Courses

Explores human interactions with environments over time and space through topics directed toward an understanding of the ways in which humans live, and the means by which they interpret and manipulate the physical earth. Topics will include the character of the earth's physical landscapes, distribution of energy in the form of weather and climatic regions, biological communities, human interactions with these physical systems, and how human diversity in language, religion, economics, and politics, has differentiated and influenced human interaction on the planet.

Studies the world and its transformation to the modern distinction between technological and developing nations, and a survey of present conditions among its various regions.

Presents a region-by-region analysis of the diversity of people and environments of North America. Emphasis will be on the study of similarities and contrasts in regional landscapes and on interactions with other peoples and regions of the world.

Studies basic elements, processes, and distributions associated with people's principal ways of life, their interrelationship with the natural environment, and socio-cultural diversity including: population, race, language, religion, political, and economic systems.

Instructs the use (and misuse) of maps. Basic principles of communication using maps, including projections, scale, and symbolization, as well as measurement and analysis of mapped information. The introduction of current mapping skills through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is emphasized through cartographic exercises. This is a lab science course.

Examines the land, resources, and people of Minnesota, and the processes that have led to the development of regions in the present and will change the state in the future.

Examines the atmosphere and its behavior in relation to weather and climate. Examines atmosphere structure, stability, and motion; earth energy balance, precipitation processes, pressure systems, cloud development and type, ocean currents, general meteorological patterns in time and space. Observation and analysis of satellite imagery and digital meteorological and climatic information. Evaluation of natural factors of climate patterns as well as the reconstruction of past climates. Investigation of climate change from the past up to the present time and human activities that influence climate.

Explores the origin, nature, location and management issues of natural renewable and non-renewable resources on a global scale. Fuels, energy sources, soils, minerals, fisheries, and forests will be examined with other natural resources.

Emphasize the interactions of the biosphere, geological and climatic systems in the development of the pattern of regional environments including the study of spatial patterns and processes associated with the Earth's natural systems. Investigate the interactions of geology, ecosystems and weather and how such interactions impact diverse populations around the world in terms of agriculture, economics and natural resources.

Instructs the use of digital data storage, retrieval, manipulation, analysis and display of spatial and temporal data using Geographic Information Systems(GIS) technology through a combination of class presentations and laboratory exercises. Both general theory and specific application with respect to GIS will be addressed as well as the present application of GIS in various industries. This is a lab science course.

Provides a holistic approach to the workings of the atmosphere and climatological impacts on global human populations. Topics include weather patterns and long-term trends, including global climate change. Climatology relative to the United States will be examined in the context of extreme weather and alternative energy source potential.