Instructor: Paul F. Hudson, Ph.D.
GRG 336
E-MAIL: pfhudson@mail.utexas.edu
Phone #: 232-1554
Office Hours T/3:45-4:45

Lecture

• GRG 102
• T/Th 2:00 - 3:30

Labs

• GRG 206
• Sections: #36165 (F/8-10), #36170 (W/9-11), #36175 (F/1-3), #36180 (W/1-3)
• Lab T.A.: Steven Rogers (e-mail: srogers@mail.utexas.edu) and Ophelia Wang (e-mail: opheliawang@mail.utexas.edu)
  • T.A. office hours: T/3:45 - 5:45, GRG 206

Course Description
Advances in geographical sciences and the proliferation of environmental databases make Geographers well poised to conduct sophisticated environmental analysis on an array of topics. The purpose of this course is to introduce Geographers to the practice and theory of utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a method for analysis of environmental problems. To this end, the class utilizes a lecture and lab format. Lectures will emphasize general principles and theory in GIS, and the nature of spatial data systems. Labs will be oriented towards concepts discussed in class by employing ArcGIS to the display and analysis of spatial data, particularly environmental data. At the end of the semester students should feel comfortable applying GIS to a range of environmental issues, and have a solid understanding of the procedures and data necessary to conduct the appropriate geographical analysis.

Notice: It is not possible to perform well in this course without spending a substantial amount of time, beyond the class hours, in the Holz Laboratory (GRG 206) and in the Environmental Information Systems Laboratory (GRG 302). Student's should review their course schedule to insure that they will be able to dedicate a sufficient amount of time to the course, and withdraw if they are not able to make the commitment (from 2-20 hours per week depending on the lab and student competence).

Labs
A large part of the course is a series of carefully designed labs. The labs will become increasingly sophisticated as the semester progresses and are cumulative in that the later labs will utilize skills from earlier in the semester. You will work with your TA in your lab section, but you can also expect to complete the labs outside of lab hours. Labs are due the following week on your personal course directory. If you are having trouble completing your lab assignments do not hesitate to contact the teaching assistant or myself. You will need to purchase CDs for laboratory assignments and project. For a couple of the advanced labs you will work with a partner.

Final Project
Each graduate student will complete a final project related to some aspect of watershed sciences pertaining to the Texas environment. The project will include a concise paper (3000-4000 words) published on the web, an oral presentation, proposal, and an ArcGIS project. The effort is expected to be comprehensive in its analysis and output, and of professional quality. The paper should include appropriate data sources, citations, tables, and figures (adhering to a journal format).  Each graduate student must submit a formal proposal outlining the purpose, objectives, and methods.

Course Texts (available at the University Co-Op)
Chang, K. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, 3rd Ed. McGraw Hill, New York, 400 p.

Ormsby, T., Napoleon, E., Burke, C., and Feaster, L. Getting to Know ArcGIS. ESRI Press, Redlands, CA, 541 p.

You will be assigned readings from the online text Fundamentals of Physical Geography (FPG), The Geographers Craft, other online sources, and class hand outs.

Policies

Attendance: You are required to attend all classes and labs.

Lateness: Late labs will be assigned a 5% reduction per day. The labs require a lot of time to grade, so please do not ask for extensions.

Lab rules: All students must read and comply with the laboratory which are also posted in the Environmental Information Systems Laboratory and are online. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with EISL policies. Failure to do so may result in the loss of your lab privileges.

Academic Integrity: All students are expected to adhere to University policies concerning scholastic integrity. Any form of scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with in an appropriate manner as outlined by the University. "Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying academic records, and any act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student (such as, but not limited to, submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses without the prior permission of the instructor, providing false or misleading information in an effort to receive a postponement or an extension on a test, quiz, or other assignment), or the attempt to commit such an act." Student's should refer to the University guidelines on Academic Dishonesty (section 11-802).

Disabilities: The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4641.

Grading
Two exams @ 40%

Ten labs @ 60% (graduate students: final project = 30%, labs = 30%)

created 8/'98, posted by pfh 5/12/'05, last edited by pfh 9/28/'05