Courses

Physical Geography I Lab explores the hands-on, practical applications of basic knowledge gained in the companion course, GEG 101 Physical Geography I. Exercises involve use of maps, atlases, and scientific equipment to observe, measure, and analyze the spatial significance of natural phenomena on and near Earth's surface.

NOTE: This course meets SUNY General Education Natural Science and (Scientific Reasoning) SUNY-NSCI requirements when both GEG 100 and GEG 101 are successfully completed.

Corequisite: Physical Geography (GEG101).

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Locate and identify major political units and physical features important to Physical Geography. (Level 2)
2. Identify the essential components of maps and apply these to Physical Geography. (Level 2)
3. Measure geographic properties (e. g. , temperature, humidity, dew point, pressure, position) and examine their geographic patterns. (Level 1 and 4)
4. Interpret maps and identify relationships between geographic properties. (Level 2 and 3)
5. Model the earth-sun relationship spatially and temporally. (Level 6)
6. Explain the spatial and temporal distribution of Earth’s energy budget. (Level 2)
7. Illustrate the processes within Earth’s water cycle. (Level 2)
8. Diagram the spatial and temporal concepts of atmospheric circulation at various scales. (Level 2)
9. Relate interactions between humans and the environment. (Level 4)

Physical Geography is the science concerned with the spatial aspects and interactions of the physical elements and processes that make-up the environment. GEG 101 is an introductory course presented through two of Earth’s major spheres: the atmosphere and hydrosphere. Topics include Earth/Sun relations, Earth’s energy budget, atmospheric temperature, moisture and precipitation, winds, weather, climate, and Earth’s water.

NOTE: This course meets SUNY General Education Natural Science and (Scientific Reasoning), (SUNY-NSCI) requirements when both GEG 100 and GEG 101 are successfully completed. GEG 100 may be taken concurrently or in a later semester, but will not have satisfied the SUNY requirement (SUNY-NSCI) until both GEG 101 and GEG 100 are successfully completed.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Differentiate among the major fields of Geography: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Regional Geography, and Geospatial Technology.
2. Locate and identify major political units and physical features important to Physical Geography.
3. Describe the earth-sun relationship spatially and temporally.
4. Explain the spatial and temporal distribution of Earth’s energy budget.
5. Illustrate the processes within Earth’s water cycle.
6. Describe the spatial and temporal concepts of atmospheric circulation at various scales.
7. Discuss the processes and interactions between humans and the environment.

Human Geography is the spatial analysis of human populations, their cultures, their activities and behaviors, and their relationship with, and impact on, the physical landscapes they occupy. GEG 102 is an introductory course presented through two major themes: population geography and cultural geography. Topics include migration, languages, religions, ethnicities, and cemeteries.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Differentiate among the major fields of Geography: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Regional Geography, and Geospatial Technology.
2. Locate and identify political units and physical features important to Human Geography.
3. Compare and contrast the major theories of overpopulation.
4. Apply the Push/Pull Theory of migration at various scales.
5. Distinguish the differences in diffusion of folk and popular cultures.
6. Explain the global distribution of the world’s major languages.
7. Distinguish the differences in diffusion of ethnic and universalizing religions.
8. Debate the socioeconomic consequences of ethnic enclaves.

Introduction to Meteorology Lab explores the hands-on, practical applications of basic knowledge gained in the companion course, GEG 104 Weather and Climate. Exercises involve use of maps, atlases, weather maps and charts, radar and satellite data, observational weather data and measure, and using the above mentioned for creating an operational weather forecast.

NOTE: This course meets SUNY General Education Natural Science (and Scientific Reasoning) SUNY-NSCI requirements when both GEG 103 and GEG 104 are successfully completed.

Prerequisite or co-requisite: GEG 104.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Locate and identify major political units and physical features important to Extreme Weather.
2. Diagram the basic structure of Earth’s atmosphere.
3. Measure meteorological properties (e. g. , temperature, humidity, dew point, pressure, cloud cover) needed to document changes in the state of the atmosphere.
4. Diagram the spatial and temporal concepts of atmospheric circulation at various scales.
5. Interpret weather maps.
6. Illustrate the properties and behaviors of principal weather systems.
7. Use weather maps to experiment in plotting surface weather maps.
8. Explain the spatial and temporal distribution of Earth’s energy budget.
9. Relate interactions between humans and the environment.

Weather is the scientific study of atmospheric processes and patterns, and their impact on human activities. This introductory meteorology course examines the collection and analysis of meteorological data at local, regional, and global scales. Topics include heat, moisture, and wind dynamics of the atmosphere; application of satellite and radar data; development and impact of thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes; weather analysis and forecasting.

NOTE: This course meets SUNY General Education Natural Science and (Scientific Reasoning), SUNY-NSCI requirements when both GEG 103 and GEG 104 are successfully completed. GEG 103 may be taken concurrently or in a later semester, but will not have satisfied the SUNY requirement (SUNY-NSCI) until both GEG 103 and GEG 104 are successfully completed.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Locate and identify major political units and physical features important to weather and climate.
2. Describe the earth-sun relationship and explain the latitudinal and seasonal distribution of Earth’s energy budget.
3. Describe the basic structure and composition of Earth’s atmosphere.
4. Illustrate the processes within Earth’s water cycle.
5. Describe the spatial and temporal concepts of atmospheric circulation at various scales.
6. Compare the properties and life cycles of principal weather systems.
7. Interpret weather maps.
8. Differentiate between weather and climate.
9. Explain the interconnections between humans and the atmosphere.
10. Differentiate between natural and anthropogenic climate forcings.

Physical Geography II Lab explores the hands-on, practical applications of basic knowledge gained in the companion course, Physical Geography II (GEG-111). Exercises involve use of maps, atlases, GPS units, and other geographic tools to observe, measure, and analyze the spatial significance of Earth's plants, animals, and landforms.

NOTE: This course meets SUNY General Education Natural Science and (Scientific Reasoning), SUNY-NSCI requirements when both GEG 110 and GEG 111 are successfully completed.

Corequisite: Physical Geography II (GEG-111). Students that take GEG 110 are required to be taking or have taken GEG 111.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Locate major political units and physical features important to Physical Geography II lab.
2. Identify the essential components of maps.
3. Examine the geographic patterns of landforms caused by internal processes (e. g. volcanic and tectonic activity).
4. Examine the geographic patterns of landforms caused by external processes (e. g. ice, water, wind).
5. Use topographic maps to identify or measure physical properties of landforms.
6. Use geospatial technology (e. g. Google Earth) to examine spatial and temporal changes on Earth's surface.
7. Conduct an experiment to simulate different types of weathering or mass wasting.
8. Determine the physical properties of a soil sample.

Physical Geography II is the study of spatial patterns and natural processes on Earth. As an introductory course, GEG 111 explores where and why plants, animals, and landforms occur where they do. Students will develop a better understanding of the natural environment and our role within it. Key topics include maps and map making, plants and animals (biogeography), as well as landforms (geomorphology) caused by volcanoes, earthquakes, glaciers, and rivers.

NOTE: This course meets SUNY General Education Natural Science and (Scientific Reasoning), (SUNY-NSCI) requirements when both GEG 110 and GEG 111 are successfully completed.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Differentiate among the major fields of Geography: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Regional Geography, and Geospatial Technology.
2. Locate major political units and physical features important to physical geography.
3. Diagram the internal structure of the earth.
4. Describe the internal processes (e. g. volcanic and tectonic activity) that create landforms.
5. Describe the external processes (e. g. ice, water, wind) that create landforms.
6. Compare and contrast different types of weathering and mass wasting.
7. Explain the conditions in which sediment is eroded, transported, or deposited within a fluvial system.
8. Illustrate the processes that form soils.
9. Examine the spatial and temporal patterns of plants or animals.

Digital Earth provides students with an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In this course, students will work with computer-based tools to create, analyze, and map data. Introductory geospatial skills will be covered through hands-on lab exercises themed around various topics such as: the natural landscape, renewable energy, sustainability, crime, business, and census data. A final project will provide students with the opportunity to use geospatial technology, combined with real-world data, to explore a topic of their choosing and create original maps that begin to find the answer to a research question. A sustainability elective (GR). This is a lab course.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the fundamental concepts of Geography and Geographic Information Science & Technology.
2. Illustrate basic proficiency in map creation and cartographic design principles.
3. Recognize the appropriate projection and coordinate reference system for a given task.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in the creation and acquisition of spatial data, including raster, vector, and table data.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of how geospatial data can be used to explore natural phenomena.
6. Use GIS software to examine physical features.
7. Collect field data for the purpose of mapping within a GIS-environment.
8. Design an inquiry-based geospatial project that utilizes GIS tools and the scientific method.

This course introduces fundamental cartographic concepts. Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to employ design principles to create effective visual representations of geographic data (e.g. maps) in different formats (e.g. hardcopy, digital, web). Specific topics include map element design, typography, label design, selecting appropriate color schemes, and symbology. Basic computer skills will be required to be successful in this course.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Categorize maps according to type (physical, political, thematic).
2. Identify the essential components of a map.
3. Select an appropriate geographic referencing system (i. e. datum, projection, coordinate system) for a given purpose.
4. Determine the appropriate thematic map for a given purpose.
5. Produce maps that effectively communicate quantitative and qualitative geographic data.
6. Design professional quality maps that use cartographic principles.
7. Critique maps for appropriate use of cartographic design principles.

Introduction to the fundamentals of Geospatial Technology, with a focus on remote sensing but also including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), global positioning system (GPS), cartography, and spatial analysis. Students will be guided through a series of lectures and hands‐on computer‐based exercises. An end of a semester project will allow students to work on a project of their own design. Course material used are based upon the United States Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GCTM) for entry level geospatial occupations including Geospatial or GIS Technicians or Technologists. Prior computer knowledge or GIS experience will be required to be successful in this course. This is a lab course.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the fundamental concepts of Geography as well as the Geographic Information Science and Technology.
2. Locate and identify major political units and physical features of the world.
3. Describe basic physics concepts on which remote sensing is based (i. e. Electromagnetic Spectrum, etc. ).
4. Select appropriate data set for remote sensing application based on spectral, temporal, radiometric and spatial resolution.
5. Describe characteristics of passive and active remote sensing systems (such as multispectral, LiDAR and Radar).
6. Demonstrate basic proficiency in map creation and design principles, including thematic map display and employment of map projections.
7. Create and acquire spatial data, including raster, vector, and the Global Positioning System.
8. Perform basic remote sensing workflows to solving problems or answering a question (such as acquiring data, feature extraction, change detection, pre- and post-processing, create composite images and image classification).
9. Apply critical-thinking skills to solve problems by using geospatial solutions in the development, management, completion, and evaluation of a comprehensive geospatial project.
10. Collect data in the field to assess remote sensing accuracy through ground truthing.

World Regional Geography is a broad exploration of the physical and human geography of Earth. As a survey course, GEG 200 examines the cultural, economic, environmental, and political characteristics of the world’s regions from a geographic perspective. Major topics include population, political and economic systems, development, globalization, areas of conflict, environmental issues, and current events.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Differentiate among the major fields of Geography: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Regional Geography, and Geospatial Technology.
2. Locate political units and physical features important to World Regional Geography.
3. Define basic geographic terms, concepts, or theories important to World Regional Geography.
4. Explain the environmental or historical processes shaping North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, or Oceania.
5. Discuss current world news, events, or issues.
6. Discuss a geographical perspective on the evolution of the economic or political world powers of the 21st Century.

Central to understanding the predictions for future global warming is identifying the key components that operate within the climate system. This laboratory is designed to provide students with the tools necessary to understand the science behind global warming. Students will take the role of climate investigators and learn how changes in the climate system are analyzed through the use of simple models. Ultimately students will gain an understanding of how factors that affect climate are used to construct a geographical pattern of future warming on a global scale.

Prerquisite(s): GEG 204 completed or concurrently enrolled in

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Use a spreadsheet to perform calculations on climate data and be able to graphically display them.
2. Calculate simple statistical values (mean, median, standard deviation, regression coefficient), and make conclusions from these numbers.
3. Use trends in time-series data to interpret past and future climate conditions.
4. Plot spatial data on a map and describe the trends and patterns observed.
5. Compare the solar radiation absorbed to the energy re-radiated for a given location to understand how the radiative balance affects surface temperature.
6. Locate on a map and identify major physical features important to the study of climate.
7. Analyze glacial features to understand the process of glaciation and calculate rates of glacial retreat.
8. Use simple climate models to predict the geographical pattern of future global warming and understand the limitations of such models.
9. Measure changes in cyclic climate archives, such as tree rings, lake sediments, and ice cores, to learn the climate history of a region.
10. Evaluate the climate of a landmass given geographical and climatic parameters.

This course offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding future changes in the Earth’s climate. Students will learn how the Earth’s climate system operates and gain an informed perspective of future global climate change. Topics include measuring changes in greenhouse gases, tools used in modeling and interpreting past climate, ice ages, recent global warming, future climate projections, strategies to potentially slow and stabilize climate change, and the outlook of our future energy use.

GEG 203 completed or concurrently enrolled in

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Develop trends in time-series data to interpret past and future climate conditions.
2. Describe the Earth’s climate system and its relationship to the Earth's energy budget, atmosphere-circulation patterns, and ocean-circulation patterns.
3. Diagram components of the Earth’s carbon cycle and track the role of carbon as it moves within the climate system.
4. Examine the influence of anthropogenic emission of carbon dioxide on climate.
5. Compare and contrast various climate proxies and geologic-age determination techniques.
6. Examine ice-age cycles and the causes of climate change across multiple time scales.
7. Explain the impacts of global warming on the Arctic’s geography, ecology, and human population.
8. Discuss how climate models are used to predict the geographical pattern of future global warming.
9. Predict the feedback loops that might develop from changing conditions in and between different Earth Systems.
10. Classify types of climate according to the Koppen climate classification system.
11. Evaluate the scientific basis used to critique policy issues related to global warming.

Economic Geography is the study of the location of economic activities, the spatial patterns of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and the ways humans support themselves. GEG 211 is presented through four major themes: political geography, location theory, urban geography, and economic development. Topics include agriculture, industry, services, and resource issues.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Differentiate among the major fields of Geography: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Regional Geography, and Geospatial Technology.
2. Locate and identify political units and physical features important to Economic Geography.
3. Evaluate the economic advantages and disadvantages of various forms of government.
4. Judge the effectiveness of various economic development theories.
5. Determine the factors of location for the primary economic sector.
6. Determine the factors of location for the secondary economic sector.
7. Determine the factors of location for the tertiary economic sector.
8. Evaluate the impact of transportation and communication systems on Economic Geography.
9. Compare and contrast urban patterns in more and less developed countries.
10. Evaluate the impact of various resource issues on Economic Geography.

The Geography of Travel and Tourism is the spatial analysis of human leisure behavior and includes the exploration of local, national, and international attractions and destinations. As a survey course, GEG 215 is presented through two major themes: thematic and regional geography. Topics include resources and demand for tourism, adventure travel, beach tourism, cultural travel, rural and urban tourism, service and volunteer travel, and special event tourism.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Differentiate among the major fields of Geography: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Regional Geography, and Geospatial Technology.
2. Locate political units and physical features important to travel and tourism.
3. Define basic geographic terms, concepts, or theories important to the Geography of Travel and Tourism.
4. Explain the environmental and historical processes fostering travel and tourism in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Oceania.
5. Describe sustainability and wellness efforts nurturing travel and tourism in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Oceania.
6. Contrast advantages and disadvantages of different modes of transport.
7. Develop individualized vacation plans based on tourist typology.
8. Assess the tourism industry of New York, the Finger Lakes, and Rochester.

Geography of Genocide is the spatial analysis of modern acts of genocide and crimes against humanity. GEG 220 increases student knowledge of the diversity of the global society in which we live including but not limited to: racial and ethnic minorities and the “others” who have been historically segregated, discriminated, and/or victims of genocide and crimes against humanity due to their age, color or race, creed, class or socioeconomic status, ethnic or national origin, mental or physical ability, gender and sexual identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief system, or any other basis of hate. Major topics include anti-Semitism, ethnocentrism, racism, xenophobia, the Armenian Genocide, Holodomor, Holocaust, Indonesian Genocide, Cambodian Genocide, Rwandan Genocide, and Bosnian Genocide.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Differentiate among the major fields of Geography: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Regional Geography, and Geospatial Technology.
2. Locate and identify political units and physical features important to the Geography of Genocide.
3. Determine the fundamental geographic concepts and factors of several modern acts of genocide and crimes against humanity.
4. Judge the effectiveness of various geographic technologies used to track and document genocide and crimes against humanity.
5. Propose a geographical perspective on preventing and responding to genocide and crimes against humanity.

This course introduces students to geospatial analyses that are used for problem-solving and decision-making. Students will learn how to perform these analyses using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. As a guiding framework, this course shows how GIS is used to answer fundamental questions in geography that are related to problem-solving and decision-making in a wide range of careers and academic disciplines. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to make informed decisions when choosing GIS-based approaches for conducting geospatial analyses.

Prerequisite(s): GEG 130 with a grade of C or higher

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Select an appropriate geospatial analytical method to solve a particular problem or make a particular decision.
2. Formulate an appropriate GIS workflow to execute geospatial problem-solving or decision-making.
3. Assess trends in point data (e. g. point density, "hot spots", geographic center) using GIS.
4. Relate variables to each other to identify relationships between spatial phenomena.
5. Choose the most appropriate location or locations (e. g. the best place for a business) using various criteria of suitability within a GIS.
6. Construct a geospatial network model with measures of impedance (e. g. speed limit within a streets network) using GIS.
7. Evaluate the most efficient route between locations (e. g. the fastest or shortest) within a network using GIS.
8. Create a model of flow within a stream network that can be used to delineate watersheds.

This course addresses the interpretation and understanding of a variety of data formats used by geospatial professionals. It introduces the fundamental concepts such as primary Geospatial Information Science (GIS) data creation, geodatabase design and creation, data management, and discusses quantitative techniques for the collection, classification, integration, and management of geographical data. Advanced topics include: UAS data collection and processing, mobile data collection, automation
using Python and enterprise geodatabases. Students will be guided through a series of lectures hands-on computer-based exercises, and an end of semester project.

Prerequisite(s): GEG 133 or permission of the instructor

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Collect spatial data from known locations.
2. Construct spatial data for use in geodatabases.
3. Create spatial data and geodatabases.
4. Prepare spatial data within a variety of environments.
5. Explain the similarities and differences between data models.
6. Describe ways to apply remote sensing, GPS, and affiliated data capture technologies.
7. Practice the fundamentals of GIS data storage and interoperability.
8. Describe best practices in data organization and management.
9. Recognize advanced configurations at the feature and database levels.
10. Apply advanced configurations at the feature and database level.

This course is an introduction to Web-based GIS. Students will learn about the usefulness and application of Web GIS tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, ArcGIS Online, Volunteered Geographic Information, and Map services (QGIS Server, Mapbox, GISCloud, or ArcGIS Server). Students will become adept at storing and accessing spatial data in the cloud, practice developing Story Maps to communicate spatial data, and learn how web mapping is key to mobile GIS applications such as field data collection. Students will be guided through a series of lectures and hands‐on computer‐based lab exercises. An end of a semester project will allow students to work on a project of their own design. Course material used are based upon the United States Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GCTM) for entry level geospatial occupations including Geospatial or GIS Technicians or Technologists.

Prerequisite(s): GEG 130, or permission of the instructor

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply web GIS tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, ArcGIS Online, and Volunteered Geographic Information.
2. Discuss how web mapping differs from desktop GIS.
3. Explain how spatial data can be stored and accessed in the cloud.
4. Analyze the pros and cons of various web GIS platforms.
5. Discuss how web mapping is critical to mobile GIS applications such as field data collection.
6. Use existing templates or content building tools, such as Esri Story Maps, to build an online geospatial application.
7. Configure a geospatial server.
8. Apply cartographic principles in online map design.
9. Design maps for publication to a web service.
10. Use SDKs in the development of mobile mapping applications.
11. Practice using web maps as a tool for emergency management.
12. Apply critical-thinking skills to solve problems by using Web GIS tools in the development, management, completion, and evaluation of a comprehensive geospatial project.

This course teaches how to customize and automate Geospatial Information Science (GIS) applications using the Python scripting language. Automation can make your work easier, faster, and more accurate, and knowledge of a scripting language is a highly desired skill in GIS analysts. This course dedicates time to theory and implementation of the various scripting languages currently in use. Upon completion, students will be able to solve geospatial problems and streamline GIS workflows through the creation and modification of scripts. Students will be guided through a series of lectures and hands‐on computer‐based lab exercises. Course material used are based upon the United States Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GCTM) for entry level geospatial occupations including Geospatial or GIS Technicians or Technologists.

Prerequisite(s): GEG 130, GEG 133, and GEG 230 or GEG 236 all with a grade of C or higher, or instructor permission

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Produce solutions to automate geoprocessing functions using a variety of programming methods, structures, and data sources.
2. Use a scripting language to modify and create geoprocessing scripts.
3. Construct computer code according to best geospatial practices.
4. Solve geospatial problems through the design and development of custom GIS applications.
5. Modify user interfaces to increase productivity.
6. Describe introductory programming concepts, methods, and approaches.
7. Explain advanced programming concepts.

The capstone is a learning experience resulting in a consolidation of a student's educational experience and certifies mastery of entry level workplace geospatial technician competencies unique to western New York’s GIST market. The capstone experience should occur towards the last semester of the student's educational program. Methods of the capstone experience include: a final learning experience that allows a student to apply broad knowledge of the discipline; a comprehensive examination prepared by the faculty of the geospatial education program; and a course involving simulation of the workplace (mobile GIS), case studies, service learning, internships, or employment scenarios. Students will develop a personal GIS portfolio highlighting their Capstone experience that provides evidence of their geospatial competency, and will learn how to compile, analyze, and present geospatial data while emphasizing the value of visual communication.

Prerequisites: GEG 101, GEG 130, GEG 131, and GEG 133, all with a grade of C or higher. Co-Requisite GEG230.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Synthesize knowledge and skills across geospatial disciplines to address a research question
2. Describe standard professional practices and organizations.
3. Conduct field work using mobile GIS.
4. Manage and organize a geospatial project.
5. Compile geospatial data.
6. Analyze geospatial data with appropriate methodology.
7. Deliver an effective presentation explaining geospatial results.
8. Communicate results with clarity.
9. Engage in self-assessment and analysis.
10. Produce maps that effectively communicate quantitative and qualitative geographic data.
11. Design professional quality maps that use cartographic principles.
12. Demonstrate basic proficiency in map creation and design principles, including thematic map display and employment of map projections.

See the Department Chairperson.

Check if course is offered:
Intersession 2025
Spring Semester 2025

Human Geography is the spatial analysis of human populations, their cultures, their activities and behaviors, and their relationship with, and impact on, the physical landscapes they occupy. GEG 102 is an introductory course presented through two major themes: population geography and cultural geography. Topics include migration, languages, religions, ethnicities, and cemeteries.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Introduction to Meteorology Lab explores the hands-on, practical applications of basic knowledge gained in the companion course, GEG 104 Weather and Climate. Exercises involve use of maps, atlases, weather maps and charts, radar and satellite data, observational weather data and measure, and using the above mentioned for creating an operational weather forecast.

NOTE: This course meets SUNY General Education Natural Science (and Scientific Reasoning) SUNY-NSCI requirements when both GEG 103 and GEG 104 are successfully completed

Prerequisite or co-requisite: GEG 104.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Weather is the scientific study of atmospheric processes and patterns, and their impact on human activities. This introductory meteorology course examines the collection and analysis of meteorological data at local, regional, and global scales. Topics include heat, moisture, and wind dynamics of the atmosphere; application of satellite and radar data; development and impact of thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes; weather analysis and forecasting.

NOTE: This course meets SUNY General Education Natural Science and (Scientific Reasoning), SUNY-NSCI requirements when both GEG 103 and GEG 104 are successfully completed. GEG 103 may be taken concurrently or in a later semester, but will not have satisfied the SUNY requirement (SUNY-NSCI) until both GEG 103 and GEG 104 are successfully completed.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Digital Earth provides students with an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In this course, students will work with computer-based tools to create, analyze, and map data. Introductory geospatial skills will be covered through hands-on lab exercises themed around various topics such as: the natural landscape, renewable energy, sustainability, crime, business, and census data. A final project will provide students with the opportunity to use geospatial technology, combined with real-world data, to explore a topic of their choosing and create original maps that begin to find the answer to a research question. A sustainability elective (GR). This is a lab course.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

This course introduces fundamental cartographic concepts. Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to employ design principles to create effective visual representations of geographic data (e.g. maps) in different formats (e.g. hardcopy, digital, web). Specific topics include map element design, typography, label design, selecting appropriate color schemes, and symbology. Basic computer skills will be required to be successful in this course.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Introduction to the fundamentals of Geospatial Technology, with a focus on remote sensing but also including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), global positioning system (GPS), cartography, and spatial analysis. Students will be guided through a series of lectures and hands‐on computer‐based exercises. An end of a semester project will allow students to work on a project of their own design. Course material used are based upon the United States Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GCTM) for entry level geospatial occupations including Geospatial or GIS Technicians or Technologists. Prior computer knowledge or GIS experience will be required to be successful in this course. This is a lab course.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Business Geography integrates geographic analysis, human relationships, reasoning, and technology to improve organizational management and operational decision making. This course introduces the student to the geospatial technology component of business geography. Students will learn about the role of geospatial technology in analyzing human relationships, with an emphasis on social institutions, consumerism, structural inequality, and how these connect to business decisions. Topics such as competitive analysis and customer profiling will be covered by going through case-based and real world examples. Prior computer knowledge such as creating, saving, deleting, and locating files on a PC, as well as preparing and printing Microsoft Word documents, using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, creating Microsoft PowerPoint slides, using e-mail and the Internet will be required to be successful in this course.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

World Regional Geography is a broad exploration of the physical and human geography of Earth. As a survey course, GEG 200 examines the cultural, economic, environmental, and political characteristics of the world’s regions from a geographic perspective. Major topics include population, political and economic systems, development, globalization, areas of conflict, environmental issues, and current events.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Physical and human geography of the United States and Canada with emphasis on the demographic, cultural, and economic aspects of individual regions. This course fulfills the MCC requirement for a social science elective. This is not a natural science.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Central to understanding the predictions for future global warming is identifying the key components that operate within the climate system. This laboratory is designed to provide students with the tools necessary to understand the science behind global warming. Students will take the role of climate investigators and learn how changes in the climate system are analyzed through the use of simple models. Ultimately students will gain an understanding of how factors that affect climate are used to construct a geographical pattern of future warming on a global scale.

Prerquisite(s): GEG 204 completed or concurrently enrolled in

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

This course offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding future changes in the Earth’s climate. Students will learn how the Earth’s climate system operates and gain an informed perspective of future global climate change. Topics include measuring changes in greenhouse gases, tools used in modeling and interpreting past climate, ice ages, recent global warming, future climate projections, strategies to potentially slow and stabilize climate change, and the outlook of our future energy use.

GEG 203 completed or concurrently enrolled in

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Economic Geography is the study of the location of economic activities, the spatial patterns of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and the ways humans support themselves. GEG 211 is presented through four major themes: political geography, location theory, urban geography, and economic development. Topics include agriculture, industry, services, and resource issues.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

The Geography of Travel and Tourism is the spatial analysis of human leisure behavior and includes the exploration of local, national, and international attractions and destinations. As a survey course, GEG 215 is presented through two major themes: thematic and regional geography. Topics include resources and demand for tourism, adventure travel, beach tourism, cultural travel, rural and urban tourism, service and volunteer travel, and special event tourism.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Analysis of the geographics and politics of the state, everyday life, political regions, demographics, the emergence of the modern state system, contemporary international relations and ecological issues. This course fulfills the MCC requirement for a social science elective and does not fulfill the natural science elective.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Geography of Genocide is the spatial analysis of modern acts of genocide and crimes against humanity. GEG 220 increases student knowledge of the diversity of the global society in which we live including but not limited to: racial and ethnic minorities and the “others” who have been historically segregated, discriminated, and/or victims of genocide and crimes against humanity due to their age, color or race, creed, class or socioeconomic status, ethnic or national origin, mental or physical ability, gender and sexual identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief system, or any other basis of hate. Major topics include anti-Semitism, ethnocentrism, racism, xenophobia, the Armenian Genocide, Holodomor, Holocaust, Indonesian Genocide, Cambodian Genocide, Rwandan Genocide, and Bosnian Genocide.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

This course introduces students to geospatial analyses that are used for problem-solving and decision-making. Students will learn how to perform these analyses using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. As a guiding framework, this course shows how GIS is used to answer fundamental questions in geography that are related to problem-solving and decision-making in a wide range of careers and academic disciplines. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to make informed decisions when choosing GIS-based approaches for conducting geospatial analyses.

GEG 130 with a grade of C or higher

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

This course addresses the interpretation and understanding of a variety of data formats used by geospatial professionals. It introduces the fundamental concepts such as primary Geospatial Information Science (GIS) data creation, geodatabase design and creation, data management, and discusses quantitative techniques for the collection, classification, integration, and management of geographical data. Advanced topics include: UAS data collection and processing, mobile data collection, automation
using Python and enterprise geodatabases. Students will be guided through a series of lectures hands-on computer-based exercises, and an end of semester project.

Prerequisite(s): GEG 133 or permission of the instructor

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

This course is an introduction to Web-based GIS. Students will learn about the usefulness and application of Web GIS tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, ArcGIS Online, Volunteered Geographic Information, and Map services (QGIS Server, Mapbox, GISCloud, or ArcGIS Server). Students will become adept at storing and accessing spatial data in the cloud, practice developing Story Maps to communicate spatial data, and learn how web mapping is key to mobile GIS applications such as field data collection. Students will be guided through a series of lectures and hands‐on computer‐based lab exercises. An end of a semester project will allow students to work on a project of their own design. Course material used are based upon the United States Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GCTM) for entry level geospatial occupations including Geospatial or GIS Technicians or Technologists.

Prerequisite(s): GEG 130, or permission of the instructor

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

This course teaches how to customize and automate Geospatial Information Science (GIS) applications using the Python scripting language. Automation can make your work easier, faster, and more accurate, and knowledge of a scripting language is a highly desired skill in GIS analysts. This course dedicates time to theory and implementation of the various scripting languages currently in use. Upon completion, students will be able to solve geospatial problems and streamline GIS workflows through the creation and modification of scripts. Students will be guided through a series of lectures and hands‐on computer‐based lab exercises. Course material used are based upon the United States Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GCTM) for entry level geospatial occupations including Geospatial or GIS Technicians or Technologists.

Prerequisite(s): GEG 130, GEG 133, and GEG 230 or GEG 236 all with a grade of C or higher, or instructor permission

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

The capstone is a learning experience resulting in a consolidation of a student's educational experience and certifies mastery of entry level workplace geospatial technician competencies unique to western New York’s GIST market. The capstone experience should occur towards the last semester of the student's educational program. Methods of the capstone experience include: a final learning experience that allows a student to apply broad knowledge of the discipline; a comprehensive examination prepared by the faculty of the geospatial education program; and a course involving simulation of the workplace (mobile GIS), case studies, service learning, internships, or employment scenarios. Students will develop a personal GIS portfolio highlighting their Capstone experience that provides evidence of their geospatial competency, and will learn how to compile, analyze, and present geospatial data while emphasizing the value of visual communication.

Prerequisites: GEG 101, GEG 130, GEG 131, and GEG 133, all with a grade of C or higher. Co-Requisite GEG230.

Check if course is offered: Summer 2024 | Fall 2024