446 Course Descriptions GEO 4950 - Advanced Geoscience Fieldtrips (1-3) F, Sp Application of Geoscience field methods during fieldtrips. Readings, written and oral reports, and/or examinations required. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. GEO 4970 - Senior Thesis (2) F, Sp A thesis to be written by a student at the culmination of a period of individual field/laboratory and library research, under the direction of a specific faculty person. Prerequisite: Senior standing and departmental approval of the thesis topic. GEO 5030 - Geology for Teachers (2-4) (offered as needed) Science content course for teachers in the M.Ed Science Emphasis Program. To register, select another departmental course and develop a contract detailing additional work required for graduate credit. Course may be repeated. Contract must be approved by instructor, department chair, and Director of the Master of Education Program. GEO 5920 - Short courses, Workshops, Institutes and Special Programs (1-4) (offered as needed) Consult the semester class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript. GEOG-Geography Courses GEOG lOOO PS - Natural Environments of the Earth (3) Su, F, Sp A study of the interrelated systems that constitute the earth's surface environment, e.g., landforms, weather, climate, natural vegetation, hydrology, and soils, and their integrated patterns of world distribution. GEOG lOOl - Natural Environments Field Studies (l) This introductory level field studies course investigates natural environmental phenomena including weather, climate, natural vegetation, landforms, hydrology, soils and human impacts on the environment. While exploring local natural environments from a geographic perspective, understanding of principles of physical geography is enhanced through direct observation in the field and through the measurement of phenomena noted above. Prerequisite or current enrollment in: GEOG 1000 Natural Environments of the Earth. GEOG 1002 - Map Reading and Land Navigation (2) Orienteering and the use of maps, compasses, global positioning systems (GPS), and other navigational aids. Lecture and field work prepares course participants to apply navigational knowledge and skills in a professional setting. Weekly two- hour lab sessions for ten weeks. GEOG 1300 SS/DV - Places and Peoples of the World (3) Su, F, Sp The study of different places, countries, and regions of the world. Addresses topics relating to natural environment, ethnic diversity, and regional differences in subjects related to culture, gender, age, class, social structure, spatial organization, and economic activities. Current social conditions within the world's major culture realms are analyzed and compared. GEOG 1400 PS - The Science of Global Warming: Myths, Realities and Solutions (3) This course examines the science behind global warming, providing an understanding of the basic physical, chemical, biological and geographical principles that explain the workings of Earth's climate system and the human influence upon it. The course also considers the feasibility and societal impacts of possible solutions to human-induced global warming. Finally, examination of the scientific process is a central part of the course, as students learn to separate truth from fiction in the arguments about whether or not global warming is a real problem, and if so, what should be done about it. GEOG 1520 SS/DV- Geography of the United States and Canada (3) F, Sp Addresses topics relating to the area's natural environment, ethnic diversity, and regional differences in such subjects as culture, gender, age, class, social structure, spatial organization, and economic activities. Present social and cultural conditions within the United States and Canada are analyzed and compared. GEOG 2920 - Short Courses, Workshops, Institutes and Special Programs (1-6) (Offered as needed) Consult the semester class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript. GEOG 2950 - Elementary Regional Field Studies (1-3) Su The study of specific geographic regions, utilizing field observations, lectures, and individual student research. GEOG 3050 - Weather and Climate (3) Sp The advanced study of the processes that produce global climate patterns; analysis of the prospects and possible repercussions of global climate change; and an examination of climatic anomalies such as El Nino, hurricanes, tornadoes and other unusual phenomena. Prerequisite: GEOG 1000, or GEO 1130, or the equivalent. GEOG 3060 - World Environmental Issues (3) Sp A study of global and local environmental issues such as changing air and water quality, food production, waste management, and other topics. The course identifies strategies for creating healthier and more sustainable ways of living within our natural and built environments. Prerequisite: GEOG 1000, or BTNY 1403, or the equivalent, or consent of the instructor. GEOG 3070 - Wetland Environments (3) F Analysis of physical properties, values, economic, and legal issues associated with wetland environments. Since wetlands in different places have many different attributes, a detailed examination is made of wetland environments in different parts of the United States. GEOG 3080 - Arid Lands (3) Sp Presents a general overview of the characteristics and variant topography, geography, and climatic conditions of the Earth's arid lands. Examines the spatial location of arid regions and their climatic controlling factors. Weather patterns, hydrology, and eolian processes will be discussed along with sediment transportation and deposition of arid environments. The course will also review dune types and formation along with soils of arid zones. The course concludes with a discussion on the desertification and the impact of human intervention in the misuse of arid lands, while discussing preservation versus reclamation of these regions. Prerequisite: GEOG 1000, or GEO 1060, or the equivalent, or consent of the instructor. Weber State University 2012-2013 Catalog