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  Undergraduate Calendar 2015-2016
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2015-2016 Undergraduate Calendar
HOME Courses Geography (GEO)

Geography (GEO)
GEO 106 Geographies of Everyday Life
This course examines environmental and spatial aspects of human life, primarily at the scale of the individual, the neighbourhood and the community. Specific topics to be considered include sense of place, mental maps, territoriality, community dynamics, and human impacts on the landscape.
LL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 108 Geography of the Global Village
This course explores the ecological and demographic basis of globalization. Starting from a discussion of the impacts of the industrial revolution on current global socio-economic and environmental issues, this course examines population dynamics and quality of life indicators, the world food system and environmental deterioration.
LL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 110 The Physical Environment
In this course, the physical environment is investigated from the perspective of appreciating the natural limits that earth systems impose. Themes in climatology, hydrology and geomorphology are examined in order to develop an understanding of how natural balances originate, and afford opportunities and constraints for a modern lifestyle. Specific topics include weather systems, water budgets, erosion by streams and waves, and the enhancement of stability in natural systems.
LL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 131 Energy, Earth and Ecosystems
This course takes a systems-based approach to understanding the dynamics of Planet Earth and how humans interact with it. The principles, concepts, and applications of physical and environmental geography are introduced through learning about the energy that drives our ecosystems, the resources on which we depend, and the environmental challenges facing Canadian society in a global context. One component of the course is field-based.
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 141 Geography and GIS
This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The value of the geographical perspective in addressing numerous societal problems is explored. GIS is introduced to the student with hands-on applications in a variety of areas, including public service, commercial enterprise and environmental analysis. In laboratory assignments students become familiar with the practical utility of both the geographical perspective and the tool of GIS.
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 151 Location, Location, Location
This course provides an understanding of locational processes, especially those related to business (industry, retail, office) and residential land uses by concentrating on three themes. Social diversity examines how changing demographics create changes in neighbourhood characteristics. Economic restructuring considers how economic changes impact location and make-up of economic activities. Smart growth investigates managing city growth, while still maintaining healthy environments.
Tut: 1 hr./Lect: 2 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 161 Introductory Analytical Techniques
This course provides the fundamentals of data and information extraction, descriptive statistics, picturing data, sampling distributions and the computer programmes commonly used in geographic research. By the end of the course the student will be able to gather, order, and analyse data, extract information from those data and present their findings in a workplace environment using common computer software.
Lect: 2 hrs./Lab: 1 hr.
Antirequisite: GEO125
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 206 Regions, Nations and the Global Community
This course examines spatial and environmental aspects of human life, primarily at the scale of the region, the nation and the global community. Specific topics to be considered include migration, regionalism, spatial equity and global interdependence.
LL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 208 Geography of the Global Economy
This one semester course explores the changing geographic patterns of economy and settlement. Starting from a discussion about the relationships between technological systems, the economy and urbanization, this course considers patterns of deindustrialization, economic linkages, and changing settlement systems.
LL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 210 Geography of Danger
The course examines dangers that arise from global threats posed by various natural and human-made hazards. From a Canadian perspective, it sets out to provide an understanding of how their potential for harm to the individual and community is perceived by the public. Mechanisms that have been developed to reduce the levels of threat to life and property are assessed. This is accomplished by examining selected geophysical, biological, climatic, environmental and malevolent factors that impinge on well-being.
LL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 221 Location Analysis
Location is important in the success of both private and public facilities. This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of location analysis by addressing changing geographies of land uses, methodologies used in real-world applications of service area delimitation and site selection, and the dynamic geographies of supply and demand. The importance of tools such as geographical information systems (GIS) is considered and examples are drawn from public and private sectors. (formerly GEO 310)
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 231 Principles of Demography
This course is designed to familiarize students with demography and demographic analysis. The course will use demography to explore the characteristics of population (for example, age, sex, marital status) while using demographic analysis (data from surveys, records, censuses) to build a technical base for explanation of specific population trends in selected areas. There will be emphasis on Canadian data and the implications of current Canadian population structure for our future.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Restriction: Not Available to students in Environmental and Urban Sustainability.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 241 Cartographic Principles and Practice
This course introduces the fundamental principles of cartography. It focuses on the knowledge and skills that are necessary to produce good quality maps within a digital environment. Special attention is given to the ways in which decisions in the cartographic process influence the geographic information communicated by the map. (formerly GEO 400).
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 301 Marketing Geography
This course addresses the spatial aspects of business decision making. Emphasis is placed on measuring the factors and assessing the methods associated with site evaluation and market area analysis.
Tut: 1 hr./Lect: 2 hrs.
Antirequisite: GEO 302
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 302 Retail Location
An introduction to techniques of spatial modelling, with emphasis on retail location and marketing geography. The course adopts a case study perspective with emphasis placed on the evaluation and application of geography theory and concepts.
Tut: 1 hr./Lect: 2 hrs.
Antirequisite: GEO 301
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 312 Viva Las Vegas!
The city of Las Vegas is in some senses unique in its character and image, but it does exemplify many of the general issues associated with urban areas in North America today. The course explores the explanation of that character, both in terms of the uniqueness of Las Vegas and in terms of more general patterns and processes. In the course stress is placed on the development of general research and critical skills.
LL
Lect: 3 hrs.
Restriction: International Economics and Finance
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 313 Geography of the Physical Environment
This course provides an introduction to the natural environment from a geographical perspective. Mapping, meteorology, climatology and hydrology are addressed conceptually and practically as they relate to the development of both understanding and applications. Physical processes and their resulting spatial expression are investigated in terms of how they relate to the promotion of environmental sustainability both locally and globally. The learning experience is comprised of lectures, research/readings, and a series of workshop and lab exercises. (formerly GEO 112)
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 326 The Geography of Early Hominins
This course examines the paleogeography of early hominins including discussion of the paleoclimatic, environmental, and resource changes that affected the number and geographic distribution of our early ancestors. Topics considered include the last 7 million years of the human family tree, the evolution and characteristics of its members, paleoclimatic and tectonic changes to the environments in which they lived and the subsequent effects on their evolution, and their regional distribution and how they got there.
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 351 Internal Structure of the City
Interpretation of historical and present processes of growth and change is relevant to an understanding of contemporary urban areas. Public facility location, social services, housing and urban social communities are studied in detail. GIS is used to explore spatial equity and spatial efficiency, service areas, redistricting, and neighbourhood development. (formerly GEO 518)
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 151 or GEO 418 or PLG 300
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 361 Inferential Statistics in Geography
This one-semester course is concerned with the application of inferential statistics in geographic analysis. It provides the students with the fundamentals of estimation, hypothesis testing and other statistical tests. Emphasis throughout the course is placed on application of the various techniques, rather than on their mathematical derivations. It is assumed that familiarity with the fundamental elements of statistics and microcomputers has already been acquired. (formerly GEO 225)
Lect: 2 hrs./Lab: 1 hr.
Prerequisite: GEO 125 or GEO 161
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 372 Global Shift in the 21st Century
The world is rapidly becoming a technological and economic 'global village' where distance has diminished in importance. Yet in the face of this increasingly 'smaller' but integrated world we see emergent territorial fragmentation where the distinctiveness and role of place has grown in significance. The purpose of this course is to explore the globalization phenomena and the resulting territorial, economic, demographic, conflict, development, resource, health, technological, cultural and environmental issues that arise from it.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Antirequisite: GEO 910
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 411 Resource and Environmental Planning
This course provides a survey of concepts and approaches for resource and environmental planning. The relevance of the broad array of environmental, economic and social factors is considered. While the course is process oriented, case studies are used to assess critically the application of different methods to combine theory with the practical aspects of resource management. (formerly GEO 504)
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 131 or GEO 303 or EUS 102
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 419 Retailing, GIS and Geodemographics
This course surveys practical, conceptual and methodological issues associated with the application of geographical techniques to retail marketing. A variety of GIS applications are introduced to delineate and analyse retail trade areas. The use of socioeconomic and demographic data at various spatial scales is emphasized. Methods include: geocoding, mapping, creation of market area profiles, population projections, clustering and interpretation of market segmentation data.
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 421 Geography of Retailing
This course examines the transformation of the retail economy in the context of globalization and technology changes: from the declining roles of department stores and shopping centers to the emergence of big-box stores and power centers; from simple and linear to multiple distribution channels including e-tailing. This course also addresses, from a political-economy perspective, the important roles of the regulatory state in the process of the retail transformation. Both international and Canadian examples are provided. (formerly GEO 611)
Lect: 2 hrs./Lab: 1 hr.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 431 Recreation Analysis
Recreation and tourism are increasingly important in contemporary society, creating both positive and negative economic, social, and environmental effects at a variety of spatial scales. Many aspects of geographic inquiry are pertinent, including: location decision making concerning facilities and activities; the management and sustainability of recreation resources; and assessment of the impact of changing culture and economy upon regions. This course aims at providing a broad understanding of the spatial behaviour of recreationists and tourists. (formerly GEO 606)
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 441 Geographic Information Science
The learning objectives of this course are to provide practical knowledge and skills relating to the use of GIS for spatial analysis, as well as to enable exploration of its in decision support. Attention is directed at development of understanding of data modelling, spatial analyses, and the inferences that arise in addressing practical problems. Learning opportunities involve lectures, lab, research/readings, oral presentations, written presentations and poster preparation. (formerly GEO 614)
Lect: 2 hrs./Lab: 1 hr.
Prerequisite: GEO 141 or GEO 241
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 505 Regional Analysis of Canada
The regional structure of Canada provides the focus for this course. Attention is given to the internal characteristics and problems of various regions, and to the interrelations which bind the regions together in a national framework. Emphasis is placed upon regional disparity, regional development concepts, and social and environmental variables.
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 507 Explorations of the Urban Environment
This course examines the internal structure of the contemporary city from a geographic viewpoint. The course is issue-oriented and focuses on transportation, housing and other land use problems and solutions. (formerly GEO 307)
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
Restriction: UP001, UP002, UP003
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 509 Food, Place and Identity
This course examines the role of provenance and place in the evolution of diet. In defining the geography of food as who eats what where and why, it considers how food's importance extends beyond mere nourishment; food is an idiom that provides individual and collective comfort and identity. However impoverished or affluent, contemporary cuisines are legacies of military conflict, colonization and commercial influence that have incorporated key, non-indigenous products that were introduced by the Columbian exchange.
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
Restriction: FN001
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 513 Physical Geography in Decision Support
The origins of environmental conflicts are investigated from the perspective of geomorphology. The role of data and information in understanding physical processes is traced from field observations to modelling, spatial analysis, prediction, and decision making. Suggested topics include the earth-science paradigm, slope stability, fluvial geomorphology, shorelines, glacial geomorphology, periglacial geomorphology, and conservation land designation. The learning experience is comprised of field observation, readings, lectures, and workshop reports.
Lect: 2 hrs./Lab: 1 hr.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 514 Resource Management in Northern Canada
Northern Canada has experienced rapid change in recent years. Implementation of land claim settlements has introduced new approaches to resource management; global energy demands have renewed pressure for megaprojects, while toxins in the environment and climate change have created new environmental stresses. The course examines the underpinnings of these issues and demonstrates the role of geographic analysis in policy formulation and approaches to resource management in the contemporary North. (formerly GEO 809)
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 131 or GEO 303
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 520 Global Political Geography
This one semester course provides geographical perspectives on political issues with an emphasis on the regional and global scale. Themes include geopolitics, global inter-dependence, regional integration, territoriality, and geographical sources of stress and conflict. Theoretical approaches will be used to inform current events.
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 521 Geodemographics
This course surveys practical, conceptual, and methodological issues associated with the application of geographical techniques to marketing and retail site selection. Emphasis is placed on the use of socioeconomic and demographic data at various spatial scales. Methods include a variety of multivariate techniques focusing on market definition and segmentation, including extensive use of cluster analysis. The course also covers a multitude of management issues associated with the use of geodemographic and related data sets. (formerly GEO 619)
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 221 or GEO 310
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 527 Inequalities in Urban Neighbourhoods
This course examines how social patterns, processes and issues vary across the city. Students will analyze spatial inequalities related to neighbourhoods and communities, residential segregation, and housing and homelessness and policies which address these. This course will include a field component. (GEO 527 and GEO 627 are equivalent to GEO 27A/B).
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 530 Urban Economic Geography
This course focuses on the organization of human activities from a spatial-economic perspective. Location analysis of activities ranging from agriculture to high technology will be examined. Concepts and processes underlying location decision making will be investigated with the aid of land-use, industrial location, and analogous theories. Locational factors for small firms to transnational organizations will be discussed and comparisons will be made between various geographic scales. (Formerly GEO 102).
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 541 GIS Programming
The purpose of this course is to teach students how to expand the functionality of out-of -the-box Geographic Information Systems. Topics focus on teaching students how to utilize programming to solve real world geographic problems by automating processes, building new applications, and expanding existing GIS functions. The course will use the most popular GIS software packages and programming languages. No programming experience is assumed nor required.
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 441 or GEO 614, Antirequisite: CODG 132
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 542 Introduction to Remote Sensing
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of remote sensing. Emphasis will be placed on techniques and applications involving resource management, environmental impact assessment, and urban analysis with medium and high-resolution imagery. The lab portion of this course is substantial and involves using the image processing and GIS software packages. (Formerly GEO 624)
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 123 or GEO 141
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 551 Urbanization and Regional Development
A systems framework is used to examine the link between urbanization and regional development and examine prescriptive approaches to directing and managing growth and its consequences. Case examples, ranging from examination of planning issues in urban centered regions through to evaluation of development strategies for "marginal" regions, are used to demonstrate the practical role of geographic analysis in understanding and addressing problems arising from growth and disparity. (formerly GEO 618)
Tut: 1 hr./Lect: 2 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 151 or GEO 418 or PLG 300
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 553 Studies in Rural Geography
Although urbanisation has made the reliance on the rural areas less obvious, most Canadians still recognize their importance for non-basic employment, recreation, food production and waste disposal. The countryside also plays an environmental, symbolic and aesthetic role that defines the nation's image at home and abroad. In recent years, the boundary between town and country has blurred as various manufacturing and service activities have been lured away from congested urban centres. (formerly GEO 805)
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 131 or GEO 303
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 561 Multivariate Analytical Techniques
This course familiarizes students with the most common current methods of multivariate analysis used by geographers. The approach is user-oriented, stressing the type of problem treated by each technique, the ability to run statistical package program, and the knowledge to interpret the results. A course of this nature is essential for translating and understanding professional literature and provides necessary background for the preparation of research papers in the third and fourth year courses. (formerly GEO 304)
Lect: 2 hrs./Lab: 1 hr.
Prerequisite: GEO 225 or GEO 361
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 581 GIS, Geographic Data and Mapping
Students will learn about geographic data, and explore the power of visualization that comes from mapping them with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS can transform data that are located on the earth's surface into information that can be utilized in social, economic, political and environment decision-making. Through lectures and labs, students will examine the use of GIS and maps in their own academic area of interest.
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 605 The Geography of the Canadian North
The North is a unique region within Canada. Profound changes are taking place, including the economic dominance of the resource industry, the rise of Aboriginal political power, and questions surrounding arctic sovereignty. All of these issues are underlain by the uncertainty of climate change and how best to adapt. This course will explore physical and social dimensions of the Canadian North and discuss how geographic analytical techniques can be applied to northern issues.
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 607 Cities and the Canadian Economic Landscape
Urbanization is associated with a plethora of problems at both a regional and global level. The course explores the geographic dimensions of some of these problems addressing such questions as urban development and regional disparity in Canada, the impact of urban growth on surrounding areas, national and continental trends in population and settlement, and global perspectives on urbanization. (formerly GEO 407).
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
Restriction: UP001, UP002, UP003
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 609 cyberspace@geography.ca
This course will examine the historical development of world communications systems, with emphasis on the growth of contemporary geo-communication networks such as the Internet and the WWW, and their relationship to socio-economic and environmental geography. From world city systems to rural and marginalized places around the globe, the examination and analysis of cyberspace should prove useful in understanding a new geography characterized by many as the "death of distance."
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
Restriction: Computer Science and Information Technology Mgt
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 612 Environmental Decision Making
This course involves the analysis of frameworks for the investigation and resolution of complex resource and environmental problems. In many cases such problems deal with the consideration of a wide variety of data and of a number of objectives. General methods to deal with such situations are presented. Application of these methods is demonstrated by a critical analysis of the technical practice of environmental analysis. (formerly GEO 604)
Lect: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 131 or GEO 303
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 620 Political Geog of Nations and Localities
This one semester course provides geographical perspectives on political issues with an emphasis on the national and local scale. Themes include: nations and nationalism; the territorial state; geographical sources of stress at the local level; electoral geography; and the political geography of localities and everyday life. Theoretical approaches will be used to inform current events.
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 621 Location Analysis of Commercial Activity
This course provides students with a set of advanced techniques for use in location analysis of commercial activities. The course is divided into two parts. Part I deals with analysis of market conditions and the business environment. Part II focuses on a variety of techniques related to site selection, trade area analysis, sales forecasting, and network planning for the optimization of a commercial chain. The modes of delivery include lectures, labs, and class discussions.
Lect: 2 hrs./Lab: 1 hr.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 627 Accessibility of Urban Social Services
In this course, students will analyze the location of social services and amenities, such as child care, medical care, education, libraries and recreational facilities; in particular how spatial variations in accessibility to these services impacts quality of life in neighbourhoods. Criteria and strategies for a healthy city will be investigated. (GEO 527 and GEO 627 are equivalent to GEO 27A/B).
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 631 Exploration in Travel and Tourism
This course will cover the subjects of historical tourism development, modern mass tourism, the tourist experience and the consequences of development and change. Emphasis will be placed on understanding demand and the impacts of satisfying the insatiable appetite of varying classes of tourists. Field work will be used in the development of Toronto case studies while lecture material will include examples from Canadian and international tourism. (formerly GEO 806)
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 641 GIS and Decision Support
This course advances the concepts of spatial databases in GIS and remote sensing through examination of their capabilities for decision-support. The focus is on refinement of GIS concepts, methodologies and issues, at the same time as skills are enhanced for using current technologies. Topics include spatial database management, visualisation, spatial analysis and decision support. Students are expected to complete assignments outside of scheduled lab hours, to read recommended literature and to participate in in-class seminars. (formerly GEO 814)
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 441 or GEO 614
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 642 Advanced Remote Sensing and GIS
This course consists of three major components that will be explored within a framework of advanced geographic applications: (1) advanced techniques in digital image analysis, (2) the use of ancillary information sources, and (3) the integration, utilization, and visualization of image data within Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The integration of classified remotely sensed and GIS data within project management schemes will be a major focus of this course. (formerly GEO 824)
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 542 or GEO 624
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 643 Field Methods for Geospatial Data
This course provides hands-on experience with field sampling techniques for various geospatial technologies. Students will acquire spatial data related to physical, environmental and human geography in the field and use these data for geographic analysis. Topics include research design, planning, sampling and data collection for remote sensing and GIS applications. A significant portion of this course will be spent in the field learning techniques and collecting data.
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
Prerequisites: GEO 441 and GEO 542
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 644 Spatial Databases
Spatial databases are a fundamental component of geographic information systems (GIS) and the basis for geographic analysis. This course introduces principles of database management and spatial data handling, including data models, database analysis and schema design. Representation and querying of geographic information will be discussed and accompanied by practical examples from selected application domains. The labs will introduce database management systems within and outside GIS, including distributed databases used in Web applications.
Lect: 2 hrs./Lab: 1 hr.
Prerequisite: GEO 441
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 645 Place and Population Health
This course addresses the relationship among place, people and health. It examines how various social, economic, cultural and natural factors impact health and accessibility to and utilization of health care services. The course aims to achieve two equally important objectives: (i) to provide an overview of the geography of health and health care; and (ii) to introduce the use of analytic skills including GIS and quantitative methods to examine health patterns, disease diffusion and access to health services.
Lect: 2 hrs./Lab: 1 hr.
Prerequisite: GEO 441
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 652 Urban Transportation Systems
This is a one semester course designed to examine theoretical and empirical aspects of urban transportation systems. Topics include descriptive and normative models of transportation flows, component parts of networks, models of growth processes and planning issues associated with urban transportation. A methodology is outlined to address the impact of development on the surrounding transportation network. Emphasized throughout are the spatial, economic and social consequences of transportation. (formerly GEO 608)
Lect: 2 hrs./Lab: 1 hr.
Prerequisite: GEO 225 or GEO 361
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 671 Developmental and Environmental Law
This course presents an overview of legal principles and concepts that relate to development and environmental issues. It examines the role of the Courts and administrative tribunals in resolving disputes that arise from these issues. Particular problems addressed include water, air and noise pollution, waste management, private land development, zoning conflicts and land use controls. (formerly GEO 709)
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 681 GIS and Geographic Analysis
This course offers social science and human services students opportunities to examine many analytical functions available in GIS focusing on the data used within their programs of study. Students will understand the potential of GIS in decision support in many applications including crime, population health, service provision, and sustainable development. The labs will be scenario-driven, incorporating the analytical power of GIS to solve real-world problems in areas related to the academic interests of the students.
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 691 Canadian Immigration: Patterns and Place
Offering a geographic perspective on Canadian immigration patterns and policies, this course examines the 'why, who and where' of Canadian immigrant experiences. There is a particular emphasis on the changes in Canada's spatial, social and economic landscapes as a result of Canadian immigration policies over time within the context of contemporary global economics and communication technologies and the inherent complexities of pluralistic societies.
Tut: 1 hr./Lect: 2 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 702 Technology and the Contemporary Environment
The contemporary world is influenced to a very considerable extent by technology. However, relationships between this technology and our environment continue to be the subject of considerable public debate. The geographic dimensions of these environmental controversies provide a convenient and meaningful framework for their analysis. In this course, both recurring and contemporary environmental issues are examined in terms of implications for North American society. GEO 702 is not available for credit to students who choose GEO 703.
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
Antirequisite: GEO 703, Restriction: OC001, OC003, OC005, OC006
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 703 Perspectives on Environmental Management
The deterioration of ecosystems and growing societal intolerance for environmental damages have raised concerns over the management of the earth's resource base. First, this course examines how public attitudes towards the environment have evolved and the corresponding growth of public participation in environmental decision making. Secondly, emphasis is placed on the ecological basis for environmental planning and analysis. Finally, the growing body of laws, regulations and guidelines which are designed to control environmental behaviours are considered.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Antirequisite: GEO 702
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 705 Environment and Society in the Caribbean
This course is issue oriented, and emphasizes the interrelatedness of historical, economic, social and cultural phenomena from a regional perspective. The Caribbean is a region because of the shared history, production systems, location in the global economy, patterns of cultural and physical background. Within this framework, the course will focus on contemporary issues and debates relevant to understanding the regional basis and diversity of the Caribbean.
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 714 GIS for the Municipal Professional I
Geographic Information Systems represent a technology which permits the diverse data sets needed to administer a modern municipality to be outlined and given due consideration in reaching management decisions. This course provides students with practical knowledge and skills relating to the understanding and use of GIS. Particular attention is directed at how geographic relations are preserved, and the opportunities/constraints afforded by various GIS approaches. There is a 25 dollar lab fee for this course.
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 716 Geographies of Health
This course investigates both the complexity of what we call health and disease, and the multiplicity of approaches with which health and disease are investigated and understood by geographers. Students learn to recognize the many ways in which individuals and groups alter and adapt to their multiple environments, thereby shaping their own health. Understanding how spatial data about disease and death is presented enables students to assess health information available on the web.
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
Restriction: Nursing, Occupational and Public Health
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 719 GIS in Business: Strategic Mgmt Decisions
The key to sustaining a business is to know one's customers. By geographically referencing customer records, and linking them to data such as demographics, GIS enables business enterprises to evaluate their client-catchment areas. This course provides an introduction to GIS in the business environment, by combining lecture material, readings from the professional literature, site visits for the evaluation of systems, and labs designed to provide practical and technical competence. There is a 25 dollar lab fee for this course.
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 720 The Inner Landscape of Culture
What does it mean to live as a member of a particular culture? This course addresses the concept of culture as both a reflection and a determinant of human experience. Examples from Canadian and global settings support an exploration of the elements and processes of culture.
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 724 GIS for the Municipal Professional II
This course continues the themes of GEO 714, with more advanced work in Geographic Information Systems and an emphasis on the presentation of a professional product. The aim of the course is to provide students with an opportunity to enhance their cartographic output and increase their analytical abilities, using GIS. Hands-on experience is expanded. There is a 25 dollar lab fee for this course.
Lect: 1 hr./Lab: 2 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 714 or GEO 719
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 771 Practicum
Related work experience acquired under supervision at an approved sponsoring organization. (formerly GEO 700). This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
Lab: 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: GEO 441 or GEO 614
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 772 Individual Research Paper
The Research Paper provides the student with the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in an area of applied geographic specialization through the design and execution of an original, independent and academically-based research project. (formerly GEO 815)
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 773 Field Studies
Optional field course held for Geographic Analysis students and Environment and Urban Sustainability students. Consult department for details. This course is recommended for third year and fourth year students. (Formerly GEO 500).
Lab: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 793 The Geography of Toronto
Founded in 1793 by John Graves Simcoe as the Town of York, capital of Upper Canada, Toronto has emerged over two centuries to become one of the most important cities in the world. This course has been designed to provide students with an understanding of the geographical evolution of the city of Toronto and its surrounding region. The course examines a number of important aspects of the Toronto phenomenon from both the inter-urban and intra-urban perspectives. Throughout the course, North American and global perspectives are considered, where appropriate.
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
Restriction: Urban and Regional Planning
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 802 The Geography of Recreation and Leisure
This course explores recreation and leisure from a number of perspectives. It examines the relationship between recreational choice and demographic and life-style correlates, technology, and faddism. It evaluates symbolic recreational environments and the role of natural areas. It explores many of the social and environmental costs associated with recreational development. GEO 802 is not available for credit to students who choose GEO 803.
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
Antirequisite: GEO 803
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 803 Recreation and Tourism Analysis
The growing importance of the recreation and tourism system in today's society has generated the potential for environmental impacts and development opportunities. This professionally related course examines the system and its role in the economy. Particular emphasis will be placed on planning, managing and developing recreation and tourism resources, and on identifying, measuring and evaluating impacts.
Lect: 3 hrs.
Antirequisite: GEO 802
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 811 Global Environmental Issues
This one-semester course is structured to address a series of central themes relating to an understanding of concerns about the global environment. For each, a specific environmental issue is highlighted and a case study or case studies is used to demonstrate the nature of the theme and its broad relevance to an understanding of the global situation. A principal goal of the course is to enhance students' appreciation for an understanding of the state of the world environment and of the challenges and priorities for action to address such issues at a global scale.
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 820 The Outer Landscape of Culture
This course examines the ways in which cultures express themselves through natural, built, and symbolic landscapes. The nature and significance of cultural change are considered at both regional and global scales.
UL
Lect: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 871 The Professional Geographer
The course provides a capstone opportunity to integrate concepts, review key methodological practices and provide exposure to topical issues that can serve geographers as they contemplate their career opportunities. It features presentations by invited practitioners from a broad range of sub-disciplines whose experience demonstrate the diverse opportunities the discipline affords. (formerly GEO 744)
Tut: 1 hr./Lect: 2 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 873 Geographic Entrepreneurship and Consulting
The validity of the spatial perspective is realized through the preparation of consulting projects that are identified by potential public, private and institutional clients. Students submit a detailed proposal and upon approval execute the research. Faculty lectures support the consulting process with presentations about the nature of the consulting industry and review needed skills to facilitate the timely and successful completion of the work. (formerly GEO 844)
Tut: 1 hr./Lect: 2 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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GEO 911 GIS and Fire Services Management
Accessing information regarding sites is recognized as critical to the goals of preventing and suppressing fires. With Geographic Information Systems (GIS), location is the primary key for retrieving data, so site information can be very conveniently accessible. This course provides an overview of GIS for urban and rural Fire Services by introducing application opportunities, system components, and implementation issues. The format is a combination of lectures, and practical hands-on workshops.
Lab: 3 hrs.
GPA Weight: 1.00
Billing Units: 1
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