Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

GEO 1305. Meteorology.

This course introduces atmospheric science, emphasizing the composition, structure, and behavior of Earth’s atmosphere. Students explore the physical principles that govern weather and climate, including energy balance, atmospheric circulation, and moisture dynamics. The course also examines interactions between the atmosphere and other components of the Earth system, such as land surfaces, oceans, and the biosphere, highlighting how atmospheric processes influence environmental conditions, climate variability, and human activities across local, regional, and global scales.

GEO 1309. Introduction to Cultural Geography.

This course introduces students to the geographical perspective, emphasizing the spatial distribution of human activities and the processes that shape cultural patterns across time and place. Students examine how population dynamics, folk and popular culture, language, religion, gender, ethnicity, and political systems are organized spatially. The course also analyzes urban and rural land use and economic development to assess how historical and contemporary forces influence cultural landscapes and human–environment relationships. (MULT).

GEO 1310. World Geography.

This course introduces foundational concepts in world geography, emphasizing spatial patterns, human–environment interactions, and regional diversity. Students explore physical landscapes, climate systems, population distribution, cultural practices, economic activities, and political organization across major world regions. The course develops geographic literacy through the use of maps, spatial data, and comparative regional analysis. It also analyzes processes such as migration, urbanization, globalization, resource use, and environmental change, with attention to scale, location, and connections among places over time. (MULT).

GEO 2110. Our Dynamic Earth Laboratory.

This course provides a systematic study of the Earth’s physical environment, including weather, climate, vegetation, soil, and landforms. Taught in conjunction with Our Dynamic Earth (lecture), this laboratory component is designed to reinforce theoretical concepts through hands-on activities. Students engage in exercises related to outdoor field observations, topographic map interpretation, and the analysis of collected scientific data. These practical applications emphasize the objective observation of natural processes and provide foundational technical skills for further geographic study. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 2301. Our Dynamic Earth.

This course examines the spatial patterns and processes that shape Earth's physical environment, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Topics include weather and climate systems, landform development, plate tectonics, soils, and geographic distributions of vegetation and wildlife. Emphasis is placed on interactions among environmental systems across multiple scales, from local landscapes to global circulation, using contemporary scientific frameworks and geospatial perspectives. Consideration is given to natural hazards and environmental change over time in varied global regions. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 2310. Global Environmental Change.

This course examines global environmental change through a geographic, systems-based perspective that emphasizes the dynamic interactions among Earth’s physical, biological, and human components. Students explore how land, atmosphere, oceans, ecosystems, and societies are interconnected and how these relationships evolve over time. The course introduces core concepts related to environmental processes operating across multiple spatial and temporal scales, with particular attention to patterns, distributions, and drivers of change such as climate variability, land-use transformation, and human activity. Analytical frameworks and geographic tools are used to assess environmental variability, vulnerability, and risk, enabling students to interpret global change processes and their implications for sustainability and resilience.

GEO 2420. Introduction to Geographic Information Techniques.

This course introduces the foundations of geographic information systems and sciences (GIS), including global positioning systems (GPS), remote sensing, cartography, web mapping, Google Earth, geospatial data visualization and analysis, and other tools and methods used by geographic information scientists. Topics include maps, data collection, using and creating Internet content, and data analysis and display. This introductory course helps students build literacy in geospatial data and analysis; it will prepare them to take more specialized GIS courses.

GEO 2426. Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems.

This course introduces the principles and practices of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a tool for integrating and analyzing spatial data. Students examine spatial data models, coordinate systems, map projections, and data acquisition methods. The course covers techniques for managing, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data, including vector and raster operations, spatial queries, and basic geoprocessing. The lectures emphasize the theoretical foundations of GIS and geographic information science. In the laboratory sessions, students apply the concepts introduced in the lectures using GIS software. Prerequisites: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 2427. Management and Implementation of GIS.

This course addresses strategies for successful GIS project management and implementation. The topics covered in this course center around four core aspects for a professional GIS project: needs assessment and scope identification, proposal development and project planning, project implementation and management, and report preparation and presentation. The scale of a GIS project may vary from an individual project to a team project that needs organization-wide coordination. The nature of a GIS project may be technical or applied. Prerequisite: GEO 2426 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3301. Research Methods in Geography.

This course introduces qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods used to conduct research in geography and environmental studies. The application of descriptive and inferential statistical methods used to analyze quantitative data are explored, and students learn how to properly manage and prepare data for analysis. Qualitative methods covered include survey and interview design, case studies, oral histories, and coding and content analysis. The course introduces students to software applications designed to organize, analyze, and visualize spatial data. Emphasis is given to the development of practical skills necessary for conducting objective, evidence-based research. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3303. Economic Geography.

This course examines the geographic organization of economic activity across global, regional, and local scales. It focuses on how economic processes are shaped by spatial relationships, including patterns of production, exchange, and consumption. Topics include the historical development of capitalism, globalization, technological change, the major sectors of the economy, uneven spatial economic development, human-environment interaction, and international trade and investment. Emphasis is placed on understanding how economic activities are situated in space and how geographic context influences economic outcomes.

GEO 3305. Climatology.

This course introduces the scientific study of climate, focusing on the natural processes that shape climate systems at local, regional, and global scales. Students examine the physical processes that govern climate variability and change, including radiation balance, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and surface–atmosphere interactions. The course emphasizes the use of climate data and analytical tools for environmental monitoring and analysis. Methods for evaluating historical climate records, spatial climate patterns, and climate trends are also addressed. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 or [GEO 1305 and MATH 1315] any with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 3307. Geography of Europe.

This course examines the geography of Europe through an integrated analysis of its physical environments, human populations, cultural patterns, and economic and political systems. The course considers Europe’s diverse landscapes, climate regions, and natural resources alongside historical processes that have shaped its regional identities. Topics include population distribution, urbanization, economic activities, political organization, and regional integration, as well as Europe’s relationships with neighboring regions and the global system. Emphasis is placed on understanding spatial variation and the ways geographic factors influence patterns across Europe. (MULT).

GEO 3308. Geography of Latin America.

This course surveys the physical and human geography of Latin America, examining regional landforms, climates, ecosystems, populations, cultural patterns, urbanization, and economic activities. The course reviews major physiographic regions, climate systems, and biomes and considers how these environmental conditions relate to patterns of settlement, land use, and resource distribution. Historical and contemporary processes shaping spatial diversity are examined, including colonial legacies, agricultural change, migration, trade, and urban development. Attention is given to geographic variation among subregions such as Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Maps, demographic information, and regional case examples are used to illustrate environmental and social patterns across the region. (MULT).

GEO 3309. Geography of the United States and Canada.

This course introduces the geographic patterns and regional characteristics of the United States and Canada. It examines physical landscapes, climate systems, natural resources, population distribution, settlement patterns, economic activities, and cultural regions. Students explore how environmental processes and human activities interact systematically across different scales. The course also reviews historical and contemporary factors shaping spatial organization, regional development, and cross-border relationships within North America through maps, geographic concepts, and comparative regional perspectives. Students apply spatial thinking to real-world challenges in the United States and Canada. (MULT) (WI).

GEO 3310. Urban Geography.

This course examines the spatial organization, structure, and social dynamics of cities and metropolitan areas. It explores patterns of land use, population distribution, transportation networks, governance, housing, and economic activity. Students analyze processes influencing urban growth, decline, and renewal across multiple geographical contexts and over time. Emphasis is placed on understanding how physical, social, and economic factors influence urban form and function, and how cities interact with surrounding regions at various scales in shaping human and environmental systems.

GEO 3312. Understanding Climate Change: Drivers and Outcomes.

This course explores contemporary challenges shaped by climatic change by examining relationships between fundamental biophysical drivers such as atmospheric dynamics and carbon cycles and human-system implications including energy transitions and policy frameworks. It covers how earth system processes shape outcomes such as resilience, adaptive capacity, and mitigation strategies, as well as challenges related to climate change communication. The course addresses the multidimensional nature of forces driving climate change and the spatial distribution of its effects. Prerequisite: GEO 2310 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3313. Natural Resource Use and Management.

This course uses environmental concepts at all geographic scales to identify and analyze patterns and processes of resource use, and discusses management strategies to address present and future concerns related to natural resources. It examines the distribution, availability, and utilization of resources such as water, soil, forests, minerals, and energy within ecological, economic, and social contexts. The course considers how environmental processes and human activities influence resource systems across local, regional, and global scales. Students explore approaches used to assess resource conditions, evaluate management options, and interpret policy frameworks that guide resource planning and stewardship in diverse environmental settings. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3320. Community and Regional Planning.

This course examines the practice, history, and development of community and regional planning in the United States. It introduces the evolution of planning institutions, legal frameworks, and policy tools used in community planning and development. The course explores land use, transportation, housing, economic development, environmental considerations, and governance structures. It includes analysis of planning processes across local and regional scales and the roles of public, private, and nonprofit actors in guiding growth and sustainable development. (WI) (MULT).

GEO 3321. Energy Resource Management.

This course examines energy resources from a geographic perspective, analyzing the distribution, characteristics, and uses of major energy sources across global and regional contexts. It considers both renewable and nonrenewable energy resources and explores the environmental, economic, and spatial factors that influence their development and management. The course also addresses issues related to energy production, consumption, and infrastructure, as well as policy and planning considerations associated with resource use. Emphasis is placed on understanding geographic patterns and challenges related to energy resource management. (WI) Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3323. Researching the City.

This course examines the principles and practices of research design in urban geography and planning. It covers the formulation of research questions, selection of data collection methods, and application of quantitative, qualitative, and spatial analysis techniques to investigate urban phenomena. Emphasis is placed on semester-length projects involving collaboration with local partners from public or private sectors to develop and implement research studies. The course includes evaluation of research frameworks, interpretation of findings, and application of methodological approaches to the analysis of cities, regions, and built environments. (WI).

GEO 3328. Geography of North Africa and the Middle East.

This course examines the geography of North Africa and the Middle East through an integrated analysis of physical environments, human populations, cultural patterns, and economic and political systems. The course explores major landforms, climate regions, water resources, and ecosystems alongside human and cultural characteristics. Topics include historical and contemporary regional organization, economic activities, resource use, transportation and trade networks, and state and regional structures. Emphasis is placed on understanding the ways geographic variables influence social, economic, and political patterns across North Africa and the Middle East. (MULT).

GEO 3329. Geography of Texas.

This course examines the geography of Texas through an analysis of its physical environments, human populations, cultural landscapes, and economic and political systems. The course explores Texas’s diverse landforms, climate regions, ecosystems, and natural resources, as well as patterns of settlement, population change, and urban development. Topics include regional variation, economic activities, transportation networks, environmental interactions, and political organization within the state. Emphasis is placed on understanding spatial patterns and regional identities and on analyzing how geographic factors influence these patterns across Texas. (MULT).

GEO 3333. Geography of East Asia.

This course facilitates development of student knowledge and skills for engaging in geographical inquiry centered on spatial, temporal and a range of interconnected dynamics across East Asia. Students explore the region through various approaches integrating biophysical dimensions with broad geographic themes through case studies at a range of scales. The course facilitates skill development necessary for students to analyze transformations unfolding across this region, as well as understand a range of changes shaped by them. (WI) (MULT).

GEO 3335. Oceanography.

This course enhances ocean literacy among students by introducing and acquainting them with essential aspects of the science of oceanography. Because of oceanography’s interdisciplinary nature, the course examines geological, physical, chemical, and biological processes as they apply to the ocean. The course covers a variety of important oceanographic terms and concepts, including how the ocean systems work, how they are studied and measured, how the ocean influences Earth’s biosphere and atmosphere, how the oceans support living ecosystems, and which issues concern the fate of the oceans and their coastlines. Prerequisite: BIO 1320 or BIO 1330 or [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 or GEOL 1410 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3340. Political Geography.

This course explores how political processes, institutions, and power relations shape, and are shaped by, spatial patterns across the globe. This course examines foundational concepts such as the state, territoriality, and sovereignty, as well as the dynamics of boundaries, nationalism, and geopolitical strategy. Students analyze international spheres of influence, conflict, and cooperation, alongside contemporary global issues including migration, resource competition, and development. The course also investigates the geographic dimensions of electoral politics, representation, and policy outcomes. Emphasis is placed on developing critical spatial thinking and applying geographic perspectives to real world political problems.

GEO 3349. World Population.

This course introduces the geographic study of population distribution, change, and spatial differences at global, national, and regional scales. Students examine patterns and processes related to fertility, mortality, and migration, and explore how demographic dynamics influence social, economic, and environmental conditions. Emphasis is placed on understanding population growth dynamics, demographic transitions, and analyzing population issues across different cultural and spatial contexts. The course provides an introduction to how demographic trends influence social, economic, and environmental conditions across different places. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3351. Health Geography.

This course examines the spatial dimension of health, disease, and healthcare systems. The course introduces concepts of health, health care, disease, and illness from a geospatial perspective. The course examines how people and societies interact geographically with the natural, social, and built environment in ways that result in varying degrees of health. Topics include the geography of infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health, health disparities, population mobility and health, healthcare delivery systems, and the role of climate, industrialization, urbanization, and policy in shaping health landscapes. (MULT) (WI).

GEO 3411. Maps and Mapmaking.

This course introduces the principles and practices of reference and thematic map design. Students examine foundational concepts in cartography, including map purpose, scale, projection, symbolization, classification, and generalization, while learning essential techniques for representing quantitative and qualitative geographic data. The course also explores the history and evolution of cartography, geographic data presentation, and thematic mapping strategies. Emphasis is placed on map interpretation, and effective visual communication. Through hands-on exercises and a final project, students develop practical skills in designing clear, accurate, and purposeful maps that effectively communicate geographic information to diverse audiences. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3416. Remote Sensing and Earth Observation.

This course introduces students to the acquisition, measurement (mensuration), interpretation, and mapping of digital imagery for environmental monitoring and inventorying. Students build theoretical and applied competence in core remote sensing concepts, including electromagnetic energy interactions with the atmosphere and surface features, the way sensors record energy, and how sensor outputs are displayed and interpreted. The course also emphasizes practical skills in displaying, processing, and interpreting digital imagery and datasets from satellite-based sensors through lecture and lab activities. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3425. Geomorphology.

This course examines the processes that shape Earth’s surface and the resulting landforms across diverse environments. Topics include weathering, mass wasting, and fluvial, aeolian, karst, glacial, periglacial, and coastal systems, with attention to interactions among climate, tectonics, materials, and time. The course includes analysis of maps, spatial data, and field observations to examine landscape evolution. Course activities emphasize process interpretation, quantitative reasoning, and application of geomorphic concepts to contemporary environmental issues across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 or GEOL 1410 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 3426. Advanced GIS.

This course builds on the principles introduced in GEO 2426 and presents an in-depth examination of the technical aspects involved in spatial data handling, analysis, and modeling. With an emphasis on GIS modeling, this course focuses on the conceptual framework and associated applications, including cartographic modeling, suitability assessment, surface analysis, network routing, diffusion and hydrologic modeling. The course includes the use of GIS software to model and display geographic phenomena in both human and physical systems. Prerequisite: GEO 2426 and GEO 3301 both with grades of "C" or better.

GEO 3434. Water Resources.

This course analyzes within a geographical perspective the formation, use, conservation, and management of water resources. Topics covered include the hydrologic cycle, water quality, dams, urban water resources, agricultural water resources, aquatic ecosystems, water law, water policy, socioeconomics of water, and water management agencies. This course provides professional-level knowledge with a focus on the supply and demand of water resources. The lab portion of the course involves accessing and analyzing water resources data, delineating watersheds, performing stream metrics, and producing professional reports on these analyses. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 or [CHEM 1141 and CHEM 1341] with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4190. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. This course may be repeated for credit, but a student may not exceed six hours of credit in Independent Study.

GEO 4290. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. This course may be repeated for credit, but a student may not exceed six hours of credit in Independent Study.

GEO 4306. Geography of the Southwest.

This course examines the regional geography of the southwestern United States that spans a debatable area from Texas to California and north to Utah and southern Wyoming. Though primarily defined by aridity, the southwestern United States is extremely diverse in its environments and peoples. This course explores how people have related to this land, the changing environment, and current issues and future trends in natural resources and cultural processes in the region. The course primarily integrates physical geography, cultural geography, environmental management, and water resources. (MULT).

GEO 4309. Cultural and Political Ecology.

This course examines cultural and political ecology as geographic approaches for understanding relationships among society, culture, power, and the biophysical environment. It explores how environmental knowledge, resource use, and ecological processes are shaped through social, political, and historical contexts. Emphasis is placed on comparative analysis across regions and time periods, including agrarian, pre-industrial, and contemporary settings. The course situates human–environment interactions within broader geographic frameworks that integrate cultural processes with ecological systems and spatial change. (MULT) (WI).

GEO 4310. Regional Field Studies.

This course focuses on observation, description, and analysis of a geographic environment through structured off-campus study in that setting. Students examine physical features, cultural landscapes, spatial patterns, and human–environment relationships within a defined region. Emphasis is placed on field-based methods, place-based inquiry, and the interpretation of geographic processes as they occur in the region of study. The course integrates experiential learning with geographic concepts to support contextual understanding of regional environments. The course may be repeated once, provided the second study is in a different region, for a total of 6 semester hours. (WI).

GEO 4313. Environmental Management.

This course provides both broad and granular analyses covering origins and causes of present and past environmental problems occurring and intersecting across multiple spatial and temporal scales. The range of challenges affect the quality of environmental media (air, water, land) and health of ecosystems, species, and the earth’s population. This course evaluates past and contemporary efforts to manage, mitigate, adapt to and/or solve many of these problems. Emphasis is placed on the critical role played by spaces and places in shaping environmental challenges, along with the ways geographical thinking can be used to identify and understand complex problems while developing solutions and management strategies. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 and [GEO 3313 or GEO 3321 or GEO 3434 or GEO 4350 or GEO 4352] both with grades of "C" or better.

GEO 4314. River Basin Management.

This course studies the principles and practices of large-scale river basin management, including nested sub-basin and tributary systems. It examines the physical and environmental processes that shape river basins across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Historical and contemporary approaches to river basin management are analyzed, with emphasis on integrated land and water resource management. The course evaluates stakeholder perspectives and addresses issues related to policy, water supply, dams, hazards, economic development, and environmental protection. (WI) Prerequisite: GEO 3434 or GEO 4325 either with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4316. Landscape Biogeography.

This course studies the present-day and post-Pleistocene spatial patterns of plants, animals, and biogeographical processes; and summarizes relevant biological, ecological, and physical geography factors that influence species ranges, dispersal, movements, colonization, and extinction. The course integrates principles of community ecology, ecosystem function, migration, and evolution. Physical and biological ecosystem interactions are evaluated through a spatial and temporal framework of landscape ecology principles applied to terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Human interactions with biogeographical patterns and processes, including topics such as land use changes and conservation management are also addressed, as are methods for interpreting and reconstructing Holocene patterns of biogeographic distribution. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 both with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4317. Water Resources Planning.

This course examines water resources planning case studies related to water quality protection and mitigation as well as state and regional water supply planning from a policy practitioner’s perspective. It explores watershed planning and water supply management to illustrate the institutional, environmental, and technical factors involved in planning processes. The course considers the roles of governmental agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders in the development of water management strategies. Topics include water demand management, conservation and efficiency measures, watershed protection, regulatory frameworks, and planning approaches used to address water availability and water quality concerns across different geographic scales. Prerequisite: GEO 3434 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4321. Cities and Urban Design.

This course examines the principles and processes that shape urban form and the design of built environments. It explores the interplay of intentional planning decisions and natural processes in shaping urban landscapes. The course introduces spatial thinking, urban morphology, U.S. planning history, planning law and policy, and the relationships among land use, transportation, public space, and environmental context. Students examine the roles of planning institutions, design practices, and collaborative decision-making in guiding the development and transformation of cities. (MULT) Prerequisite: GEO 3310 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4322. Interpretive Environmental Geography.

This course examines principles and practices for interpreting environmental information within geographic contexts. It explores how physical and cultural landscapes, cultural ecology, and human–environment relationships are communicated to diverse audiences in a range of environmental settings. Emphasis is placed on geographic concepts, interpretive frameworks, and representational techniques used to convey environmental knowledge. The course also considers both traditional and digital approaches to interpretation and situates environmental communication within broader spatial, cultural, and institutional contexts relevant to contemporary geographic practice. (WI) Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4323. Conservation Leadership.

This course serves as an in-depth introduction to the modern conservation movement and the philosophy, establishment, and operation of institutions and social actors engaged in that movement. Knowledge is presented by the instructor and leaders of non-profit and governmental conservation organizations, who provide experiences and instruction in key skills necessary for successful employment and careers in conservation. Problems and attributes of leadership are emphasized along with operational implications, ethical issues, and other considerations for successful employment and management at non-governmental, state, local, and federal levels.

GEO 4325. Fluvial Processes.

This course examines the principles governing river processes and channel forms from a geographic and natural science perspective. Students investigate the mechanics of fluvial systems, including river hydraulics, sediment transport, channel morphology, and watershed hydrology. Emphasis is placed on quantitative analysis of river dynamics and the relationships between process and spatial pattern in fluvial environments. Using field observations, maps, imagery, and empirical data, students evaluate how rivers evolve across space and time. The course also explores connections between fluvial processes and ecological systems, engineering practices, water resource management, and environmental policy. Prerequisite: GEO 3425 or GEO 3434 either with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4326. Parks and Protected Places.

This course serves as an in-depth introduction to parks and protected places. Framing parks and protected places as social-ecological systems, this course provides both theoretical and applied perspectives on the acquisition, planning, management, use, and value of sites of unique cultural, natural, scenic, or recreational significance. Accordingly, the past, current, and future challenges for land conservation are covered. This course provides professional-level experience through readings, lectures, classroom discussions, presentations, and interactions with experts in various fields of parks and protected places.

GEO 4331. Geography of Food and Agriculture.

This course examines local and global food and agricultural systems from a geographic perspective. It explores patterns of production, distribution, and consumption across regions, and considers how climate, resources, culture, technology, and economic organization shape agricultural landscapes. Attention is given to rural and urban settings, regional variation, and connections among places at multiple scales. The course provides an overview of food-related spatial processes and landscape change worldwide within established geographic frameworks and comparative regional contexts used in contemporary geographic scholarship. (WI).

GEO 4334. Groundwater Resources.

This course examines the major concepts and principles that influence groundwater occurrence, availability, and use from a geographical perspective. Students analyze aquifer characteristics that affect groundwater quantity, movement, and quality, and evaluate the physical, environmental, economic, societal, and legal factors that influence groundwater development and management. Through case studies, applied analysis, and interpretation of data, students explore approaches used to assess groundwater resources, inform water-use decisions, and evaluate strategies for sustainable groundwater management and aquifer policy planning. Prerequisite: GEO 3434 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4335. Directed Research.

This course provides undergraduate students with structured opportunities to conduct supervised research within the discipline of geography. Participants engage in the development of research questions, review relevant literature, design methodological approaches, and analyze findings under faculty guidance. Emphasis is placed on ethical research practices, documentation standards, and effective communication of results. Topics vary according to faculty expertise and student interests and needs. Permission and project approval must be obtained from the supervising faculty member prior to registration. This course may be repeated for credit, but a student may not exceed six hours of credit.

GEO 4336. Transportation Systems.

This course examines the evolution of urban transportation technologies, policies, and systems, both in the United States and abroad. By comparing policies and institutions across countries and cities, students observe the effect of different policy choices and institutional legacies on the present day. This course introduces students to transportation data sources and analyzes travel behavior surveys, the literature in both transportation geography and urban transportation planning, and the current state of the practice in transportation.

GEO 4338. Planning Practicum.

This course provides a capstone experience in community and regional planning with an applied focus on local development projects. As the terminal course in the sequence, it examines enduring planning challenges and the relationships among governance, social, economic, and environmental systems that shape planning initiatives. Students engage with real-world projects, often collaborating with local stakeholder groups, and apply planning principles, legal frameworks, and community input to analyze, evaluate, and propose practical strategies for effective community and regional development. Prerequisite: GEO 3320 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4339. Environmental Hazards and Disasters.

This course examines environmental hazards and disasters in relation to human land use, development, and settlement patterns, with an emphasis on how people occupy and modify hazardous landscapes. Students are introduced to the geologic, hydrologic, and meteorological processes that generate hazardous events such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. The course emphasizes the spatial distribution and underlying physical mechanisms of these hazards, as well as their social, economic, and environmental impacts. Particular attention is given to the ways environmental conditions and human activities interact to shape exposure, vulnerability, and disaster risk, and to the implications for hazard mitigation, planning, and resilience. Prerequisite: {GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4340. Geography Content and Methods for Teachers.

This course examines the K–12 Geography Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and national geography content standards, emphasizing alignment across grade levels and educational contexts. It explores instructional resources and materials, frameworks for unit development, and the principles of inquiry-based instruction. Attention is given to curricular coherence, disciplinary practices, and assessment design appropriate for learners, with consideration of classroom implementation, integration of standards, and geographic thinking across elementary, middle, and secondary school instructional contexts. (WI).

GEO 4341. Water Policy.

This course examines the development and implementation of water policy from the identification of water-related issues through political, legal, and institutional decision-making processes. Students analyze how policies are formulated, debated, and enacted at local, regional, and national levels. The course considers the roles of governmental agencies, legal frameworks, and stakeholder interests in shaping water management decisions. Through case studies and policy analysis, students evaluate the processes used to develop and implement water plans, programs, and infrastructure. Prerequisite: GEO 3434 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4350. Solid Waste Management and Resource Recovery.

This course is an examination of the magnitude, sources and characteristics of solid waste and the various elements of its management including generation, storage, collection, transportation, treatment, disposal, resource recovery, recycling and sustainable alternatives with a focus on the policies, laws, logistics and economics that frame the industry. The course delves into the planning, contractual, and operational aspects of solid waste management and the interface shared by the private sector industry, government and the public. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 both with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4351. Geospatial Data Science and Health.

This course explores how geospatial data science methods are applied to analyze health outcomes and how resulting insights can inform strategies to improve population health. In addition to introducing the fundamental concepts and methods of data science, the curriculum covers probability models, spatial cluster detection methods, exposure science, logistic regression, epidemiological analysis, spatial accessibility modeling, and quantitative assessment of health disparities. Furthermore, the course incorporates applied case studies addressing the identification of priority areas for evidence-based health interventions, environmental epidemiology, and health disparity analysis. Prerequisite: GEO 2426 and GEO 3301 both with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4352. Air Quality Management.

This course assesses and analyzes air quality, including the types, sources, and effects of air pollutants on human health, welfare, and the natural environment. It examines atmospheric processes, the physics of contaminant generation and movement, and the chemical composition and behavior of pollutants. The course evaluates the impacts of airborne pollutants on ecosystems and human populations and analyzes patterns of pollution generation and dispersion. It also examines past and present approaches to managing atmospheric contaminants in relation to economic, legal, and social structures. Prerequisite: [CHEM 1141 and CHEM 1341] or [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 or GEO 3305 any with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4353. Geographic Elements of Environmental Law.

This course examines the spatial dimensions of environmental law, focusing on how legal frameworks vary across places and scales. Topics include environmental problems related to urbanization, industrialization, land development, noise, radiation, and solid waste management. Students analyze relationships among institutions and systems of environmental governance, with attention to jurisdiction, boundaries, land use, natural resources, pollution control, environmental impact review, and regulatory authority in local and national contexts. The course emphasizes how these spatial and institutional relationships shape legal processes and environmental outcomes across diverse legal systems. Prerequisite: GEO 3321 or GEO 3434 or GEO 4350 or GEO 4352 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4356. Urban Infrastructure Management.

This course examines the technologies and governance of urban infrastructure, including buildings, transportation systems, water and waste treatment facilities, energy, and communication grids. It integrates perspectives from civil engineering, urban planning, and geography to analyze the policy and political dimensions of infrastructure management alongside current technological practices. The course introduces data used to assess infrastructure needs, including asset safety, functionality, and life cycle performance. (WI) Prerequisite: CE 3360 or [GEO 2426 and GEO 3301] either with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4380. Internship in Geography.

This course provides on-the-job training in a public or private-sector agency related to the field of geography. Students engage in supervised professional activities that apply geographic knowledge, skills, and methods in organizational settings. Experiences may involve spatial analysis, environmental assessment, planning processes, data management, or community engagement, depending on the placement. The course integrates practical experience with geographic concepts to support professional development and understanding of workplace practices within geography-related fields. Students must apply to the department internship director at least six weeks prior to registering for the internship course. This course may be repeated one time for additional internship credit.

GEO 4390. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. This course may be repeated for credit, but a student may not exceed six hours of credit in Independent Study.

GEO 4393E. Social Geographies of the American City.

This course examines historical and contemporary interactions among social groups and how these dynamics have influenced and been shaped by urbanization in the United States, with an emphasis on geographic perspectives and the roles of space and place. It explores topics including segregation, immigration, civil rights history, social movements, housing and gentrification, crime and policing, environmental conditions, community development, and urban cultural economies. Through readings, discussions, and films, students analyze cases using comparative and interdisciplinary approaches and methods.

GEO 4411. Advanced Cartographic Design.

This course provides advanced study of the theoretical principles and professional practices of cartographic design. Emphasis is placed on visual communication, thematic mapping techniques, typography, color theory, projection selection, and atlas composition. Students examine the cartographic production process from conceptualization through final publication-quality output, including data preparation, symbolization, layout development, and integration of text and graphics. The course culminates in a final project requiring the creation of a professional-grade map portfolio that demonstrates the application of concepts and techniques covered in the course. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4412. Digital Image Processing and Machine Learning.

This course introduces students to digital image processing of satellite scenes with a strong emphasis on restoration and enhancement, information extraction, classification, and machine learning techniques used in environmental monitoring and inventorying. Students learn how and why specific processing algorithms are selected, how to structure a defensible processing workflow, and how to assess the accuracy of raw and classified imagery or derived data products. Through an integrated lecture-and-lab format, students develop hands-on proficiency with professional image processing software and apply core methods to real datasets, including change detection and mapping applications. (WI) Prerequisites: GEO 3301 and GEO 3416 both with grades of “C” or better.

GEO 4417. Digital Terrain Modeling.

This course examines the production, analysis, and application of digital terrain models (DTMs) in geographic research and professional contexts. Topics include terrain representation, raster-based modeling approaches, interpolation techniques, and the use of lidar- and radar-derived elevation surfaces. The course also addresses data quality standards, accuracy assessment, and error propagation in terrain analysis. Additional areas of study include terrain derivatives, hydrologic and visibility modeling, cost path analysis, and methods for visualizing and communicating digital elevation data. Prerequisite: GEO 2426 and GEO 3416 both with grades of "C" or better.

GEO 4420. GeoProgramming.

This course introduces students to advanced GIS concepts and application issues, with an emphasis on using programming to support spatial data manipulation and analysis. Students gain hands-on experience using GIS hardware and software tools to support a range of analytical tasks, including data management, automation, spatial analysis, and visualization. Instruction emphasizes the practical application of GIS methods to a diverse set of real-world geographic problems while enhancing technical proficiency and methodological understanding relevant to professional GIS work and related fields. Prerequisite: GEO 3426 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4422. Web Mapping.

The course introduces students to interactive and dynamic mapping techniques within contemporary GIS environments, with an emphasis on web-based cartographic representation of temporal and non-temporal spatial data. Students examine methods for visualizing geospatial objects and phenomena using web-based mapping platforms and tools. Topics include spatial data preparation, web map design principles, dynamic visualization techniques, and the integration of spatial data with online mapping applications to support analysis, communication, and information sharing across digital environments. The course considers practical and conceptual issues associated with the design and implementation of interactive geospatial mapping systems. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4424. GPS and GIS.

This course progresses from foundational Global Navigation Satellite Systems theory to applied, client-based geospatial project implementation. Students examine system components, signal processing methods, signal error sources, and correction strategies before conducting structured field data collection of points, lines, and polygons. Labs emphasize accuracy assessment, metadata, offsets, and publishing workflows in ArcGIS Online. The semester culminates in collaborative project planning, data processing, GIS integration, app development, and professional report submission which serve to prepare students for careers in geospatial data collection. Prerequisites: GEO 3411 or GEO 3426 either with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4427. GIS Consulting Practicum.

This course provides students with hands-on experience working on a substantive GIS project in partnership with clients from government, industry, or nonprofit organizations. Through project-based teamwork, students apply GIS methods to real-world problems while developing professional skills such as project scoping, client communication, data management, spatial analysis, technical writing, and cartographic presentation. The course emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, responsible use of spatial data, and the delivery of professional-quality GIS products that meet client needs and reflect industry standards. (WI) Prerequisite: GEO 3426 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4430. Field Methods.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices used to observe, measure, document, and analyze geographic phenomena in field settings. Emphasis is placed on hands-on data collection, spatial observation, mapping techniques, and the use of field instruments and geospatial technologies. Students gain practical experience designing and conducting field investigations in local and regional environments while developing skills in data recording, interpretation, and professional reporting. The course also emphasizes research design and technical proposal development, preparing students to plan independent geographic field projects and communicate scientific objectives effectively. (WI) Prerequisites: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301 or GEO 2410] and GEO 3301 all with grades of “C” or better.

GEOL 1410. Introduction to Geology.

This course examines the materials that make up the Earth, the physical and chemical processes that act upon them, and the outcomes of these processes over geologic time. Students analyze Earth’s structure and history by studying rock formation, tectonic activity, surface processes, and geologic cycles. Emphasis is placed on major geologic concepts that explain the evolution of the planet, the interactions among Earth systems, and the dynamic processes that shape the Earth today.

GEOL 1420. Historical Geology.

This course is a continuation of the study of physical geology with an emphasis on the geologic history of the Earth, particularly of North America. Students examine the evolution of life, the movement and development of continents through geologic time, and major events that have shaped the Earth’s surface. The course introduces students to the principles and methods that are used to interpret the Earth’s history, including stratigraphy, fossil evidence, and geologic time scales. Prerequisite: GEOL 1410 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 3360. Survey of Economic Mineral Deposits.

This course introduces students to the geology of Earth-derived economic resources, including metallic and nonmetallic minerals, energy resources, and groundwater. In this course, students learn about the geologic processes responsible for the formation of economic deposits and the methods used to locate and evaluate them. The course also examines techniques of extraction and refining, as well as the analysis of documented environmental and societal impacts associated with resource development and use. Prerequisite: GEOL 3450 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 3410. Sedimentation and Stratigraphy.

This course challenges students to move beyond basic identification toward a mastery of the processes governing the Earth's sedimentary record. Students identify and describe the fundamental principles of weathering, transport, and lithification while explaining the relationship between physical processes and sedimentary outcomes. Moving into higher-order analysis, participants examine primary and secondary sedimentary structures and textures to reconstruct and evaluate ancient environments of deposition. By the conclusion of the term, students critique and categorize complex strata into formal stratigraphic units, integrating diverse geological data to formulate a comprehensive geologic history from cogent hypotheses and current theories. This progression ensures students can not only recognize geological features but also interpret their significance within the broader context of Earth’s history. Prerequisite: GEOL 3450 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 3430. Geologic Maps and Structures.

This course explores the role of geologic maps in visualizing, understanding, and classifying the three-dimensional shape and distribution of geologic structures and rock units within Earth’s crust. In addition to geologic maps, the course incorporates essential analytical tools (e.g. stereonets, cross sections, block diagrams, and analytical geometry) to visualize and quantify the geometric relationships of surface and subsurface features. By mastering these graphical and mathematical techniques, students develop the ability to predict the orientation of structural features from limited surface exposures and reconstruct the orientations and strengths of stresses within the shallow crust. Spatial analysis of the crust is foundational for interpreting regional tectonic histories and solving practical problems related to geological resources, environmental management, and natural hazards. Field trips help bring lab-based skills into real-world contexts. Prerequisites: GEOL 1420 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 3450. Earth Materials.

This course provides a rigorous introduction to the chemical and physical properties of the building blocks of our planet. Students explore crystal chemistry and mineralogy to understand the internal structure and identification of major rock-forming minerals. The curriculum integrates these foundational concepts into the broader study of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic petrology, examining how these materials relate to environmental sciences and large-scale Earth processes. Through combined lecture and intensive laboratory sessions, students develop the technical proficiency required to analyze and classify diverse geological materials in a professional context. Prerequisite: GEOL 1410 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 4121. Directed Study.

This course offers the opportunity for more intensive study in a particular geologic subject area. The focus of the course varies by curriculum need and student interest. The instructor and student work together to determine the nature of course materials and evaluation method. This course is often paired with a three-hour lecture course to provide supplemental reading, research, or project-based learning for that course. This course may be repeated once with a different emphasis and professor for additional credit. Prerequisite: GEOL 1420 with a grade of “C” or better and instructor approval.

GEOL 4320. Topics in Field Geology.

This course provides on-site directed investigations of geology in locations remote from campus. Students examine rocks, minerals, stratigraphic relationships, structural features, and geomorphic landforms within a variety of field settings. Emphasis is placed on observing, describing, measuring, and interpreting geologic features in their natural context. Students use standard field methods and instruments to document lithology, structural orientation, spatial relationships, and surface processes. The course integrates regional geologic history with direct field observations to support interpretation of Earth materials and processes. Through systematic study of selected field areas, students develop practical skills in geologic mapping, data collection, and synthesis of field-based evidence. Prerequisite: GEOL 1420 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEOL 4321. Directed Study in Geology.

This course provides a unique opportunity to conduct independent, faculty-mentored research on a specialized topic within the geosciences. Students transition from traditional classroom learning to active scientific inquiry, designing and executing a research project in consultation with a supervising instructor. The curriculum emphasizes the development of professional habits, including literature review, data collection, and rigorous analysis of geological phenomena. By focusing on a specific subject area, students refine their technical expertise and contribute to the understanding of complex Earth systems, culminating in a scholarly output that reflects independent critical thinking and mastery of the chosen topic. Prerequisite: GEOL 1420 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEOL 4330B. Planetary Geology.

This course provides a comprehensive survey of the application of terrestrial geologic principles to rocky planets, moons, and small bodies within the solar system. Topics include planetary accretion, differentiation, and surface evolution, with emphasis on impact cratering, volcanism, tectonism, and weathering across varying environmental conditions. Students interpret remote sensing data, imagery, and in situ chemical data from space missions to analyze the geological histories of planetary bodies such as Mars, Venus, and the Galilean satellites. A comparative approach, supported by laboratory modeling, is used to examine planetary processes and to analyze factors associated with planetary habitability. Prerequisite: GEOL 1420 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 4421. Hydrogeology.

This course examines the science of hydrogeology, the conceptual and quantitative study of groundwater, through various geological frameworks. Students explore the physical principles of fluid flow through porous media and fractured rock, applying mathematical models to calculate hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and storativity. The curriculum integrates geochemical perspectives to evaluate water quality and the evolution of groundwater chemistry in different regional aquifers. By utilizing analytical tools and site-specific data, students solve problems related to aquifer characterization, sustainable water resource management, and contaminant transport. Through the analysis of well hydraulics and flow net construction, the course prepares students to address critical challenges in environmental and resource availability concerns. This comprehensive approach ensures a mastery of the tools necessary to predict groundwater behavior and protect vital subsurface water systems. (WI) Prerequisites: GEOL 1420 with a grade of "C" or better.

NHT 4301. Planning and Development of Nature and Heritage Tourism.

This course applies planning and development principles to the study of nature and heritage tourism. Students examine locational and site analysis, infrastructure considerations, and strategies for sustainable use of natural and cultural resources. Emphasis is placed on understanding spatial patterns, visitor management, and environmental and cultural impacts within tourism settings. The course integrates geographic concepts with planning approaches to support informed decision-making and promote contextual understanding of tourism development in diverse natural and heritage environments. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 with a grade of "C" or better or instructor approval.

NHT 4302. Internship in Nature and Heritage Tourism.

This course provides on-the-job training related to the field of nature and heritage tourism. Students work in private or public sector settings to gain practical experience in the planning, development and management of nature and/or heritage tourism. NHT internships require students to spend a significant portion of their work time developing and delivering content (online and/or in-person) to increase recipients’ awareness of and appreciation for environmental, historical, or cultural resources. Students are expected to perform at high professional standards and interpret the internship experience within the context of current literature. Students must apply to the department internship director at least six weeks prior to registering for the internship course.