Curriculum for a Minor in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing


 
 
 
CSC 111 or CSC 115 Intro to Computing/ Computer Science I 3 Credit hours
GEOG 221 Cartography 3 Credit hours
GEOL 332 Geomorphology / Aerial Photography Interpretation 3 Credit hours
GEOL 360 Introduction to GIS 4 Credit hours
GEOL 365 Introduction to Remote Sensing  and Digital Image  Processing  4 Credit hours
GEOL 461 Advanced GIS 4 Credit hours

                                                                                                                  Total = 21 Credit hours



Course Descriptions

CSC 111       Introduction to Computing   3 credit hours

Introduction to the concepts of computing:  hardware and software.  Using the computer to solve professional problems,  as well as development of computing skills to process documents; to develop spreadsheets and graphs; and to use database management tools.  Not for majors in Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or Technology.  Prerequisite: None.

OR

CSC 115    Computer Science I      3 credit hours

A first course in computer science for Computer Science majors/minors as well as Science and Math majors.  An overview of computer science and an introduction to programming.  The course is taught in C, and the topics covered are data types, expression, assignment, selection, repetition, and function.  Students are required to carry out programming projects.  Prerequisite: None.

GEOG 221    Cartography    3 credit hours

Planning and construction of thematic maps for use in communicating the spatial relations of geographic and geologic information.  The course includes topographic, geographic, and thematic maps.  Elements of map design and introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are also covered.  Lecture two hours; Laboratory, two hours.  Prerequisite: None.

GEOL  332    Geomorphology/Aerial Photo Interpretation      3 credit hours

This course reviews the fundamental geomorphic principles which govern the development and modification of landforms, and explores the methods and techniques used in gathering geological, environmental, physical, and political information from aerial photography.   Prerequisite: None.

GEOL 360    Introduction to Geographic Information Systems     4 credit hours

This course includes learning the basic GIS operations, design, preliminary exposure to geographic data structures, and hands-on experiences with several GIS programs through exercises.  Lecture and laboratory, four hours. Prerequisites:  CSC 111 or CSC 115 or computer experience and GEOG 221.

GEOL 365    Introduction to Remote Sensing  and Digital Image  Processing
 4 credit hours

Basic principles of remote sensing and image analysis using a computer system with the end result of producing a map.  Discussed are the introduction and basic principles, electro-optical sensors and imagery obtained, data acquisition and image processing, georeferencing, and terrain corrections.  Lecture and laboratory, four hours.  Prerequisites:  CSC 111 or CSC 115 or computer experience and GEOL 332.

GEOL 461    Advanced Geographic Information Systems
4 credit hours

An advanced GIS course with emphasis on students' individual projects.  Laboratory and lecture on advanced GIS functions will be tailored for the needs of the individual relating to their project.  Prerequisite: GEOL 360 and GEOL 365.