Overview
We offer approximately 15 different courses each semester, including courses in physical geography, human geography, human-environment relationships, and geographic information science and technology. Many of the courses are cross-listed at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to these courses, individual faculty offer directed readings, selected topics, internship, residency, and master’s thesis credits.
General
Course Descriptions
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GEOG 1110G. Geography of the Natural Environment
4 Credits (3+3P)
Introduction to the physical processes that shape the human environment: climate and weather, vegetation dynamics and distribution, soil development and classification, and geomorphic processes and landform development.
GEOG 1120G. World Regional Geography
3 Credits
Overview of the physical geography, natural resources, cultural landscapes, and current problems of the world’s major regions. Students will also examine current events at a variety of geographic scales.
GEOG 1130G. Human Geography
3 Credits
Study of human-environmental relationships: how the earth works and how cultures impact or conserve nature. Introduction to relationships between people and natural resources, ecosystems, global climate change, pollution, and conservation.
GEOG 2130. Map Use: Reading, Analysis, and Interpretation
3 Credits (2+3P)
Exploration of the cartographic medium. Development of critical map analysis and interpretation skills, and map literacy. Comprised of traditional lecture, labs, and map use projects.
GEOG 291. Special Topics
1-3 Credits
Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
GEOG 315V. World Agriculture and Food Problems
3 Credits
Same as AG E 315V.
GEOG 325V. New Mexico and the American West
3 Credits
Examination of the cultural and historical patterns, economic activities and physical characteristics of New Mexico with comparisons made with other western states.
GEOG 326. U.S. National Parks
3 Credits
Exploration of origins, landscapes, ecosystems, management issues, and conflicts in U.S. National Parks. The regional geography of the United States as seen through the creation and protection of biologically and culturally significant lands.
GEOG 328V. Geography of Latin America
3 Credits
Explores Latin America from a geographical perspective, integrating environmental, cultural and socioeconomic factors in an in-depth study of the development of the region and contemporary issues and challenges facing the region.
GEOG 331V. Europe
3 Credits
Focus on the cultural continent of Europe, from Iceland to the Ural Mountains and from Archangel, Russia, to Malta. An overview of climate, physical geography, and human geography of Europe, including a brief historical geography of the continent. Current environmental, social, and political issues of Europe will be discussed. A series of regional studies is also offered.
GEOG 351. Fundamentals of Biogeography
3 Credits
Floristic and physiognomic characteristics of the Earth’s major ecosystems and their distributions; ecosystem dynamics, evolution, and physical environment; field and laboratory techniques including remote sensing. Taught with GEOG 557.
GEOG 353. Geomorphology
3 Credits (2+3P)
Examination of the principle theories and concepts of landform creation; exploration of the roles of structure, processes, climate, and time in the formation of various types of landforms. Taught with GEOG 553. Crosslisted with: GEOL 353.
Prerequisite(s): C- or better in GEOL 111G OR GEOG 1110G.
GEOG 357. Climatology
3 Credits
Elements and controls of climate. Energy and hydrologic cycles, general circulation, climate classification, distribution of climate types, microscale effects, applications. Same as AGRO 357, SOIL 357.
Prerequisite(s): C- or better in MATH 1220.
GEOG 361V. Economic Geography
3 Credits
The geographic relationships of supply and demand resources, population, and transportation. Site analysis and decision-making in different economic systems and cultures and how these decisions affect the environment and the location of economic activities.
GEOG 363V. Cultural Geography
3 Credits
The world s diverse cultural landscapes. Emphasis on the connections between social, political, religious, and agricultural patterns and the impact of societies on the natural environment.
GEOG 365V. Urban Geography
3 Credits
The global historical development of urban areas, as well as the changing functions of today’s cities. A comparison between the North American city system and cities in Europe, Asia, and South America, including the development of the city form, the internal spatial organization of commercial, residential, and industrial areas, and socio-economic and political factors.
GEOG 373. Introduction to Remote Sensing
4 Credits (3+3P)
Introduction to the theory, techniques, and applications of remote sensing. Topics include electromagnetic radiation; remote sensing systems; remote sensing of the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and cultural landscapes. Course includes lectures and also labs focused on the basic analysis and interpretation of remote sensing products. Taught with GEOG 573.
GEOG 381. Cartography and Geographic Information Systems
4 Credits (3+3P)
Design and construction of thematic maps. Introduction to cartographic principles in lecture. Emphasis on map-making using GIS software in the labs. Taught with GEOG 571.
GEOG 401. Internship/Co-op
1-3 Credits (1-3)
Provides an opportunity whereby students work with a local, regional, or federal agency, or private sector firm on applied geographic work, under the supervision of an agency or firm professional and a geography faculty member. Consent of instructor required.
GEOG 435. Environmental Planning
3 Credits
Exploration of planning tools that advance the management of land and water resources, meeting current societal needs, while also minimizing damage to nature and society. Class activities include applied exercises that explore contemporary planning issues, including land conservation, natural hazards, biophysical analysis, water resource management, Federal land issues, and remediation of Superfund sites. Taught with GEOG 535.
GEOG 441. System Design for Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS&T)
3 Credits
A critical aspect of GIS is its ability to provide the necessary products within the organization within which it is implemented. This is an in-depth analysis of currently accepted system design methodologies intended to create a successful implementation of GIS inside organizations. Taught with GEOG 581.
Prerequisite(s): C- or better in GEOG 481.
GEOG 452. Landscape Ecology
4 Credits (3+2P)
Analysis of the structure, function and change of natural and anthropogenic landscapes. Patches, corridors, matrix and network, spatial organization, landscape dynamics, and role of disturbance in overall functioning of landscapes. Role of landscape heterogeneity in landscape management. Taught with GEOG 552.
Prerequisite(s): C- or better in GEOG 351, BIOL 301, or other basic ecology course.
GEOG 455. Southwest Environments
3 Credits
The U.S. Southwest: physical and human geography, coupled human-environment interactions, causes and consequences of environmental issues, and implications for sustainable development. Taught with GEOG 555.
GEOG 467. Transportation Geography
3 Credits
Nature and distribution of land, air and water transport facilities and their importance in regional development.
Prerequisite(s): C- or better in GEOG 1120G.
GEOG 472. Soil Morphology and Classification
4 Credits (2+2P)
Same as SOIL 472. Crosslisted with: SOIL 472.
GEOG 473. Advanced Remote Sensing
4 Credits (3+3P)
Introduction to advanced topics in digital image processing, analysis, interpretation, and visualization. Topics include geometric and radiometric correction, image enhancement, image classification, change detection, and accuracy assessment. Lectures focus on the discussion of advanced remote sensing concepts, techniques, and applications; labs are applications-oriented. Taught with GEOG 573.
Prerequisite(s): C- or better in GEOG 373.
GEOG 481. Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS & T)
4 Credits (3+3P)
Fundamentals of computer-based systems which organize, analyze, and present spatially referenced data. Taught with GEOG 578.
Prerequisite(s): C- or better in GEOG 2130 or GEOG 381.
GEOG 482. Geodatabase Design
3 Credits (2+3P)
A practical introduction to designing geodatabases. The course takes you through the eleven steps of geodatabase design divided into four stages: thematic characterization; developing the database elements, relationships and properties; capture and collection; and finally, implementation and documentation. Taught with GEOG 572.
Prerequisite(s): C- or better in GEOG 481.
GEOG 483. Field Explorations in Geography
3 Credits
A field-based class where students complete exercises in physical, human, and environmental geography in the Southwest. May be offered as a two-week intensive class where students are away from Las Cruces and camping; or may be offered with weekend field trips depending on the instructor. A lab fee for transportation and other expenses is required. Taught with GEOG 583.
GEOG 488. GIS and Water Resources
3 Credits
Explores a range of GIS tools, routines, and data structures and then applies them to a range of research questions and management issues in the area of Water Resources. The class has both a lecture and laboratory component, and students will have opportunities to explore a range of GIS tools in formal lab exercises and a project in the student area of interest. Taught with GEOG 588.
GEOG 491. Special Topics
1-3 Credits
Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
GEOG 492. GIS&T Applications and Modeling
3 Credits
Group oriented class in which students conduct an applied research project in GIS application or modeling area of choice and conduct focused library research. Taught with GEOG 521.
Prerequisite(s): C- or better in GEOG 481.
GEOG 493. Special Problem Research
1-3 Credits
For advanced and exceptional students. Research, and preparation of a paper in some phase of geography. A maximum of 6 credits may be earned. Consent of instructor required.
GEOG 495. Directed Readings
1-3 Credits
Individual study through selected readings. A maximum of 6 credits may be earned. Consent of instructor required.
GEOG 501. Research Design and History of Geographic Thought
3 Credits
Understanding and application of the research process, including conceptualization and definition of a research problem, study designs, data sources, data collection, and report writing in development of geographic thought.
GEOG 521. GIS & T Applications and Modeling
3 Credits
Group oriented class in which students conduct an applied research project in a GIS application or modeling area of choice and conduct focused library research.Taught with GEOG 492.
GEOG 535. Environmental Planning
3 Credits
Exploration of planning tools that advance the management of land and water resources, meeting current societal needs, while also minimizing damage to nature and society. Class activities include applied exercises that explore contemporary planning issues, including land conservation, natural hazards, biophysical analysis, water resource management, Federal land issues, and remediation of Superfund sites. Taught with GEOG 435.
GEOG 552. Landscape Ecology
4 Credits (3+2P)
Analysis of the structure, function and change of natural and anthropogenic landscapes. Patches, corridors, matrix and network, spatial organization, landscape dynamics, and role of disturbance in overall functioning of landscapes. Role of landscape heterogeneity in landscape management. Taught with GEOG 452.
GEOG 553. Geomorphology
3 Credits (2+3P)
Examination of the principle theories and concepts of landform creation; exploration of the roles of structure, processes, climate, and time in the formation of various types of landforms. Taught with GEOG 353.
GEOG 555. Southwest Environments
3 Credits
The U.S. Southwest: physical and human geography, coupled human-environment interactions, causes and consequences of environmental issues, and implications for sustainable development. Taught with GEOG 455.
GEOG 557. Fundamentals of Biogeography
3 Credits
Floristic and physiognomic characteristics of the Earth’s major ecosystems and their distributions; ecosystem dynamics, evolution, and physical environment; field and laboratory techniques including remote sensing. Taught with GEOG 351.
GEOG 571. Cartography and Geographic Information Systems
4 Credits (3+3P)
Graduate level design and construction of thematic maps. Introduction to cartographic principles in lecture. Emphasis on map-making using GIS software in the labs. Taught with GEOG 381.
GEOG 572. Geodatabase Design
3 Credits (2+3P)
Graduate level introduction to designing geodatabases. The course takes you through the eleven steps of geodatabase design divided into four stages: thematic characterization; developing the database elements, relationships and properties; capture and collection; and finally implementation and documentation. Taught with GEOG 482.
GEOG 573. Introduction to Remote Sensing
4 Credits (3+3P)
Graduate level introduction to the theory, techniques, and applications of remote sensing. Topics include electromagnetic radiation; remote sensing systems; remote sensing of the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and cultural landscapes. Course includes lectures and also labs focused on the basic analysis and interpretation of remote sensing product. Taught with GEOG 373.
GEOG 578. Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS & T)
4 Credits (3+3P)
Graduate level fundamentals of computer-based systems that organize, analyze, and present spatially referenced data. Taught with GEOG 481.
GEOG 581. System Design for Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS &T)
3 Credits
A critical aspect of GIS is its ability to provide the necessary products within the organization within which it is implemented. This is an in-depth analysis of currently accepted planning methodologies designed to create a successful implementation of GIS inside organizations. Taught with GEOG 441.
GEOG 582. Advanced Remote Sensing
4 Credits (3+3P)
Graduate level introduction to advanced topics in digital image processing, analysis, interpretation, and visualization. Topics include geometric and radiometric correction, image enhancement, image classification, change detection, and accuracy assessment. Lectures focus on the discussion of advanced remote sensing concepts, techniques, and applications; labs are applications-oriented. May be repeated up to 4 credits.
GEOG 583. Field Explorations in Geography
3 Credits
A graduate level field-based class where students complete exercises in physical, cultural, and environmental geography in the Southwest. May be offered as a two-week intensive class where students are away from Las Cruces and camping; or may be offered with weekend field trips depending on the instructor. A lab fee for transportation and other expenses is required. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
GEOG 585. Advanced Spatial Analysis
3 Credits (3+2P)
Introduction to basic spatial and aspatial descriptive statistics, statistical analysis of point and area patterns, critical review of quantitative research in geography, and exploration of advanced spatial analysis routines including cluster analysis, hot/cold spot analysis, and spatially weighted regression.
Prerequisite(s): Knowledge of basic statistics recommended.
GEOG 588. GIS and Water Resources
3 Credits
This is a graduate level class that explores a range of GIS tools, routines, and data structures and then applies them to a range of research questions and management issues in the area of Water Resources. The class has both a lecture and laboratory component, and students will have opportunities to explore a range of GIS tools in formal lab exercises and a project in the student’s area of interest. Taught with GEOG 488.
GEOG 595. Directed Readings
1-3 Credits
Advanced individual study through selected readings. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
GEOG 596. Residency
3-12 Credits
A contractual learning experience in the public or private sector under the supervision of a field supervisor and two faculty members. Restricted to majors. PR/U grading only.
GEOG 598. Selected Topics
1-3 Credits
Readings, discussions, lectures or laboratory studies of selected geographic themes. May be repeated for unlimited credit.
GEOG 599. Master’s Thesis
1-12 Credits (1-12)
Supervised individual study of a student’s thesis topic. May be repeated for an unlimited number of credits. Thesis/Dissertation Grading.
