100_level100-Level Introductory and General Education Courses

Our 100-level courses are generally for first-year and second-year students. Through lectures, discussions, and written assignments, these courses provide our students with a fundamental basis in and exposure to key concepts and global issues in Physical Geography, Environmental Science, and Human Geography.

Offered: Fall Winter Summer

General Education: This course applies towards the following general education requirement(s): Scientific Inquiry (SCII)

This course examines interactions between the atmosphere, the Earth’s surface, water, and living things, as well as the role of humans in those interactions. Students will be able to explain the processes that drive Earth’s seasons, weather, climates, biomes, and landforms, and how they are impacted by human activities. Students will learn how to develop research questions, collect data, and produce and interpret graphs, maps, and figures relating to major geographic patterns and their processes.

Notes: Course does not meet the laboratory course graduation requirement. Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Fall Winter Summer

General Education: This course applies towards the following general education requirement(s): Integrative Thinking (INTT)

This course introduces students to environmental science and its role in ensuring a sustainable future. Students will discuss and synthesize complex environmental issues while drawing from their own experiences and other disciplines. Students also examine the science behind those issues involving both social and ecological systems. Course assignments strive to show students how to make decisions based upon their own assessment of scientific evidence.

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Offered: Contact department for information.

Provides a thematic survey of world regions emphasizing environmental, population, cultural, geopolitical and economic development issues. Notes: May not be applied toward any major offered by the Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department.

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Offered: Fall Winter Summer

General Education: This course applies towards the following general education requirement(s): Social Responsibility in a Diverse World (SOCR)World Cultures University Requirement (WC)

Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of locations, patterns, and processes that shape human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface and their environments. Students will explore human activities around the world and in their own environments. They will explain how people affect places, how places affect people, and how geography impacts aspects of their daily lives. Students will also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and practice.

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200 level courses200-Level Introductory and General Education Courses

Our 200-level courses are generally for first-year and second-year students and provide our students with a fundamental basis in and exposure to key concepts and global issues in Soils, Geographic Research, Maps, Quantitative Methods, Economic Geography, and Sustainability.  These courses help students develop more in-depth knowledge and skills experience through research papers, lab work, and field trips.

Offered: Contact department for information.

Analysis of the physical and cultural geography of Canada and the United States.

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Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: GC 100 or GC 101 or instructor permission.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive and applied understanding of soil physical, biological, and chemical properties useful for environmental science, natural resource management, and agronomy related outcomes. Specifically, this course will use a variety of professional measurement, assessment and analysis methods to examine soil biogeochemical processes that support conservation and management of soil resources.

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Offered: Fall Winter
Prerequisites: EN 211 and GC 164 or GC 100

An introduction to geographic thought, research methods and writing. Research and writing include an examination of professional journals, book reviews, proposal development and literature searches.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
General Education: This course applies towards the following general education requirement(s): Scientific Inquiry (SCII)

Earth Hazards introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of extreme events that naturally occur and cause harm to humans. This includes volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, wildfires, floods, cyclones, tsunamis, and meteorite impacts. Students will be able to explain how earth processes drive these hazards, the methods scientists use to predict and assess the risk of these events, and the means by which individuals and societies respond and adapt to them.

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Offered: Fall Winter

Examines global spatial variability of economic growth, economic development, standards of living and quality of life from a geographic perspective. Also examines the economic geography of the production of goods and services, and spatial patterns of consumption and environmental impact.

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Offered: Fall Winter
Prerequisites: Mathematics placement at MA 100 or higher.

Introduces major concepts and applications in the reading, analysis and interpretation of maps with special emphasis on USGS topographic maps. Lecture sessions cover major concepts and foundational knowledge, while lab sessions emphasize hands-on applications and commonly used techniques.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Fall Winter Summer
Prerequisites: DATA 109 or MA 111 or mathematics placement at MA 115 or higher.

This course introduces students to classic and spatial statistical concepts and techniques relevant to and used by environmental scientists, geographers, and geoscientists. Students will examine statistical concepts and methods and their theoretical underpinnings, and then apply their quantitative skills using computer-based tools and software. Students will assemble and analyze data sets and summarize their interpretations.

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Offered: Fall Winter
Prerequisites: Mathematics placement at MA 100 or higher.

Introduces major concepts and applications in the reading, analysis and interpretation of maps with special emphasis on USGS topographic maps. Lecture sessions cover major concepts and foundational knowledge, while lab sessions emphasize hands-on applications and commonly used techniques.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Fall Winter Summer
General Education: This course applies towards the following general education requirement(s): Laboratory Science University Requirement (LAB); Scientific Inquiry (SCII)

The structures of the earth, tectonics, minerals, rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, and the development of landforms.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Fall Winter
Prerequisites: EN 211, GC 164 and either GC 100, GC 101 or GC 255.

An overview of the basic principles of sustainability and sustainable systems (environmental, social, economic) from global, national, regional and local perspectives.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Every Other Winter

Examines the components of the climate system, the processes and feedbacks that influence climate, the techniques used to interpret past climates and predict future climate, and the patterns, variations, and events that have occurred, at different temporal and spatial scales. Also explores predictions for future climate change and some mitigation or adaptation strategies.

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Offered: Contact department for information
Prerequisites: Instructor's permission.

Special study of problems and/or regions that are not part of the regular offerings.

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200 level courses300-Level Courses

Our 300-level courses are generally for third- and fourth-year students majoring and our programs and provide our students with in-depth knowledge and exposure to concepts, issues, and skills experience in domains like Urban Geography, Food Systems, Environmental Policy, GIS, Cartographic Design, Population Geography, Geology, and Weather and Climate. Students will develop their knowledge through lectures, discussions, readings,  and field trips, and then have opportunities to apply, synthesize, and assess information in lab work and research papers.

Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: EN 211 and sophomore standing.
General Education: This course applies towards the following general education requirement(s): Social Responsibility in a Diverse World (SOCR)World Cultures University Requirement (WC)

Regional focus determined by demand and faculty availability.

Notes: May be repeated if topic differs.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: GC 205 and junior standing.

The course provides an opportunity for EEGS majors to gather up, review, polish and collate their EEGS skills and abilities sets to help them prepare for the successful transition from EEGS major to environmental careers or post-baccalaureate education opportunities.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Contact department for information
Prerequisites: EN 211 and sophomore standing.

Regional focus is determined by demand and faculty availability. Notes: May be repeated if topic differs.

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Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: GC 164 or GC 220, and GC 205.

Urban Geography introduces students to concepts pertinent to the city, its origins, contemporary form, and urban challenges. Students will examine the city and urban phenomena in both the American context and international setting, and will be able to explain social, economic, demographic, and political forces that alter urban environments. Students will explore sustainability initiatives introduced by cities to address environmental challenges. Students will also apply methods and tools geographers use in research and practice.

Notes:

Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Contact the department for information
Prerequisites: GC 164 and GC 205 or instructor's permission.

Understand the historical development of tourism, its importance to local and national economies and the impact that tourists have on the environment, economy and local cultures.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Contact department for information
Prerequisites: GC 205 or EN 211 or instructor's permission.

Examines the different forces acting upon commodity flows from producer to consumer. Particular attention is given to the transition from agriculture to food manufacturing, globalization and food production and the environmental impact of food manufacturing.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Fall Summer
Prerequisites: GC 100 or GC 101 or junior standing.

Examination of the history and status of environmental laws in the United States at the national and state levels. Included is an introduction to the policy-making process in the U.S. as related to the human and natural environment.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: GC 205.

Study of land use planning from its beginnings through contemporary comprehensive and policy plans. The focus is on planning as a technical, political and economic process.

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Offered: Fall Winter Summer
Prerequisites: GC 225 required or junior standing or instructor permission.

This course introduces students and professionals to foundational ideas underpinning the growing field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students will examine fundamental concepts related to the creation, management, analysis, and visualization of geographic information. Students will then apply these concepts using industry-standard software to assemble and analyze data, and develop visualizations to communicate, solve problems, and make decisions. These skills will prepare students for work in a variety of job sectors.

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Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: GC 335 or instructor permission.

This course explores the art and science of representing a geographical area on a map. With GIS software, students analyze and visualize spatial data using traditional and cutting-edge techniques. Students apply principles of cartographic design to further their technical expertise in spatial science by creating web maps, thematic maps, cartographic figures for reports, and topographic maps using GIS data from various sources. Students develop portfolios of maps that are aesthetically appealing, practical, and effective.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: GC 330.

Study of land-use controls and the relationship of these controls to planning theory and practice.

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Offered: Contact department
Prerequisites: Completion of MA 100 or above (or placement into MA 109 or above).

An examination of our energy system, its development, and its future. Topics include: the foundational science concepts of energy and power; the use of energy in modern society; the technologies, resource availability, and environmental and social impacts of fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources; the policy and economics surrounding energy use; and options for a sustainable energy system.

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Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: Admission to the methods phase of teacher education.

Strategies, methods, materials and media that can be used to improve the teaching-learning process of geography in grades seven through 12.

Notes: May not be applied toward a non-teaching major or any minor in the Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department. Can be applied to the secondary education geography minor if required.

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Offered: Fall Winter
Prerequisites: EN 211 and sophomore standing.

Population Geography enables students to explain issues and themes related to the patterns, processes, and consequences of the spatial distribution of people on Planet Earth. Students will analyze challenges associated with the geographic distribution of populations at the global, national, regional, and local scales, and they will learn the fundamental components of population change, fertility, mortality, and migration. Students will also apply methods and tools geographers use in their research and practice.

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Offered: Contact department
Prerequisites: GC 101 or BI 210 or GC 100 and GC 225.

Acquire practical knowledge of wetland ecosystems from around the world by examining their biogeochemical and societal properties. Wetlands is designed to provide students with professional skills and an applied understanding of wetland hydrology, soils, vegetation, management, restoration, and regulation.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: GC 255.

Examination of the techniques used by geologists in interpreting earth history. Particular attention is given to the physiographic provinces of the United States with emphasis on the Canadian Shield and interior plains and plateaus.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: GC 225; and GC 100 or GC 255 or instructor's permission.

The study of earth surface processes and landforms. Surface features created by streams, glaciers, shorelines, groundwater and wind will be studied. Topographic maps, aerial photographs, the Atlas of Landforms and satellite imagery will be used in labs. Field trips are part of the course.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: GC 225 and GC 255.

Students will travel to many sites of geologic importance to collect samples and data, and interpret the geologic history through their observations. Techniques for collection and interpretation of geologic information, and the presentation of that information in the form of geologic maps and reports, are included.

Notes: Formerly GC 260. Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: GC 100, MA 111 or higher, or instructor's permission.

Advanced examination of atmospheric processes including energy transfer and exchange, global atmospheric circulation, precipitation processes and forms, weather disturbances and upper-level processes. Also explores global climatic systems, climate change and paleoclimatology, and the impact of human activities on climate.

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Offered: Contact department for information.

Examination of historical, chemical and physical, aspects of the world’s oceans and seas. The course also deals with the interaction of water bodies with the atmosphere, solar energy and gravity.

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400-level-courses400-Level Courses

Our 400-level courses are generally for third- and fourth-year students majoring in our programs and provide our students with in-depth knowledge and exposure to concepts, issues, and skills experience in domains like Biogeography, Remote Sensing, Spatial Analysis, and Hydrology. The culmination of their program is either the Human-Environment or Earth and Environment capstone, where students develop and execute a research project and bring together all of their skills and knowledge from their program to bear.

Offered: Fall, Odd Years
Prerequisites: GC 100, BI 111 or BI 112, and junior standing.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of biogeography. Biogeographers are primarily interested in answering questions like “why do organisms live where they do?” and “what are the spatial patterns by which organisms are distributed?” Students will be able to explain, analyze, and interpret vegetation–environment relationships, vegetation dynamics, disturbance ecology, human impacts on plants and animals, dispersal, extinction, and conservation through discussions and readings and then apply their knowledge in field-based lab exercises.

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Offered: Winter

Students will examine and explain foundations of relational databases, familiarity with and fundamentals of Structured Query Language (SQL) databases, and general database operations, and apply their skills using industry-standard software. Students will develop proficiency developing and managing both spatial databases and non-spatial databases.

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Offered: Contact department for information.

The course examines how race, class, and gender have influenced environmental decision-making, and explores how groups of people that have been disproportionately affected by environmental problems have organized to address those issues. We examine how laws and policies contributed to environmental injustice, and how have they been used to achieve environmental and social equality. Students develop deeper understandings of the history of the environmental justice movement, contemporary environmental justice issues, and directions forward for the field.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Winter
Prerequisites: GC 225, BI 412 or DATA 109 or GC 235, and junior standing.

This course introduces fundamental remote sensing topics essential for monitoring the Earth’s resources and characterizing environmental problems. We examine the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the Earth’s surface and atmosphere and the platforms used to observe the Earth system. Students will be able to explain and apply digital image processing techniques and their theoretical underpinnings in the context of aerial images, satellite images, LIDAR, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ground-penetrating radar and make appropriate interpretations.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Winter
Prerequisites: GC 335 or GC 425.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrates data from social and environmental disciplines and offers powerful platforms for data analysis from a spatial vantage point. Students will examine the analytical capabilities of GIS and build their technical experience. Students will work through multiple hands-on exercises using ESRI ArcGIS Pro to develop proficiency with spatial data analysis techniques such as data assembly, interpolation, proximity analysis, and overlay analysis.

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Offered: Fall, Even Years
Prerequisites: GC 100 or BI 112, and GC 335, or instructor permission.

This course introduces students to fundamental topics in landscape ecology, the field concerned with the analysis of the relationship between ecological processes and spatial patterns on the Earth’s surface at landscape scales. Students will become proficient with key concepts, methods of analysis, and their importance in land management and conservation. Students will use analysis operations and their theoretical underpinnings to explore pattern-process relationships relating to vegetation, climate, habitat fragmentation, fire, and invasive species.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor's permission.

Study of the physical, historical and cultural geography of Michigan.

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Offered: Every other year.

This course explores gender and the environment from an intersectional perspective. Through case studies ranging from the local to the global scale, we will discuss power, politics, identities, inequalities, social movements and ecological crises. This interdisciplinary course is for environmentalists, feminists, and any student curious about the interconnections between global environmental change and gender relations.

Notes: Cross-listed as GN 444.

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Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: GC 100 or GC 255, MA 111 or MA 115 or higher, GC 225, EN 211, and junior standing or instructor's permission.

Study of the hydrologic cycle. Precipitation, runoff, interception and groundwater processes are addressed. Measurement techniques and analytical methods are also presented. Informed decision making with regard to the water cycle is stressed. Some field work required.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Contact the department for information
Prerequisites: GC 101 and GC 205.

This course investigates the development and growth of environmental ethics. Various philosophical perspectives are discussed and analyzed in relation to understanding and resolving environmental and ecological controversies. Students develop their own individual ethical perspective and understanding of the environment.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Contact department for information
Prerequisites: GC 205 or BI 310 and senior standing or instructor's permission. GC 320 recommended.

A field-based course in which students develop and write an environmental site assessment for a local property and an environmental impact assessment for a local project. Involves the laws, regulations and policies governing environmental decisions, especially the requirements mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: GC 205 and GC 235, and junior standing.

Earth Systems Interactions focuses on research-oriented skills applicable to many physical and natural science careers. The course is designed to provide students with an applied understanding of research theory, a working knowledge of analysis and data visualization techniques, and an ability to interpret complex earth systems science data. GC 482 integrates a variety of professional skills required to conduct scientific investigations as an/a earth, environmental, geographical, or biological scientist.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: GC 205, GC 330, GC 335, GC 340 and senior standing or instructor's permission.

Development of planning skills by working through planning problems in a real world context.

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Offered: Winter
Prerequisites: GC 205, GC 235, GC335 and 24 GC credit hours, junior standing or instructor’s permission.

Integrates techniques from earth and environmental science to provide capstone research experience. Incorporates relevant scientific approaches, emphasizes interdisciplinary connections, demonstrates quantitative methods and tools, promotes communication, and teaches professional skills relevant for earth or environmental scientists. 

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Fall Winter
Prerequisites: GC 205, GC 235 and 24 GC credit hours, junior standing or instructor's permission.

Examines historical and contemporary roles of humans as a major agent of environmental change on Earth. Enables graduating students to combine academic interests, skills and experiences into a capstone project that is presented orally and in writing.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: Departmental major and junior standing or instructor's permission.

The opportunity to apply skills and concepts developed within departmental programs.

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Offered: Fall Winter Summer
Graded: S/U
Prerequisites: Overall grade point average of 2.75 and 88 credit hours or instructor's permission.

A practical experience with a private, municipal, county, state and/or federal agency.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor's permission.

Special study of problems and/or regions that are not part of the regular offerings.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

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Offered: Contact department for information.
Prerequisites: Major in earth science, environmental science, environmental studies and sustainability or geographic information science and technology; or one of the department's minors; junior standing, or instructor's permission.

An opportunity for the student to work on a specific topic.

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