GE-102 Human Geography

LASC Categories: GP, HBS

Introduction to human geography, emphasizing globalization, human-environment relations, and spatial patterns of population, development, economics, politics, urbanization and culture.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

GE-130 Introduction to Energy Studies

Foundation concepts in energy studies. Overview of environmental and societal implications of energy systems - past, present and future.

3 Credits

GE-193 Special Topics in Geography for First- Year Students

LASC Categories: FYS

Introductory level course covering topics of special interest to first-year students. Offered only as a First-Year Seminar.

3 Credits

GE-195 Special Topics

Introductory course to be offered on a trial basis. Topic to be announced in advance.

1-6 Credits

GE-200 Geography Literature Seminar

Prerequisites: GE-102 and GS-101 and GS-140 and GS-165

Geography majors will attend research seminars, conduct literature searches; identify relevant primary literature; read and take notes on primary literature; compile annotated bibliographies; create written syntheses.

Fall only and every year. 1 Credit

GE-214 Critical Cartographies: Digital Mapping and Spatial Data Visualization

Prerequisites: one course from the following: GE-102, GS-165, CM-100, CM-106, PO-130, SO-100, SO-193, SO-200, UR-101, UR-193, UR-201 GS-165.

This course introduces the fundamental theories, art and science of map making using web-based platforms. It provides an interdisciplinary approach for students to learn both practical and conceptual skills to collect, interpret and present data in the form of online, interactive maps and data visualizations.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

GE-250 Urban Geography

LASC Categories: HBS

Prerequisites: GE-102 or GL/GE-102 or UR-101

World urbanization, location, and central place concepts, economy of cities, land use patterns, urban, physical, and societal environmental problems.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

GE-258 Global Environmental Change

Prerequisites: GE-102 or GL/GE-102 or GS-101 or GL-150 or EV-150 or UR-101 or CH-106

An introduction to the science, political economy and ethics of global environmental change.

Every year. 3 Credits

GE-285 Sustainable Communities

LASC Categories: HBS, USW

Prerequisites: GE-102 or GL/GE-102 or GL-150 or EC-110 or EC-120.

Exploration of changes in U.S. and global economic landscape, 1970 to present. Approaches to sustainable economic development.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

GE-290 Conservation & Natural Res Mgt

LASC Categories: TLC

Through a multidisciplinary approach, students in this conservation management course will explore various theoretical frameworks and practical strategies for effective conservation management, including rational planning, adaptive management, stakeholder engagement, and structured decision making. Students will critically analyze past and present conservation management approaches and assess their applicability to current environmental issues in our local community and beyond. Through case studies, discussions, and project-based learning, students will apply their understanding of conservation management approaches to propose management plans that address real-world conservation challenges.

Other or on demand. 3 Credits

GE-299 Special Topics

Intermediate level course to be offered on a trial basis. Topic to be announced in advance.

1-6 Credits

GE-307 American Public Lands: Environmental Issues

Prerequisites: GE-258 or permission of instructor.

Exploration of the environmental management issues on U.S. public lands such as national parks, national forests BLM lands.

3 Credits

GE-312 Sustainable Food Systems

Prerequisites: GE-102 or a 200 level GE, GS, SO or UR course.

Overview of the structure, evolution, costs and benefits of the global food system. Exploration of local and global alternatives.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

GE-400 Geography Seminar

LASC Categories: CAP

Prerequisites: GE-102, GS-101, GS-140, GS-216, and GE-212 or GE-315

Capstone course for geography majors. Students prepare a comprehensive term paper and present on the topic. Course includes portfolio and career development.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

GE-408 Directed Study: Geography

Directed study offers students the opportunity to complete an existing course with an established syllabus under the direction and with the agreement of a faculty member.

3 Credits

GE-410 Independent Study: Geography

Opportunity for advanced students to pursue a topic of special interest involving extensive reading, experimentation, and research.

Every year. 1-6 Credits

GE-420 Advanced Geoscience Research and Fieldwork

Lab and or field-based research on a specific geoscience topic under supervision of a faculty member. [Permission of instructor.]

1-6 Credits

GE-450 Readings and Directed Research

Directed study on selected topics; open to senior majors.

3 Credits

GE-460 Internship: Geography

Students assigned to various government and private agencies under joint supervision of agency and faculty. Major GPA of 3.0 or above required.

1-6 Credits

GE-470 Selected Topics: Geography

Prerequisites: GE-102 or GL/GE-102

Topic or subject to be announced in advance; topic to be relevant to student needs and interests and availability of professor.

1-6 Credits

GS-101 Physical Geography

LASC Categories: NSP

Geographic principles of location; characteristics of landforms, soil, climate, minerals, water, flora, and fauna. [Formerly GE101.]

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

GS-110 Meteorology

LASC Categories: NSP, QAC

Understanding the atmosphere and worldwide weather, Earth-Sun relationships, atmospheric humidity and precipitation, air pressure and winds, circulation of the atmosphere, climate change, air pollution, stratospheric ozone depletion, and extreme weather.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

GS-140 Physical Geology

LASC Categories: LAB, NSP, QAC

Introduction to geological science: rocks and minerals, internal and external geologic processes, topographic map and air photo analysis, local field study. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

Fall and Spring and every year. 4 Credits

GS-165 Geographic Information Systems I

LASC Categories: NSP, LAB

Introduction to the use of geospatial technologies including geographic information systems and GPS.

Fall and Spring and every year. 4 Credits

GS-180 Field Geoscience

LASC Categories: NSP, LAB

Field Geoscience course for EEP majors as well as non-majors. Course explores the intersection of human activities and the Earth's landscape and processes, with a basic introduction to topics in geology, mapping and landscape analysis. Includes lecture, labs and field activities. Introductory lectures lab and field work on or near the Worcester State campus and then an overnight trip of 1-10 days.

Other or on demand and every 2-3 years. 1-4 Credits

GS-193 First Year Seminar in Geography

LASC Categories: FYS

Introductory level course covering topics of special interest to first-year students. Offered only as a First-Year Seminar.

3 Credits

GS-195 Special Topics

Introductory course to be offered on a trial basis. Topic to be announced in advance.

1-6 Credits

GS-210 Geomorphology

LASC Categories: NLL, QAC

Prerequisites: GS-101 or GS-140 and an accuplacer score of 3 or one college level Math course.

The study of landforms and the processes that form them. Labs focus on interpretation of maps and aerial photographs. Three hour lecture and two hour laboratory.

Every 2-3 years. 4 Credits

GS-217 Spatial Data Methods

LASC Categories: QR

Prerequisites: GS-165

Introduction to the methods used in GIS programming and quantitative geospatial analysis.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

GS-218 Introduction to Remote Sensing

LASC Categories: NSP

Prerequisites: GS-101 or GS-140 or EV-150 or BI-101 or BI-140

Introduction to the use and analysis of remotely sensed images such as aerial photographs and satellite imagery.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

GS-225 Oceanography

LASC Categories: QAC, NSP, LAB

Prerequisites: GS-101 or GS-140.

This class will introduce you to the geological, physical, and climatic aspects of oceanography and the many ways the world ocean affects our daily lives. Topics include ocean waves and currents, marine geology and sediments, tides, coastal processes and hazards, and sea level change. Course includes field trips.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

GS-230 Biogeography

Prerequisites: GS-101 or GS-110 or BI-101 or BI-140

The distribution patterns of plants and animals, processes affecting this distribution, and how these patterns change in space and time.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

GS-235 Contemporary Climate Change

Prerequisites: GS-101 or GS-110 or EV-150 or CH-106.

The global climate system, factors influencing climate, recent climate change and the role of human activity.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

GS-245 Planetary Geology

Prerequisites: GS-140 or PY-101

Solar system formation and evolution with emphasis on planetary interiors and surface features.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

GS-250 Hydrology

LASC Categories: LAB

Prerequisites: GS-101 or GS-140 or GS-110 or EV-150

This course examines Earth's freshwater and its processes as it moves between Earth's atmosphere, surface, and subsurface. Explores the interactions of precipitation, surface runoff, infiltration, streamflow, and groundwater flow. Topics include hydrograph analysis, runoff estimations, groundwater-surface water interactions, groundwater flow, water quality assessment, and water resources assessment. Course includes field trips.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

GS-270 Sediments and Soils

LASC Categories: NSP, LAB

Prerequisites: GS-140.

This laboratory class will introduce you to how sediments and soils form and transform over time. The class will include laboratory and field investigations of modern sedimentary environments and local soils, following standardized protocols used by government agencies and environmental companies.

Spring only and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

GS-299 Special Topics

Intermediate level course to be offered on a trial basis. Topic to be announced in advance.

1-6 Credits

GS-318 Geographic Information Systems II

Prerequisites: GS-165

Advanced production of digital choropleth maps on PCs using a GIS vector oriented software.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

GS-328 Digital Landscape Analysis

Prerequisites: GS 165 and one 200 level GS course.

Computer based methods of representing, storing and analyzing landscape features. Explores technologies such as LiDAR and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for gathering landscape data and the use of geospatial tools to analyze and represent landscape features. 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab.

Every 2-3 years. 4 Credits

GS-335 Hydrogeology

Prerequisites: GS-140 or GS-250 and a math placement test score of 3, or a college level math course.

Underground water and its movement. Aquifer identification and test; wells, contamination and remediation, ground water as a geologic agent.

Fall only and other or on demand. 3 Credits

GS-338 Atmospheric Sciences

Prerequisites: # GS-101 # Take CH-120 or CH-112;

Atmospheric Science introduces students to the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere, and examines the science behind current issues such as global climate change, air pollution, and reductions in stratospheric ozone. Atmospheric physics includes both weather (clouds, rain, winds) and climate (weather averaged over longer timescales, as well as trends in climate over time). Atmospheric chemistry investigates processes controlling the chemical composition of the atmosphere, including related processes in the and biosphere, as well as anthropogenic pollution (smog, stratospheric ozone loss, etc.)

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

GS-340 Special Topics: Advanced Earth Science

Advanced course to be offered on a trial basis. Topic to be announced in advance.

1-6 Credits

GS-348 Fundamentals of Earth Data Analytics

LASC Categories: NSP, QR, QAC, LAB

Prerequisites: GS-101 Take 1 course; From Subjects GS; From Levels 200;

The theory and practice of data analytics using remote sensing and in-situ earth observations, and communicating the science.

Fall only and every year. 4 Credits

GS-370 Lakes & Environmental Change

LASC Categories: WAC, NLL

Prerequisites: GS-140 Take one earth science course at the 200-level or above.

Modern physical, biogeochemical, and sedimentary processes in lakes. Lake sediments as archives of past climate and environmental change. Includes fieldwork.

Every 2-3 years. 4 Credits

GS-380 Advanced Field Geoscience

LASC Categories: NLL

Prerequisites: GS 140 and one other 200 level GS course.

Field Geoscience course for EEP majors. Course explores the intersection of human activities and the Earth's landscape and processes examining advanced topics in geology, mapping and landscape analysis. Includes lecture, labs and field activities. Introductory lectures lab and field work on or near the Worcester State campus and then an overnight trip to field sites, 1-10 days depending on the number of credits.

Other or on demand and every 2-3 years. 1-4 Credits

GS-400 Senior Seminar

LASC Categories: CAP

Prerequisites: GE-102 GS-101 GS-140 GS-165 and GE-200 and senior standing

Capstone course for geography majors. Students prepare a comprehensive term paper and present on the topic. Course includes portfolio and career development.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

GS-408 Directed Study: Earth Science Or Geoscience

Directed study offers students, who because of unusual circumstances may be unable to register for a course when offered, the opportunity to complete an existing course with an established syllabus under the direction and with agreement from a faculty member.

Other or on demand and every year. 1-4 Credits

GS-410 Independent Study: Earth Science- Geoscience

Opportunity for advanced students to pursue an earth science or geoscience topic of special interest involving extensive reading, experimentation, and research.

Fall and Spring and every year. 1-4 Credits

GS-420 Advanced Geoscience Research and Fieldwork

Lab and or field-based research on a specific geoscience topic under supervision of a faculty member. [Permission of instructor.]

1-6 Credits

GS-450 Readings and Directed Research

Directed study on selected topics; open to senior majors.

3 Credits

GS-460 Internship: Geography

Students assigned to various government and private agencies under joint supervision of agency and faculty. Major GPA of 3.0 or above required.

Other or on demand. 1-6 Credits

GS-470 Selected Topics: Geography

Prerequisites: GS-101 and one course from GS-210, GS-225, GS-230, GS-235, GS-250, GS-260, GS-290 or GS-310

Topic or subject to be announced in advance; topic to be relevant to student needs and interests and availability of professor.

1-6 Credits