Undergraduate Courses

Intro to 3D Printing for Cultural and Natural Sciences (3 credits): EVR-4930 (Online)/GLY-4930 Spring

This course is geared toward those interested in Museum and Heritage Studies or Natural and Earth Science applications for 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping, and those interested in developing a digital skill set in visualizing data design concepts. The 3D Printing and visualization techniques covered in this course are also relevant to a number of other industries and creative endeavors, including architecture and fine arts, engineering, hobbyist and other creative pursuits, and would be of interest for education professionals looking to incorporate 3D in the classroom. Syllabus

Research Methods in Geography (3 credits): GEO-3164C Fall

Geographers use a variety of statistical techniques to measure, describe, analyze, and display information in search of spatial patterns and trends. Using these techniques, geographers make comparisons and examine relationships in order to answer questions, test claims, solve problems, and/or make decisions that support a particular objective. Increasingly large amounts of spatial data are being generated and used by all levels of government as well as by other private and public institutions. Thus, developing solid skills in spatial data analysis has become a priority for every geography student. This course examines the use of statistics and statistical procedures for the purpose of analyzing and interpreting geographic data, questions, and hypotheses – all key components of geographic research. It will help students become well-grounded and feel comfortable in applying statistical methodologies in situations they will encounter in their subsequent geographic education and career. Syllabus

Independent Study in Geography (3 credits): GEO-4910 TBD

An independent study course in Geosciences provides additional opportunities for students to work closely with a faculty mentor on a GIS, Remote Sensing or 3D Modeling research project. The course content, number of credit hours and deliverables vary from student-to-student and is dependent upon the availability of the faculty member to supervise the student’s work (i.e. some faculty members are not available during summer months). The student is expected to spend the same amount of time on an Independent Study credit hour as is expected in the standard course credit hours and the scope of work as well as end products (deliverables) are described in a proposal before the onset of the coursework.

Computer Cartography (3 credits): GIS-3306 Spring/Fall

Cartography is the art and science of making maps. In this class you will learn the basic theories behind cartography, graphic design, and Geographic Information System (GIS). Class lectures will cover basic geodesy, map design, thematic mapping, and introductory web mapping. We will apply the theory more practically by creating our own maps. Syllabus

Remote Sensing of the Environment (3 credits): GIS-4035C Spring/Fall

This class will provide students with an introduction to the basic concepts, principles and practices of photogrammetry and remote sensing and to their applications in natural resource management, measurements of structural parameters, and environmental monitoring. Students will gain knowledge of the properties and characteristics of aerial photographs and satellite imagery; characteristics of land cover types measured from remote sensing; different techniques available for mapping and measuring land cover types; and how accurately these land cover characteristics can be mapped from remote sensing. The course will also cover where to find existing remote sensing data; how to obtain new aerial photographs; and the basic concepts of photographic and non-photographic remote sensing. The ENVI image processing system is used to analyze remotely sensed data in this class. Syllabus

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 credits): GIS-4043C Spring/Fall

The Introduction to GIS course is designed for upper-level undergraduate students to provide an overview of the science, technology and applications of geographic information principles and concepts. We will examine the GIScience that provides the foundations for ArcGIS as well as real-world applications to gain meaningful analysis of spatial data. The field of Geographic Information Science (GISc) Systems (GIS) and Technology (GIST) has revitalized Geography as a discipline and is now extensively used in multi-disciplinary fields such as environmental sciences, biology, urban planning, engineering, geology, forestry, transportation, anthropology, agriculture, health, economics, and a number of other specialties. This course will provide you with a conceptual understanding of GIST, the ability to transition from a 3-dimentional, real-world environment, to a 2-dimentional portrayal of the real-world to communicate important information, as well as the ability to analyze spatial distributions and patterns. Syllabus

Crime Scene Mapping (3 credits): GLY-4930 Summer

Three-dimensional mapping and imaging technologies are revolutionizing the way crime scenes are being documented, analyzed, and digitally reconstructed. At their core, these technologies are allowing law enforcement and crime scene investigators to more quickly and accurately map and document scenes, allowing scenes to be cleared more rapidly and analyzed more thoroughly. In this course, you will be introduced some of these technologies including GPS and GIS theory and mapping application techniques, close-range and terrestrial laser scanning, photogrammetry and others, and learn how law enforcement and crime scene investigators are using these tools for scene documentation and mapping. In addition, you will learn about some of the 3D software applications being used to analyze, visualize, and reconstruct crime scenes and be introduced to how crime scene 3D data is being used in the courtroom. Syllabus

Graduate Courses

Independent Study in Environmental Sciences and Policy (3 credits): EVR-6908 Spring

An Independent Study in Environmental Sciences and Policy provides additional opportunities for students to work closely with a faculty mentor on a GIS, Remote Sensing or 3D Modeling research project. The course content, number of credit hours and deliverables vary from student-to-student and is dependent upon the availability of the faculty member to supervise the student’s work (i.e. some faculty members are not available during summer months). The student is expected to spend the same amount of time on an Independent Study credit hour as is expected in the standard course credit hours and the scope of work as well as end products (deliverables) are described in a proposal before the onset of the coursework.

Seminar: Ecological Niche Modeling (3 credits): EVR-6936 TBD

Spatial predictions of habitat suitability are helping to inform many aspects of environmental research, resource management, conservation planning, and the spread of diseases and invasive species. This course will review the concepts and theories that support environmental niche models as well as the practical applications of using these technologies for real-world applications. Syllabus

Advanced Field Techniques (3 credits): GEO-6115 TBD

This course is designed to introduce students to three types of spatial data acquisition and integration of this data into a GIS for mapping purposes: spatial data acquired from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) survey techniques; aerial laser scanning (ALS) LiDAR applications; and photogrammetry. The course will also introduce applications of GPS data acquisition with the aid of mapping- and survey-grade instruments and their integration with laser scanning surveys. GIS mapping techniques will focus on development of spatial databases and proper cartographic techniques for visualizing the spatial data. Work flows for survey planning, data collection, and post-processing will be examined, with students exposed to a range of software and hardware applications for spatial data acquisition and visualization efforts. Syllabus

Seminar in Spatial Statistics (3 credits): GEO-6119 Spring

Until quite recently, spatial statistics had been a rather esoteric subject that had remained in fairly narrow research confines. However, with the advent of modern computational power, and the explosion in the collection, analysis, and display of spatial data thru Geographical Information Systems, this field is experiencing a renaissance, as practitioners seek better ways of analyzing data that possesses locational information. The use of spatial statistics occurs in many disciplines, with methods that vary according to the particular type of spatial data being analyzed. Although not exhaustive of the whole domain of spatial statistics, this course will focus on the three most common forms of spatial statistical data: point patterns, geostatistical data, and lattice (area) data. The course places greater emphasis on the applied use of spatial statistics rather than providing an in-depth coverage of spatial statistical theory, with the intention of being a guide to the many issues to be faced when analyzing spatial data, and a guide to “good practices” for such analyses. Syllabus

Multivariate Statistical Analysis (3 credits): GEO-6166 Fall

The focus of this course is on applied regression modeling, perhaps the most widely used statistical method of analysis in use today. It has widespread application across the natural and social sciences, engineering, health sciences, and business. The course will cover both theoretical and conceptual aspects of the method but will also have an emphasis on practical implementation of the approach in applied settings and following best practices. In addition to the core emphasis of the course on applied regression modeling, the course will also introduce students to the special issues faced when using spatial data, as well as some of the statistical techniques that are used to deal with these issues. Other advanced courses build upon this introduction. The course will also give an introduction to the Bayesian paradigm in Statistics, a paradigm that contrasts quite markedly with the more common Frequentist paradigm. Syllabus

Independent Study in Geography (3 credits): GEO-6908 TBD

An Independent Study in Geosciences provides additional opportunities for students to work closely with a faculty mentor on a GIS, Remote Sensing or 3D Modeling research project. The course content, number of credit hours and deliverables vary from student-to-student and is dependent upon the availability of the faculty member to supervise the student’s work (i.e. some faculty members are not available during summer months). The student is expected to spend the same amount of time on an Independent Study credit hour as is expected in the standard course credit hours and the scope of work as well as end products (deliverables) are described in a proposal before the onset of the coursework.

GIS for Non-majors (3 credits): GIS-5049 (Online +classroom) Spring/Fall

The GIS for Non-Majors course is designed for students who may or may not have a background in geographic information systems (GIS). This course will provide an overview of the science, technology and applications of geographic information principles and concepts. We will examine the GIScience that provides the foundations for ArcGIS as well as real-world applications to gain meaningful analysis of spatial data. The field of Geographic Information Science (GISc) Systems (GIS) and Technology (GIST) has revitalized Geography as a discipline and is now extensively used in multi-disciplinary fields such as environmental sciences, biology, urban planning, engineering, geology, forestry, transportation, anthropology, agriculture, health, economics, and a number of other specialties. This course will provide you with a conceptual understanding of GIST, the ability to transition from a 3-dimentional, real-world environment, to a 2-dimentional portrayal of the real-world to communicate important information, as well as the ability to analyze spatial distributions and patterns. Syllabus

Global Positioning Systems (3 credits): GIS-5075 Fall

Course topics include: planning for data collection; field data collection; processing using differential correction; using GPS data in GIS; and GIS applications. Topics and examples will include GPS for public utilities, cultural and natural heritage projects, transportation, environmental science, and conservation biology. Finally, the integration of GIS with other technologies will be explored, including real-time tracking, location-based services, mobile GIS, and RTK GPS (survey grade). Syllabus

Advanced Remote Sensing (3 credits): GIS-6038C Fall

Course topics include: planning for data collection; field data collection; processing using differential correction; using GPS data in GIS; and GIS applications. Topics and examples will include GPS for public utilities, cultural and natural heritage projects, transportation, environmental science, and conservation biology. Finally, the integration of GIS with other technologies will be explored, including real-time tracking, location-based services, mobile GIS, and RTK GPS (survey grade). Syllabus

Readings in Remote Sensing (3 credits): GIS-6039 Spring

The focus of this course is an analytical study of selected application areas/topics in remote sensing. Discussion topics include data acquisition, sensor systems, multispectral and radar image analysis, change detection, and integration of remote sensing with GIS. The selected topics will cover, but will not be limited to: overview of remote sensing systems; land use/cover change detection; biophysical and biochemical parameter extraction; urban environmental study; analysis of water quality (ocean and inland lake); remote sensing of soil/minerals; remote sensing of wetlands/archeology; integration of remote sensing with GIS, and more (based on students’ research interests and areas). Syllabus

Geographic Information Systems (3 credits): GIS-6100

This course is designed to help students learn intermediate to advanced concepts of geographic information science (GIScience) and become proficient users of geographic information systems (GIS). The course covers a variety of topics but focuses on GIS data models, data structures, and spatial analysis. Teaching formats include both lectures and lab exercises. Syllabus

Programming for GIS (3 credits) : GIS-6103 Spring/Fall

This course is designed to provide students with the most up-to-date tools and information necessary for building and implementing customized GIS mapping applications and geo-processing functions using ArcGIS and the Python scripting language. The tools and concepts we will cover comprise an introduction to programming languages and development practices commonly used to integrate, customize, automate and extend desktop GIS technologies to meet the specific needs of end users. Automation of repetitive tasks can make your work easier, faster, and more accurate, and knowledge of a scripting language is a highly desired skill in GIS analysts. Syllabus

Environmental Applications in GIS (3 credits): GIS-6306 Spring/Fall

This course is designed to help students learn advanced concepts of geographic information science (GIScience) related to the fields of environmental science, natural resources, and ecology. Course topics include: landscape ecology and metrics; wildlife home range and habitat analysis; suitability modeling; terrain and watershed analysis. Teaching formats include both lectures and lab exercises. Syllabus

Museum Visualizations (3 credits): GLY-6739 Spring/Fall

The Undergraduate section of this course satisfies 3.0 credit hours of a 4000 level archeology elective in the Department of Anthropology. Students may also use this course as a cultural elective with approved project topic, and this course meets the requirements for a Methods course. The prerequisite is ANT-3101, Introduction to Archeology, or acceptable background as verified by Instructor. The Graduate section of this course meets the requirements for a 6000 level archeology elective and counts toward the CRM and Heritage concentrations. This course also satisfies credits toward the Museum Graduate Certificate Program at USF, and counts as a geography elective at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Syllabus

Master's Thesis: EVR-6971, GEO-6971 and GLY-6971 (3 credits): TBD by master's thesis chair

Students working with a concentration of GIST, Remote Sensing, or applications of 3D Visualization and Modeling will have a minimum of 6 credit hours that focus on their particular specialty.