An examination of the interdependency, connectivity and diversity that characterizes world regions. The course explores the interactions of processes of global change with the environmental and social identities of individual landscapes, cities and peoples. (Fall)

Introduction to the oceans and atmosphere and their role in the Earth's climate and its weather patterns. Focus on the flows of solar energy through the ocean and atmosphere systems. Human impacts of the Earth's climate are also introduced. (Fall, Winter)

Study of the interactions among water, landforms, soil, and vegetation that create and modify the surface of the Earth. Impacts of physical environment on human societies and humans as agents of environmental change. (Winter, Spring)

Survey of spatial differentiation and organization of human activity and human interaction with the Earth's biophysical systems. Sample topics include human spatial decision-making behavior, migration, population growth, economic development, industrial location, urbanization, and human impacts on the natural environment. (Fall, Winter, Spring)

Oil and water are two key strategic resources dominating the international scene. This class provides an overview of global distribution of oil and water resources and analyzes some of the social, economic, and geopolitical ramifications of these distributions

Overview of global warming and climate change processes. Description of complex relationships between scientific, technological, economic, social, political, and historical facets of global warming and climate change. Introduction to the concept and practice of climate modeling

Surveys properties of maps, emphasizing map use and interpretation. Lecture topics include map abstraction, generalization, map projections, and symbolization. Special purpose maps, thematic maps, and the display of quantitative and qualitative information is considered

Introductory course on production of web-based and printed materials using geographic data such as photos, images, maps, and graphs. Using a geographic theme which may vary by quarter (e.g., "rivers", students learn image processing techniques using Photoshop, create web pages using Dreamweaver, and make presentations using PowerPoint

Social and physical science concepts manifested in the sport of surfing. Topics include wave generation and forecasting, economics of the surf industry, spatial search, strategic behavior under crowding, territorialism, and the generation/diffusion of regional surf cultures

Field study methods from physical, human, and regional geography applied to surfing. Physical methods focus on coastal engineering: hydrographic surveys, wave measurement, etc. Human methods include spatial population distribution, attitude surveys, etc. Project or term paper, and presentation required

Geographic curriculum content that lies outside regularly scheduled courses. New classes under development or taught temporarily. Course number-letter combination reflects instructor. Content varies

Provides introductory directed inquiry into a topic of interest to the student

Independent geographical research conducted under the guidance of Geography faculty. Topic and scope varies, to be specified by student and supervisory faculty member prior to registration

Basic physical principles of electromagnetic radiation in the environment and their application to physical geography and remote sensing. Radiative transfer in atmosphere, oceans, snow and ice, inland waters, rock, soil, and vegetation. Spectral signatures in remote sensing. (Winter)

Introduction to the processes which control the circulation of the world's oceans. Topics include: wind driven circulation, thermohaline circulation, water masses, waves, and tides. (Fall)

Introduction to the study of the economic geography of cities and regions and its relation to planning: urbanization, internal structure of cities, settlement systems, regional growth and development, migration, transportation, housing

Introduction to the study of spatial economic theories with applications at the urban, regional, and global scales. Topics include settlement system dynamics and regional development, land economics and land use policies, and regional inequality and poverty

An introduction to the dynamics of the earth's atmosphere. Topics include: energy exchange mechanisms, energy balance, condensation and precipitation processes, the dynamics of pressure and wind systems, and the distributions of weather disturbances. (Winter)

Issues, problems, technologies, policies, plans, programs, and the transportation-environment relationship. Transportation systems simulation, trip-based and activity data collection and modeling. Applications in planning, design and operations. Lab: Critically examine transportation plans and programs; explore and analyze travel surveys. (Fall)

Multilevel data in time use, activity, and travel surveys. Revealed and stated choice data collection in laboratory/field studies. Regression models. Systems simulation. Applications in policy analysis and traffic operations. Lab: Data analysis to develop models for typical regional simulations. (Fall)

Analysis of the water cycle with emphasis on land-atmosphere interactions; precipitation runoff, flood, snowmelt, and infiltration processes. (Fall)

Introduction to the chemical, hydrological, and biological characteristics of soils, their global distribution, and their response to management. Field and laboratory projects are designed to provide an understanding of soil-landscape distribution, soil morphology, and the physical and chemical properties that influence management decisions.

Introduction to the chemical, physical, and biological processes that produce soil and influence their management. The morphology, genesis, classification, and global distribution of soil is emphasized. Labs cover field site selection, soil description, sampling, laboratory preparation of soil samples, and selected chemical and physical analyses

Introduction to physical and cultural geographic phenomena as recorded by airborne and satellite remote sensing systems, with emphasis on photo interpretation skills. Lab involves analysis of current and historical aerial photographs and satellite images in hard copy and digital formats. (Fall)

A basic understanding of the acquisition and nature of satellite imagery and the tools required to process data from remote sensing systems. Topics include spectral and spatial enhancement, image classification, geometric and radiometric correction, with emphasis on applications. Lab: Analysis of Landsat and SPOT digital image data using image processing software. (Winter)

Examines information extraction and radiative transfer relevant to remote sensing, focusing on applications for environmental monitoring and natural resource management. Lab exercises develop skills for advanced processing of satellite data, including linear transforms, image correction, and change detection. Both commercial and public-domain software packages are employed. (Spring)

Analysis of groundwater flow in aquifers, aquifer properties, study of wells and groundwater contamination, surface water-groundwater interactions. The laboratory: basic groundwater experiments, Darcy's Law, flow nets, solute dispersion, field measurements of bedrock groundwater characteristics, computer analysis of pumping-test data. (Winter)

Introduction to scientific research methods in human, physical, and techniques geography. Topics include: scientific logic and philosophy, physical measurement, surveys, experimental and nonexperimental research designs, computational modeling, sampling, data analysis and display, written and oral communication, and research ethics. (Fall)

Technical introduction to graphic representation of spatial information. Lectures cover principles of scientific visualization, graphic design, and thematic mapping for the GISciences. Labs involve design of digital maps using current graphic design software on state-of-the-art workstations. (Winter)

Using computers to create and analyze maps. Coding, storing, and representing geographical data. Accessing spatial data over the Internet. Map data structures and transformations. Design and programming issues in map production

Description of tropical atmosphere. High and low frequency variability: hurricanes, monsoon, El Niño, satellite observations and modeling

Description of various components of earth systems: climate and hydrologic systems, biogeochemical dynamics, ecological dynamics, human interactions and global change. Observations and modeling of earth systems. (Spring)

A mock summit in which students act as representatives of different countries participating in environmental treaty negotiations. Students work in teams of four or five to prepare a presentation and discussion of environmental issues of concern to the world (e.g., energy, greenhouse gasses, etc.). (Winter)

A mock summit in which students act as representatives of different countries participating in environmental treaty negotiations. This three-week course immerses students in the topic of global change and its associated policies thereby mimicking the pressures and intensity that exist at a real environmental summit. (Summer)

Interactions between human history and the environment are explored. Example topics include early Earth history, long term climate change, the origin of agriculture, short term climate change, the origin and important of disease and invasive species

Various geographic dimensions of human population dynamics: fertility, mortality, and migration. The concepts of demographics are introduced. The causes and consequences of population dynamics are investigated, including links among population, environment, and development

A survey of global and regional patterns of demographic change and their connection to significant economic development issues. Basic methods of demographic analysis are introduced to study historical and current issues in population and development

Introduces methods of demographic analysis used in local/regional policy analysis and planning. Course modules will focus on population policy issues in California, such as immigration, K-12 enrollment planning, affordable housing/land preservation, and planning for an elderly population

Basic understanding of fluvial (river) hydrology. In-depth evaluation of channel form and fluvial processes and impact of human use on rivers. (Winter)

Presents geographic approaches to the study of environmental hazards, exploring the evolution of theory and key concepts, causal processes, trends and patterns in the spatial distribution of vulnerability and hazard impacts, and the challenge of management and adaptation.

Introduction to the analysis of inter- and intra-city passenger and freight movements. Geographic and economic concepts are used to develop predictive and optimal design/maintenance models for the transportation system. Applications of the models are stressed

The unique landscapes of California and the physical, cultural, and biotic processes which have produced them. (Fall)

Discussion of biological, geological, ecological, anthropological, and oceanographic characteristics of the Channel Islands area as well as the management and human uses of this region. Emphasis on islands and ocean waters off Southern California

Intensive study of the physical and cultural processes that have shaped and are shaping the landscapes of the U.S. (Winter)

This course examines aspects of the human-environment interface, emphasizing behavioral processes in spatial contexts, including spatial choice and decision making, consumer behavior, migration and other episodic movements, time budgets, spatial cognition, and cognitive mapping

Introduction to the spatial decision-making and behavior field. Includes environmental cognition; consumer spatial behavior; migration; space-time budgeting; destination and mode choice; risk and hazard perception; and spatial preference. Laboratory sessions involve locational and city management simulation games

Research and theory on human perception and cognition of environments. Topics include spatial perception, spatial learning, knowledge structures, navigation and way-finding, language and spatial cognition, map use, the spatial skills of special populations, and other issues

Applications of spatial decision making and behavior to retail systems: site selection, site evaluation, trade area estimation, spatial dimensions of retailing

People have a common sense understanding of geographical environments. This course explores such understandings, formalizes the spatial dimensions and relations of everyday activities, and relates them to human spatial abilities

El Pueblo, a vila, li tenamit: whatever you call where you live, geography matters. Why are human and physical patterns inscribed where they are on the Latin American landscape? And what are the economic, political, social, and environmental causes and consequences of human-environment interactions across the diverse region of Latin America?

Introduction to the marine resources off the California coast. The interplay of oceanographic, climatic, biogeochemical, and geologic factors and the influences of man will be addressed. Topics will include: climate, circulation, biogeography, fisheries, marine mammals, petroleum, pollution, and exploration history

A systematic approach to the study of the human and physical resources of Europe. Special emphasis placed on the spatial aspects of urban, economic, and social processes

Evolution, current status, and alternative futures of agriculture, food, and population worldwide. Achieving environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable food systems; soil, water, crops, energy, and labor; diversity, stability, and ecosystems management; farmer and scientist knowledge and collaboration; common property management

Human contamination of aquatic environments with emphasis on surface waters, groundwaters, and oceans. Water quality characteristics, modeling, and modification. Legislative framework and methods of pollution control. (Spring)

Examination of the dynamic processes controlling the general circulation of the ocean. Quantitative methods are used to explain wind and buoyancy-driven circulation patterns and the ocean's role in global climate

Examination of waves and tides in the ocean. Topics include surface waves, wave generation, internal waves, tides, and tide raising forces. Measurement techniques are also discussed

Study of the processes which create the earth's climate. Flows of energy and material in the atmosphere and interactions with the surface. Large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns. Spatial and temporal variability. Climate modeling

Basic processes governing geographic distribution patterns of biota, including migration, evolution, isolation, and endemism. Biogeographic regions and their histories and an introduction to island biogeography. Emphasis on plants and plant geography. One one-day field trip

The evolution of food plants from domestication to genetic engineering. Patterns of diversity around the world in small-scale, traditionally- based and industrial communities. Class participation in project on local olive diversity includes field work

Theory and application of natural vegetation classification, ordination, mapping, and inventorying. Includes applications of remote sensing, field sampling techniques, and data analysis. Lab involves calculation and computation methods and implementation of computer programs for vegetation analysis

Social, cultural, ethical, biological, and environmental issues surrounding biotechnology (BT) and the food system. Includes theory and method of BT; scientific, social and political control of BT; effect of BT on genetic diversity, small-scale farmers, the environment, food supply, consumer health

Biological, ecological, social, and economic principles of small-scale food production and their practical applications. Includes each student cultivating a garden plot; lab exercises, field trips to local farms and gardens

Statistical analysis of geographical data. Topics include spatial auto-correlation, multiple regression in a spatial context, and introductory methods for the statistical analysis of point, area (lattice) and continuous spatial data. Lab includes the use of statistical software for carrying out analyses of various spatial data types. (Winter)

Introduction to measurement and interpretation of physical-environmental data (temperature, humidity, precipitation) and integrated environmental measures (e.g. potential evapotranspiration). Working with micrometeorological towers deployed across an environmental gradient, students develop and test hypothesis using real-time tower data

Introduction to modern spatial data processing, development, implementation, and functions of geographic information systems; relations between GIS and remote sensing; and applications of geographic information systems to a variety of environmental issues. (Fall)

Study of the technical issues underlying Geographic Information Systems, including coordinate systems and analytic geometry, database models and structures, algorithms, and analytical procedures. (Winter)

Laboratory analysis of digital geographic information from physical and social sources, emphasizing the use of standard geographic information system software to illustrate techniques of spatial analysis, map digitizing, digital map display, and decision support. (Winter)

Applying GIS theory and techniques to solve spatial problems in land and resource management, utilities, and municipal government. Lectures will cover all stages of a GIS project, e.g., planning, design, analysis, and presentation of results. In labs, students collaborate in groups to design, develop, and present a GIS pilot study. (Spring)

Examination of urban, regional, and global trends in human activity and interaction caused by the spread of electronic technologies. Topics include land-use change, telecommuting, the ?virtual geographies? of the Internet, issues of democracy and power, and planning in the information age

Study of the economic, social, and political networks that link together cities of global importance. Specializations and roles of global cities in the information age economy. Examination of individual cities at the top tiers of the global urban hierarchy

Introduces the student to cartographic programming principles. Instruction will emphasize structured decomposition, device independence and reusability in cartographic software. Lab work will provide students with hands-on experience with implementing a reusable cartographic library

Examines current issues and approaches in cartography and geographic visualization (GVIS), focusing on the use of visual representations to facilitate thinking, problem solving, and decision making in cartography. Labs provide hands-on experience in constructing interactive cartographic visualization with current hardware and software

Relevance of geographic knowledge and skills to aspects of planning and policy making. Includes review of core concepts in decision making, planning theory, systems analysis, information systems, urban and regional modeling, forecasting, impact analysis, implementation of decisions, planning policies

Introduction to decision making techniques with regard to land use allocation and planning. Special emphasis on addressing conflicts involving environmental concerns and multiple objectives. Examples involving water resources development, corridor location (rights-of-way, e.g., transmission lines, preservation of endangered species, disposal of solid waste, and power plant siting are presented. (Spring)

Introduces methods of economic analysis used in local/regional policy analysis and planning. Course modules focus on planning and policy issues in California related to interregional income equality, industry structure/competitiveness, and regional occupational labor markets

Applications of operations research techniques and decision analysis in structuring approaches to urban environmental problems. Examples are drawn from problems in facility location, regional models, transportation and other networks, utility corridors and similar problems.

A survey of the basic types of location problems encountered in the modern world and techniques used by analysts in government and industry to solve such problems. Relationships to Classic Location Theory and Models will be stressed. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with actual location models on a computer.

Introduction to "Operations Research" methods that are used in the analysis of geographic problems, including linear programming, network, integer programming, and dynamic programming. Example problems involving spatial and temporal decision making are emphasized

Computer laboratory utilizing special optimization programs and computer graphics devices

Practical experience and research on geographical problems under faculty direction as interns with local, state, and federal agencies, with private research and development firms, and with other business organizations. Periodic and final reports required

Field-based investigation of the geographic characteristics of specific places and regions. Human and/or physical phenomena may be emphasized. Field trips may include visits to parks, industrial sites, government facilities, wildlands, or urban areas. Scope, emphasis, and requirement subject to change

Geographic curriculum content that lies outside regularly scheduled courses. New classes under development or taught temporarily. Course number-letter combination reflects instructor. Content varies

Designed to provide in-depth directed inquiry into a topic of interest to the student.

Independent geographical research conducted under the guidance of Geography faculty. Topic and scope varies, to be specified by student and supervisory faculty member prior to registration

Selected research under the direction of a faculty member