits may be applied to Earth systems and geoinformation sciences PhD.

EOS 998 Dissertation Proposal (1-12:0:0) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Covers development of research proposal that forms basis for doctoral dissertation, under guidance of dissertation director and doctoral committee. May be repeated, but no more than 12 credits of EOS 998 may satisfy doctoral degree requirements.

EOS 999 Doctoral Dissertation (1-12:0:0) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Doctoral dissertation research under direction of dissertation advisor. May be repeated, but no more than total 24 credits in EOS 998 and 999 may be applied to doctoral degree.

GEOG  Geography and Geoinformation Science  (GEOG prefixes)

The courses offered under the Geography and Geoinformation Science department appear under two titles: GEOG and EOS.


GEOG 101 Major World Regions (3:3:0) Patterns, problems, and prospects of the world's principal human-geographic regions. Emphasizes areal differentiation and role of geographic differences in interpreting current world scene.

GEOG 102 Physical Geography (3:3:0) Interrelated processes affecting global distribution and character of climate, soils, vegetation, hydrology, and landforms. Includes elements of mapping (natural science credit).

GEOG 103 Human Geography (3:3:0) Overview of major ideas and approaches to studying spatial aspects of human social and behavioral systems. Surveys distribution and movement of human populations, characteristics and distribution of cultural mosaics, patterns of economic interdependence, and study of forces of cooperation and conflict among people from global perspective.

GEOG 110 Maps and Mapping (3:3:0) Introduces maps and spatial analytic tools and methods, including geographic information systems. Familiarizes students with key geographic concepts and skills through integrating information technology with map-making technology. Includes introduction to computer and web-based geographic applications, databases, and graphics.

GEOG 300 Quantitative Methods for Geographical Analysis (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 30 credits, including GEOG 102 and 103, or permission of instructor; and permission of department. Comprehensive introduction to quantitative methods in spatial analysis, with emphasis on solving geographical research problems. Topics include nature of spatial data; collection of spatial data; preparation of spatial data for mapping, geographic information systems, and statistical analysis; descriptive spatial statistics; areal sampling theory and methods; probability theory and distributions; hypothesis testing; correlation and regression; and areal and point pattern spatial statistics.

GEOG 301 Political Geography (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 30 credits. Distribution and effects of power on landscape, particularly on national and global scales.

GEOG 303 Conservation of Resources and Environment(3:3:0) Prerequisites: 30 credits, and completion or concurrent enrollment in all other required general education courses. Provides analysis of world resources distribution, conservation, and preservation; and problems resulting from their natural occurrence and utilization. Uses knowledge from physical and social sciences to develop complex and sophisticated understanding of issues surrounding natural resource exploitation and management, conservation, and preservation.

GEOG 304 Geography of Population (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 30 credits. Spatial distribution of population, its causes and effects, and changing patterns resulting from population mobility. Emphasizes spatial characteristics of variables such as age, sex, race, education, and income.

GEOG 305 Economic Geography (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 30 credits. Analyzes pattern of distribution of world economic activity, spatial economics behind this pattern, and influence of distribution on other spatial systems.

GEOG 306 Urban Geography (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 30 credits. Structure and internal differentiation of cities. Variety of perspectives on nature of cities, and opportunities for intensive use of space. Urban problems and alternatives in their spatial context.

GEOG 308 Field Mapping Techniques (3:0:6) Prerequisites: MATH 105, GEOG 102 or 101, and 30 credits. Basic techniques for collecting and recording spatial field data, including topographic maps, compass, transit, alidade, and geographic positioning systems. Includes field work.

GEOG 309 Introduction to Meteorology and Climate (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 102 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Elements of meteorology; analysis of world distribution of meteorological controls as bases of regional climatic variations (natural science credit).

GEOG 310 Introduction to Digital Cartography (4:3:2) Origins, principles, and methods of thematic map design and production. Principles of graphic design, data compilation, analysis, and display.

GEOG 311 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3:3:0) Fundamental concepts and theories for appropriate use of geographic information systems (GIS). Discusses basic GIS functionality, and applications in various fields.

GEOG 315 Geography of the United States (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 6 credits of geography or American studies, or permission of instructor. Diversity of U.S. physical and cultural landscapes.

GEOG 316 Geography of Latin America (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 6 credits of geography or Latin American studies, or permission of instructor. Regional survey of physical resources, populations, cultural characteristics, and economic activities in Latin America.

GEOG 320 Geography of Europe (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 6 credits of geography or European studies, or permission of instructor. Environmental, economic, social, and political factors influencing regional structure of Europe.

GEOG 325 Geography of North Africa and the Middle East (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 6 credits of geography or courses related to Middle East; or permission of instructor. Environmental, economic, and social factors of differentiation of regional structure and distribution of resources in North African and Middle Eastern countries.

GEOG 330 Geography of the Soviet Succession States (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 6 credits of geography or Russian studies, or permission of instructor. Analyzes geographic factors involved in history, economic development, and geopolitical situation of the former Soviet Union.

GEOG 333 Issues in Regional Geography (1-6:0:0) Prerequisite: 30 credits. Geographical study of particular region or relevant regional issue. Content varies. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 credits.

GEOG 357 Structures in Urban Governance and Planning (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 30 credits. Reviews spatial, policy, and administration principles that guide planning activity in United States. Outlines differences between theory and practice; and provides tools, methods, and perspectives commonly incorporated into practice of urban and regional policy analysis. Provides orientation to public-sector economy in general; and urban administration, planning, and policy in particular.

GEOG 380 Geography of Virginia (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 30 credits. Natural and cultural forces of Virginia. Studies regional makeup and analysis of human and environmental characteristics.

GEOG 399 Selected Topics in Geography (3:0:0) Prerequisite: 30 credits. Content varies; determined by instructor. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 credits.

GEOG 406 Suburban Geography (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 60 credits. Analyzes spatial aspect of social, economic, and political activities in suburbia. Suburbanization viewed as independent force and component of larger urbanization process. Uses Northern Virginia as lab for suburban geographical study and student-initiated field work projects.

GEOG 411 Advanced Digital Cartography (3:3:0) Prerequisite: grade of C or better in GEOG 310. Design and production of full-color digital maps and information graphics, map cognition and use, and principles of desktop mapping.

GEOG 412 Aerial Photography Interpretation (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 60 credits and GEOG 102 or 103, or permission of instructor. Methods and techniques of interpreting and using information contained in aerial photography, including applications to various aspects of physical and cultural landscape.

GEOG 415 Seminar in Geography (3:3:0) Prerequisites: GEOG 300 and 310. Capstone seminar for geography majors integrating previous course work into disciplinary framework. Students produce, present original research papers.

GEOG 416 Satellite Image Analysis (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 60 credits and GEOG 412, or permission of instructor. Examines methods and techniques of interpreting and using information obtained by nonphotographic remote sensing systems, with particular emphasis on space-borne platforms. Includes analysis of imagery for both physical and cultural environments.

GEOG 420 Physiography of North America (1-3:0:0) Prerequisite: 60 credits, GEOG 102, 3 additional credits of geography or geology, or permission of instructor. Physiographic features of North American continent; spatial distribution; and influence on cultural, demographic, and economic development of United States and Canada.

GEOG 463 Applied Geographic Information Systems (3:3:0) Prerequisites: 2.00 or better in GEOG 300 and 311. Selected applications in geographic information systems (GIS). Topics include automated data capturing and processing, spatial data models and structure including object-oriented approach, advanced spatial analytical techniques including raster modeling and network analysis, programming, and algorithm development in GIS. Major purpose of course is to extend fundamental theories and concepts in GIS so students are able to conduct research with and on GIS.

GEOG 480 Internship in Geography (1-3:0:0) Prerequisite: open only to majors with 90 credits and GPA of 2.50 in geography course work. Approved study programs with specific employers. Credit determined by department, may be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits. Contact department one semester before enrollment.

GEOG 490 Practicum in Geographical Applications (1-6:0:0) Prerequisite: open only to authorized majors with 90 credits. Application of geographical research tools and techniques in conjunction with faculty instruction and research. Individualized sections taught by arrangement with full-time faculty. May be repeated to a total of 6 credits.

GEOG 499 Independent Study in Geography (1-3:0:0) Prerequisite: open only to geography majors with 90 credits, and permission of department and instructor. Individual study of selected area of geography. Requires directed research paper. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits with permission of the department.

GEOG 503 Problems in Environmental Management (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 6 credits of geography, including GEOG 102. Case studies of effects of human activities on atmospheric, hydrologic, geomorphic, and biotic processes.

GEOG 505 Transportation Geography (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 6 credits of geography. Structure, principles, location, and development of world transportation. Critical role of transportation in moving people, goods, and ideas at international, national, regional, and urban levels.

GEOG 520 Geography for Teachers (3:3:0) Prerequisite: graduate standing, or permission of department. Emphasizes problems and techniques in teaching geography; and current developments in research, methodology, and philosophy in the discipline.

GEOG 525 Economics of Human/Environment Interactions (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EVPP 524/GEOG 524 or equivalent. Advanced topics in environmental, natural resource, and ecological economics for non-economist. Emphasizes sustainability, intergenerational equity, and economic- ecological feedbacks. Lecture, discussion with substantial student participation. Includes problem sets, class presentations, and term paper.

GEOG 531 Land-use Modeling Techniques and Applications (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 550, or permission of instructor. Survey of literature on spatially explicit empirical models of land-use change. Hands-on experience developing and running simple models. Techniques covered include statistical models, mathematical programming models, cellular automata, agent-based models, and integrated models.

GEOG 533 Issues in Regional Geography (1-6:0:0) Geographical study of particular region or relevant regional issue. Content varies. May be repeated to a total of 12 credits with permission of the department. 540 Medical Geography (3:3:0) Prerequisite: course in statistics. Spatial approaches to study of health and disease. Topics include disease ecology and diffusion, and geographic perspectives on improving health care delivery.

GEOG 550 Geospatial Science Fundamentals (3:3:0) Introduces geospatial sciences, emphasizing concepts and theories of cartography, remote sensing, air photo interpretation, Global Positioning Systems, spatial data structures, and geographic information systems. Lectures accompanied by hands-on exercises. Only available for students without previous course work in cartography.

GEOG 551 Thematic Cartography (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 310 or 550. Analyzes nature of perceptual organization and visual systems in thematic map communication portrayal, graphic handling, and data analysis.

GEOG 553 Geographic Information Systems (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 550, or course in cartography. Sources of digital geospatial data; and methods of input, storage, display, and processing of spatial data for geographic analysis using GIS. Lectures, hands-on exercises familiarize students with current technology.

GEOG 554 History of Cartography (3:3:0) Prerequisite: graduate standing. History of cartographic portrayal of Earth from ancient times through 19th century, emphasizing interrelation of human culture, technological development, and geographical knowledge as reflected in maps.

GEOG 556 Automated Cartographic Generalization (3:3:0). Prerequisite: GEOG 550, or permission of instructor. Survey of algorithms and techniques to generalize information on maps and in geographic information systems. Covers simplified representation of geographic objects, surfaces, and thematic information. Includes GIS programming component.

GEOG 562 Photogrammetry (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 412, or permission of instructor. Treatment of photogrammetric problems, including least squares adjustments, image coordination refinements, colinearity equation, resection, relative orientation, and analytic aerotriangulation.

GEOG 563 Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3:3:0) Prerequisites: GEOG 553 or equivalent. Discusses advanced GIS concepts including spatial data structure, spatial analysis, programming data fusion, Internet components, and spatial database management. Hands-on activities demonstrate concepts and specific applications in both cultural and physical geography.

GEOG 570 The Hydrosphere (3:3:0) Prerequisite: two semesters of calculus, partial differential equation recommended;, or permission of instructor. Covers components and transfer processes in hydrosphere, which consists of aqueous envelope of Earth including oceans, lakes, rivers, snow, ice, glaciers, soil moisture, ground water, and atmospheric water vapor.

GEOG 575 Reconstructing Past Environments: Seminar in Geoarchaeology (3:3:0) Prerequisites: permission of instructor and course work in geography, biology, geology, or archaeology. Research seminar examining intersection of geoarchaeology and paleoecology with cultural ecology. Addresses methods common to these research areas, and ranges of scales and reliability of evidences to reconstruct past environments, both natural and cultural. Applied examples cover selected geoarchaeological and paleoecological projects from variety of geographical regions.

GEOG 579 Remote Sensing (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 412, or permission of instructor. Examines use of various types and combinations of electromagnetic energy to obtain spatial information. Concentrates on nonphotographic and space-borne remote sensing platforms and sensors. Examines essential operational parameters for existing and future systems and strategies for visual extraction of features.

GEOG 580 Digital Remote Sensing (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 416 or 579. Examines theory and techniques of using digital remotely sensed data for obtaining geographic information of Earths surface, including image-enhancement methods and classification strategies for variety of physical and cultural features.

GEOG 581 World Food and Population (3:3:0) Prerequisite: graduate standing. Topics include maldistribution of population, regional disparities in growth rates and income distribution, food production, and world hunger. Discusses population policies, with emphasis on Third World countries.

GEOG 585 Quantitative Methods (3:3:0) Prerequisite: previous course work in statistics, or GEOG 310 or 550. Survey of quantitative methods commonly used in geographic research. Emphasizes spatial analysis techniques.

GEOG 590 Selected Topics in Geography and Cartography (3:3:0) Prerequisite: permission of department. Analyzes topics of immediate interest. Content varies. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 credits. Graduate standing is prerequisite to all 600-level courses.

GEOG 603 Geographic Perspectives of Complex Natural Resource Management Topics (3:0:0) Develops better understanding of strengths, limitations of restoring large and complex natural resource systems by examining critical aspects of one such effort.

GEOG 605 Socioeconomic Applications of GIS (3:0:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 553. Provides those working with spatially-referenced data the technical skills to use GIS to conduct spatial analyses on socioeconomic phenomena related to labor, retail and real estate markets. Introduces and emphasizes the development of technical and methodological skills to understand the potential and the pitfalls of using GIS for spatial analyses of socioeconomic phenomena.

GEOG 631 Spatial Agent-based Models of Human-Environment Interactions (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 531 or CSS 600, or permission of instructor. Discusses key challenges in spatial modeling of human-environment interactions. Reviews agent-based modeling applications in urban and rural interactions, agriculture, forestry, and other areas. Hands-on development of simple ABM models and investigation of linkages between GIS and ABM.

GEO 644 Fundamentals and Interpretation of Imaging Radar (3:0:0) Prerequisites: GEOG 579 or EOS 753, or other basic course in remote sensing. Provides understanding of components, functionality, and use of radar remote sensing for acquiring spatial information. Concentrates on operational systems. Includes hands-on assignments.

GEOG 653 Geographic Information Analysis (3:3:0) Prerequisites: GEOG 553 and 585. Explores existing and potential capabilities of geographic information systems in conducting spatial analysis and modeling.

GEOG 655 Map Design (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 310 or 550. Advanced examination of principles of map design, including discussions of map design research.

GEOG 656 Terrain Mapping (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 553 or equivalent ,or permission of instructor. Covers fundamental methods of digitally representing terrain data, major technologies, and programs for generating terrain data; methods for quantifying terrain error and assessing terrain data quality; and a variety of applications.

GEOG 661 Map Projections and Coordinate Systems (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 310 or 550. Covers development of various map projections and coordinate systems, property analysis, distortions, and applications.

GEOG 664 Spatial Data Structures (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 310 or 550. Studies spatial data structures and their application in digital cartography, geographic information systems, and image-processing systems. Examines raster and vector data structures, and attribution schemes and topological models. Includes data transformation, information loss, data quality, and the role of metadata.

GEOG 670 Applied Climatology (3:3:0) Prerequisite: course in weather and climate, or permission of instructor. Applies climatic concepts to natural and human-modified environments, and analyzes climatic change.

GEOG 671 The Lithosphere (3:3:0) Prerequisite: graduate standing. Global-scale overview of lithosphere, the solid non-living Earth, its materials, cycles, plate tectonic and geomorphic processes; and history, including interactions with and history of hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere, and methods of analysis.

GEOG 674 Environmental Impact Analysis (3:3:0) Scientific and administrative processes involved in environmental impact analysis and environmental impact statements.

GEOG 680 Seminar in Thought and Methodology (3:3:0) Prerequisite: GEOG 585. Includes historical development of geographic thought and current philosophy of geography; rationale for various subfields; and geographic research techniques and methods of analysis.

GEOG 690 Advanced Practicum in Geographical Applications (1-6:0:0) Prerequisite: permission of department. Applies spatial technologies in conjunction with faculty instruction and research. Individualized sections taught by arrangement with full-time faculty.

GEOG 695 Internship (1-6:0:0) Prerequisite: permission of department. Approved study programs with specific employers. Students and employer supervisors must demonstrate relevancy of study program to degree requirements.

GEOG 698 Directed Readings and Research (1-3:0:0) Prerequisite: permission of instructor and department. Reading and research on specific topic under direction of faculty member. Written report required; oral exam and report may be required. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 credits.

GEOG 750 Advanced Geographical Research Applications (1-6: 0:0) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Advanced research employing geographical tools and research techniques. Content varies. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 credits with permission of the department.

GEOG 785 Geographic Field Work (3:3:0) Introduces nature, scope, and objectives of geographic field methods and techniques, including use of base maps, acquisition of data, and field research design. Taught as much as possible in field situations with students required to develop and carry out relevant field research projects pertaining to both physical and cultural geography.

GEOG 791 Colloquium in Earth Systems Science (1:1:0) Introduces in colloquium format various parts of Earth systems. Invited talks by Mason faculty and primarily Earth science experts in Washington, D.C. area. Students graded on written reports demonstrating understanding of wide topics covered.

GEOG 792 Seminar in Earth Systems Science (2:2:0) Prerequisites: 15 graduate credits and courses on atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. For graduate students with background in Earth's major systems. Capstone experience. Seminars presented by faculty and students. Topics vary from semester to semester.

GEOG 795 Seminar in Regional Analysis (3:3:0) Analyzes and synthesizes physical and cultural elements of geography in selected region. Should be taken near end of master's degree program. Provides opportunity to apply selective knowledge gained in previous systematic courses to specific region.

GEOG 799 Thesis (1-6:0:0) Prerequisites: degree candidacy and departmental approval of thesis proposal. Graded S/NC. May be repeated to a maximum of 5 credits.