Course Descriptions

GEG 100 - Physical Geography I Laboratory

1 Credit

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.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO)

GEG 101 - Physical Geography I

3 Credits

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.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO)

GEG 102 - Human Geography

3 Credits

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. As an introductory survey course, GEG 102 is presented through three major themes: Cultural geography, population geography, and political geography. Topics include cultural evolution, popular and folk culture, cemeteries, languages, religions, demographics, overpopulation, migration, nationalism, and international political systems.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-OWC - Other World Civilizations (SOW2)

MCC General Education: MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

GEG 103 - Extreme Weather Lab

1 Credit

Extreme Weather 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. This course fulfills the MCC requirement for a natural science elective.

Prerequisite or co-requisite: GEG 104.

Learning Attributes: GR

SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

GEG 104 - Extreme Weather

3 Credits

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. This course fulfills the MCC requirement for a natural science elective.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI)

GEG 110 - Physical Geography II Lab

1 Credit

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.

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

SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI)

GEG 111 - Physical Geography II

3 Credits

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.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI)

GEG 130 - Digital Earth

3 Credits

Introductory geospatial skills will be covered, including geography, as well as hands on use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), GPS, and remote sensing. Topics such as sustainability, renewable energy, and the economy will be integrated into the course through the use of GIS. One project will provide students the opportunity to use geospatial technology and real data to create original maps that begin to provide a solution to a real world problem. 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. A sustainability elective (GR). This is a lab course. This course fulfills the MCC requirement for a natural science elective.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

GEG 131 - Cartography

3 Credits

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.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART)

MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

GEG 133 - Introduction to Remote Sensing

3 Credits

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.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

GEG 200 - World Regional Geography

3 Credits

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.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-OWC - Other World Civilizations (SOW2)

MCC General Education: MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

GEG 201 - Geography of United States and Canada

3 Credits

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.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-SS - Social Sciences (SSCS)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

GEG 203 - Extreme Climate Laboratory

1 Credit

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. This course fulfills the MCC requirement for a natural science elective.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI)

GEG 204 - Extreme Climate

3 Credits

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. This course fulfills the MCC requirement for a natural science elective.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI)

GEG 211 - Economic Geography

3 Credits

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.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-SS - Social Sciences (SSCS)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

GEG 215 - Geography of Travel and Tourism

3 Credits

Geography of Travel and Tourism is the analysis of human leisure behavior and its socioeconomic impact 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 travel vs. tourism, adventure travel, beach tourism, cultural travel, rural and urban tourism, service and volunteer travel, and special event tourism.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-OWC - Other World Civilizations (SOW2)

MCC General Education: MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

GEG 220 - Geography of Genocide

3 Credits

Geography of Genocide is the spatial analysis of modern acts of genocide and other crimes against humanity. As a survey course, GEG 220 is presented through four major themes: cultural, economic, physical, and political geography. Major topics include the Ottoman mass murder of Armenians, the Holodomor, the Holocaust, Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge, “ethnic cleansing” in the former Yugoslavia, and the genocide in Rwanda. This course fulfills the MCC requirement for a social science elective.

SUNY General Education: SUNY-OWC - Other World Civilizations (SOW2)

MCC General Education: MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

GEG 230 - Spatial Analysis and GIS

3 Credits

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

MCC General Education: MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

GEG 236 - Geospatial Data Acquisition and Management

3 Credits

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

GEG 237 - Web Mapping

3 Credits

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. Prior introductory GIS experience will be required to be successful in this course. This is a lab course. Two lecture hours,

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

GEG 238 - Introduction to Geospatial Programming

3 Credits

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

GEG 239 - Capstone in Geospatial Technology

2 Credits

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.

MCC General Education: MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

GEG 290 - Independent Study

3 Credits

See the Department Chairperson.