GEOGRAPHY (GEO)

GEO 110 Introduction to Geography 4 cr
An introduction to the field of geography, stressing major concepts and recent trends in physical, economic, regional, and cultural geography. "NOTE: This course does not satisfy major requirements (see Requirements for a Major in Geography above)."

GEO 111 Introduction to Physical Geography 4 cr
This course introduces students to the natural science branch of geography. Emphasis is placed on the location, spatial arrangement, and spatial interaction of the physical environment which includes: weather, climate, landforms, soils, and vegetation.

GEO 113 World Geography 4 cr
The regional concept in geography and the analysis of major world physical, cultural, and political regions. A variable topics course with regional specializations in Third World Nations; The Developed World; Latin America; Oceania and Caribbean; Anglo-America; and Europe. May be repeated twice when content varies.

GEO 114 Introduction to Human Geography 4 cr
This course introduces students to the social sciences branch of geography. Emphasis is placed on the location, spatial arrangement, and spatial interaction of the human environment which includes: population, culture, geopolitics, economic activity, and settlements.

GEO 150 World Agricultural Systems 4 cr
A comparative survey of agricultural systems, with an emphasis upon cultural and land resource variables.

GEO 160 World Cities 4 cr
A comparative examination of cities which focuses upon the origin, functions, and problems of North American, Western European, Socialist, and Preindustrial cities.

GEO 230 Map and Aerial Photo Interpretation 4 cr
Interpretation and application of topographic maps and aerial photographs in physical and human geography. Prerequisite: GEO 111.

GEO 232 Cartography 4 cr
An introduction to the methods of making and designing maps, generalizing and symbolizing data, and map reproduction.

GEO 241 Meteorology 4 cr
Analysis of weather phenomena and patterns on a global and local scale. Major topics include the heat balance, stability, precipitation processes, cyclonic activity, severe weather and forecasting techniques. Particular attention is devoted to the jet stream and its effect on surface weather. Prerequisite: GEO 111.

GEO 270 Geography of Tourism 4 cr
The study of the components of the tourism industry, their spatial distribution, the environmental and cultural effects of tourism, and the requisites and techniques for planning tourism development. Prerequisite: GEO 111 and 114.

GEO 290 Special Topics 1-4 cr
Geographic topics not covered in current geography courses.

GEO 310 Environmental Geography 4 cr
A spatial perspective on major global environmental issues. Topics include population pressure, biodiversity, ozone depletion, global warming, water supplies, energy resources, food supplies, waste disposal, and political/economic forces. Prerequisite: GEO 111 and 114 or special permission of the instructor.

GEO 311 Conservation (W) 4 cr
The examination of our present-day environmental crises in reference to the deterioration of the natural resource base. Emphasis is placed upon animal and plant communities, the ecosystem, and soil development. An in-depth discussion of relevant environmental problems, such as air pollution, over-population, and endangered species. Prerequisite: GEO 111 and 114.

GEO 312 World Economic Geography (W) 4 cr
An inquiry into the production, exchange, and consumption of goods by people in different areas of the world. Topics studied range from subsistence agriculture to commercial manufacturing, with particular emphasis placed upon societal diversity and the physical environment. Prerequisite: GEO 114.

GEO 320 Alabama Geography (W) 4 cr
Spatial study of physical and human features in Alabama. Includes geomorphology, climate, vegetation, agriculture, development, population, and environmental issues within the state. Prerequisite: GEO 111 and 114 or special permission of the instructor.

GEO 321 National Parks Conservation 4 cr
A study of the founding and development of the national park system, its natural and cultural resource management and the national conservation movement that has shaped public land policy. Prerequisite: GEO 114 or permission of instructor.

GEO 332 Introduction to Remote Sensing 4 cr
Introduction to the theory and use of remotely sensed data for analysis of earth surface phenomena. Prerequisites: GEO 230, or permission of department chair.

GEO 335 Quantitative Research Methods in Geography 4 cr
An introduction to the formulation of geographic research focusing upon hypothesis testing, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Mainframe and microcomputer oriented statistical and mapping packages will be used to analyze geographic data. Prerequisites: GEO 111, 114, ST 175, CIS 150.

GEO 341 Climatology 4 cr
Analysis of global climate as aggregate weather. Component elements, factors controlling distribution, resulting area patterns, and climatic classification are studied. Prerequisite: GEO 241.

GEO 342 Severe Weather 4 cr
A study of the causes, structure, and impact, of tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and other severe weather systems. Prerequisite: GEO 241 or permission of the department chair.

GEO 343 General Meteorology 4 cr
An overall view of the field of meteorology for science majors. The course uses a quantitative approach to study the composition of the atmosphere, atmospheric processes, global circulation, and storm development. Prerequisite: MA 132.

GEO 344 Dynamic Meteorology I 4 cr
A quantitative study of the atmosphere. Newton's basic laws of motion are placed in an atmospheric reference frame and are used to explain large-scale atmospheric flow. Topics include scale analysis, mass continuity, hydrostatic balance, equations of motion thermodynamic energy concepts, generalized vertical coordinate systems, temperature advection and the thermal wind, balanced idealized atmospheric flows, circulation, and vorticity. Theory is supplemented with numerous applications.

GEO 345 Dynamic Meteorology II 4 cr
An advanced quantitative study of the large scale circulation of the atmosphere. Quasigeostrophic theory is used to study the relationship between the jet stream, atmospheric waves in the westerlies, fronts, baroclinic instability, and mid-latitude cyclones/anticyclones. Theory is supplemented with numerous applications.

GEO 346 Physical Meteorology 4 cr
A detailed investigation of atmospheric aerosols, the disposition of radiant energy, the earth's radiation budget, precipitation processes, atmospheric optics and electricity. Prerequisite: GEO 345.

GEO 347 Meteorological Instrumentation 2 cr
Design, calibration, use, and maintenance of existing and newly developed meteorological instruments and instrumentation systems as well as remote sensing applications. Prerequisite: GEO 243.
GEO 351 Cultural Geography 4 cr
Development and differentiation of the cultural landscape, including cultural origins, economic systems, technology, and settlement patterns. Prerequisite: GEO 114.

GEO 365 Urban Geography (W) 4 cr
Concentrates upon the evolution and function of the urban spatial system, and upon the internal spatial structure of an urban area's residential, commercial and industrial land use. Prerequisite: GEO 114.

GEO 371 Historical Geography 4 cr
Survey of the methods and literature of historical geography which seeks to understand the forces responsible for the evolution of patterns of land use, settlement, and demography. Attention to British and American literature is stressed. Prerequisite: GEO 114.

GEO 380 Field Work in Geography (W) 4 cr
This course will train students in the collection and interpretation of field data. Mapping, interviewing, measurement of coastal erosion, estimation of botanical species and biomass totals, and collection of these data into an integrated landscape presentation will be included. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.

GEO 440 Coastal Zone Management 3 cr
To acquaint the advanced undergraduate with the legal principles underlying environmental management. The evolution of policy, implementation, and regulation will be reviewed in the context of coastal management. Examples will be drawn from Alabama and Gulf coast experiences, and students will be expected to participate in mock hearings and trial settings. Must be a science major or engineering major.

GEO 441 Coastal Climatology 3 cr
An introduction to the physical factors which result in climatic conditions of coastal regions, with emphasis on the northern Gulf of Mexico. Not open to those who have had GEO 341. Offered only through the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium.

GEO 442 Applied Remote Sensing 4 cr
Analysis of remotely sensed data for detection, identification, inventory and mapping of earth resources. Prerequisites: GY 332 or GEO 332 or permission of instructor.

GEO 443 Selected Applications in Remote Sensing 4 cr
Critical assessment of selected remote sensing applications in the earth sciences. (Application subject designated prior to registration.) Prerequisites: GY 332 or GEO 332 or permission of instructor.

GEO 444 Synoptic Meteorology I 9 cr
Principles of dynamic meteorology are applied to current surface and upper air analyses of frontal cyclones. An emphasis is placed on forecasting techniques, daily weather discussions, and computer model forecasts. Prerequisites: GEO 346.

GEO 445 Synoptic Meteorology II 9 cr
Through the use of surface and upper air analyses, satellite and radar imagery, and the principles of atmospheric dynamics, convective weather systems are studied and forecasted. Special attention will be placed on predicting and monitoring severe weather events, using computer model forecasts, and daily weather discussions. Prerequisite: GEO 444.

GEO 446 Applied Climatology (W) 4 cr
Training in the application of meteorology to solve real world problems. Includes aspects of transportation meteorology, air pollution studies, agricultural meteorology, hydrometeorology, biometeorology and forensic meteorology. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: GEO 344.

GEO 450 Computer Mapping and GIS Technology 5 cr
Techniques for the preparation of geoscience maps with the aid of desktop computer workstations with emphasis on geographical information system (GIS) problem analysis. Cross-listed with GY 450. Prerequisite: CIS 150.

GEO 465 Urban Planning and the Physical Environment 4 cr
Examines the role that the physical environment (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere) plays in the location of urban land use. Prerequisite: GEO 365.

GEO 490 Special Topics 1-4 cr
Geographic topics not covered in current geography courses.

GEO 492 Seminar 1-4 cr
Departmental seminar investigating a selected field of geography. (Topic announced prior to registration.) May be repeated once when content varies.

GEO 494 Directed Studies 1-4 cr
Independent research in field, laboratory, or library under the direction of a member of the geography faculty. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.

GEO 496 Internship in Geography 1-4 cr
On-the-job learning through occupational or professional work with an approved firm or agency. Open only to geography majors. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.

GEO 590 Special Topics 1-6 cr
An in-depth course for advanced students in geography. Topics and titles will be selected to examine the subject matter in an area of current interest to students and in an area of particular faculty expertise. To include specialized topics not currently listed in Bulletin course offerings.

Courses of Instruction

Bulletin Home Page

USA Home