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Graduate Course Descriptions

Geospatial Sciences Course Offerings and Descriptions

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Geology (GEOL)

Course Number: 5101
Credit Hours: 1
Title: Institutes in Earth Science

Course Description:
Summer, in service, or other institutes for earth science teachers. Credit varies with duration. The description of the area of study of each institute will appear on the printed schedule. May be repeated for credit when nature of institute differs sufficiently from those taken previously. Offered: Other

Course Number: 5301
Credit Hours: 3
Title: Special Topic Env Geo

Course Description:
Summer, in service, or other institutes for earth science teachers. Credit varies with duration. The description of the area of study of each institute will appear on the printed schedule. May be repeated for credit when nature of institute differs sufficiently from those taken previously.

Course Number: 5303
Credit Hours: 3
Title: Advanced GPS methods and Applications

Course Description:
This course is designed for graduate students to demonstrate a clear understanding of the GPS signal, codes and biases, describe the differences between relative and autonomous GPS positioning, code phase carries phase, DGPS and RTK. Students will learn the practical applications of GPS and the implications of its modernization. Lectures on GPS fundamentals will be augmented with hands-on training using GPS equipment. Students will use GPA equipment to perform survey and mapping. final project is required.

Course Number: 5311
Credit Hours: 3
Title: Principles of GIS

Course Description:
This course will provide graduate students with an applied knowledge in making professional GIS maps, cartography methods, types of geospatial data, choosing and applying analytical methods for geospatial data including density analysis, interpolation and overlay analysis. Each graduate student will be assigned a research project. You will choose a research topic for your project. You will work on designing your project, data collection, data processing and analysis. You must write a scientific report of your project and present the results to the class.

Course Number: 5312
Credit Hours: 3
Title: Advanced GIS Analysis and Applications

Course Description:
This course is designed to advance students' knowledge in the rapidly developing field of Geographical Information Science and Systems (GIS). This course is built on the techniques learned in the Fundamentals of GIS (GEOL 5311) course by exposing the student to more advanced methods in developing and utilizing GIS data. Students will gain skills and knowledge of design, planning and error within GIS data management, analytical decision-making techniques and advanced spatial and statistical analysis, Python Script and Model Builder, web mapping and collector, digital image processing and analysis in ArcGIS, and working with LiDAR datasets. Students will gain deep understanding of the potential value of GIS through lectures, exercises of the latest versions of ArcGIS software and research projects in a broad range of applications.

Course Number: 5313
Credit Hours: 3
Title: Geospatial Research project

Course Description:
This course is designed to advance a student's knowledge to design, manage and complete a research project that emphasizes the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This course is built on the techniques learned in GEOL 3311. Undergraduate students will work in groups of 2 to 4. Student groups will agree with the instructor on a suitable problem and then solve it by acquiring, organizing and analyzing data using a GIS. Projects must include a substantive analytical component where GIS is central to the methods used.

Course Number: 5314
Credit Hours: 3
Title: Principles of Remote Sensing

Course Description:
This course will introduce fundamental concepts and develop basic skills related to the use of remote sensing data. The primary goal of the course is to introduce students to the principles of remote sensing, physics of remote sensing, spaceborne satellite systems and remote sensing data types including multispectral, hyperspectral and RADAR. Hands-on exercises will be provided to teach students how to obtain and process satellite imagery, analyze and synthesize information from remotely sensed data. Students will also be able to communicate findings. In addition, students will be assigned a research project for mastering digital image processing techniques for environmental applications. Each student will be required to give a 15 minute oral presentation on their research project and submit a final project report.

Course Number: 5316
Credit Hours: 3
Title: Remote Sensing Data and Applications

Course Description:
This course assumes students have a prior knowledge in the basics of remote sensing and have experience with digital image processing software, particularly ENVI. Students will develop a strong understanding of the tools and techniques used to display, process and analyze remotely sensed data. Upon completion of this course students will be able to develop analytical workflows to derive products and extract information from remotely sensed data for a broad range of applications that include wetlands, water quality, coastal changes, vegetation analysis, mineral resources, land use and land cover changes. throughout the course students confront realistic problem scenarios that will test their ability to apply the tools and techniques covered in the course. The culmination of this course is an independent final project in which students will demonstrate their ability to apply new skills to a real-world situation of personal or professional interest.

Course Number: 5317
Credit Hours: 3
Title: Seminar in Geospatial Science

Course Description:
The seminar series will provide a forum for graduate students to learn about current and cutting-edge activities in Geospatial Sciences, GIS, Remote Sensing, and Drone Photogrammetry. To meet these expectations, a student must conduct research on a current topic from published papers, write an abstract that relates a general synopsis of the research paper, develop a presentation based on the findings, and deliver a presentation. A student is expected to create and present a PowerPoint presentation on one of the seminar topics. Furthermore, a student is expected to question speakers competently and probingly.

Course Number: 5318
Credit Hours: 3
Title: Drone Photogrammetry & Apps

Course Description:
Drone technology is developing aggressively and many governments and non-government agencies are considering acquiring such systems. Throughout the course, students will learn about drone safety and current policies, components, principles of photogrammetry, cameras and imaging systems. A student will write and submit a scientific report and prepare a Powerpoint presentation on the report followed by 5 minutes for questions from the audience.