Course Description

EEOS 100

The Earth

This course introduces the discipline of geography and uses content matierual based on national standards for geographic and earth science education.  The focus os on the relationships between people and their physical environments.  The course also uses tools of earth and geographic scientists.  The course is for non-majors only; it introduces prospective teachers of earth science and geography to the field.  Students may not earn credit for both EEOS 100 and EEOS 101.

EEOS 101
The Global Environment
An analysis of the physical geographic environment includinhg the globe, the atmosphere and ocean, climate, soils, vegetation, and landform. Positive and negative interaction of human beings with these aspects of the environment is examined where appropriate.
3 credits

EEOS 102
World Regional Geography
An overview of world regions in terms of the physical environment, human populations and the relationship between them. Topics with a focus on diversity are discussed from an international viewpoint and center on particular countries.
3 credits

EEOS 110
Earth's Dynamic Systems
The basic principles of this course are embodied in the rock and hydrologic cycles. It examines the igneous, metamorphic, sedimantary, tectonic and weathering systems of the rock cycle, and the runoff, glacial, ocean, groundwater, and atmospheric systems of the hydrologic cycle. A laboratory component includes one or more field trips to sites where geological phenomena can be viewed.
4 credits.

EEOS 112
Historical Geology
A general survey of the physical evolution of the earth through time. Temporal relationshios of mountain-building episodes, economic mineral resources, disribution of continents and ocean basins and paleo-life are among the topics examined. Emphasis is given to methodology and techiniques used to ascertain time relatiohshoips and how they are applied to the development of a geologic time scale.
3 credits

EEOS 115
Environmental Geology
This course examines geological phenomena that adversely affect the human environment, inlcuding earthquakes, weather, climate, volcanoes, tsunamis, landslides, and subsidence and erosion. Topics also include those geological impacts which are the result of human activities, such as subsidence, flooding, soil degradation, and hazardous material contamination.
3 credits.

EEOS L120
Introduction to Environmental Sciences
This course offers a braod overview of the physical, chemical, biological and geological principles underlying the environmental sciences.  Students are introduced to natural processes and interactions in the atmosphere, ocean and on land.  The course focuses on biogeochemical cycling of the elements, as well as on changes in these natural cycles with time, especially recent anthropogenic effects.
3 credits

EEOS 200
Geographic Skills
This course is a comprehensive and laboratory-based introduction to the essential skills of geographic analysis. These include: map reading and interpretation, analysis of aerial photographs, especially color infra-red photos (stereo-viewing), and the presentation aspects of mapping, including computer-aided mapping on PC.
4 credits

EEOS 221
The Urban Physical Environment
An introduction to the physical environment of the city, the factors that constrain human activities and the impacts of man-made conditions on the environment. Topics include: topography, geology, the urban heat island, water, waste-disposal, pollution problems, and planning for reduced hazards and impacts. Labs involve analysis of constraints in one urban area.
3 credits.

EEOS 225
Weather and Climate
This course investigates atmospheric processes froming the basis for eweather patterns and climatic development on a global scale. Major topics include earth-sun relationships, heating and cooling of the atmosphere, atmospheric circulation, pressure patterns, air mass formation and frontal systems, episodic storms, vertical zonation of climate, and the Koppen System for evaluating and classifying climatic phenomena.
3 credits

EEOS L226
Introduction to Oceanography
This course offers a broad overview of the historical, geological, chemcial, physical and biological principles of oceanography. The student is introduced to plate tectonics and ocean sediments; waves, tides and ocean circulation; the chemistry of the ocean and atmosphere; and marine life. Discussions cover the origins, present workings and future of the oceans.
3 Credits

EEOS 227

Marine Resources

EEOS 250
Today's Issues in Environmental Science
Designed for non-science majors, the course explores the complex environmental problems facing our society today. These issues can be placed under 3 headings: populaiton, resources nad pollution. Worldwide, national nad individual perspectives are emphasized, and environmental "doom-and-gloom" scenarios are avoided. The course seeks to demonstrate that environmental awareness and citizen concern may result in far-reaching improvements.
3 credits

EEOS 251
Geography of Latin America
The primary focus of this course is the evaluation of the geographic environment and its relationship to regional differentiation and development. Topics include land tenure and distribution systems, economic integration palns, trade patterns, urbanization, land-use patterns, rsource imbalance, industrialization, and spatial integration.
3 credits.

EEOS 253
Geography of Middle East and Norther Africa
Evaluation of the geographic environment and its relationship to regional differentiation and development. Topics include land tenure and distribution systems, urbanization, trade patterns, land-use systems, settlement patterns, reousrce imbalance and geostrategic theories and implications.
3 credits

EEOS 254
Geography of Anglo-America
Evaluation of the geographic environment and its relationship to regional differentiation and development of the U.S. and Canada. Subjects include populaiton distribution, physical factors which contribute to human patterns of land tenure, economic integration palns, urbanization, industrialization, resource imbalance and spatial differentiaiton and integration.
3 credits

EEOS 260
Global Environmental Change
This course examines the cross-disciplinary interactions and cycles that cause global environmental change and the impact of human activities on natural earth-ecosystem processes, including global warming, pollution, resource use, deforestation, ozone depletion, and biodiversity reduction. The environmental, social and economic trade-offs associated with policy and management decisions will also be discussed.
3 credits

EEOS 261
Statistics of Earth and Geographic Sciences
This course focuses on fundamental statistical concepts, methods in data analysis and applications to earth and geographic sciences. Topics include frequency distributions and graphic representations, measures of central location, probability distributions of random variables. Chi square test, sample size determination and linear regressions.
3 credits

EEOS 265
Computer Applications in Geography
This course teaches the fundamentals and geographic applications of computers. Topics include components of a computer system and their functions; special hardware requirements for geographic applications; DOS, UNIX. Windows OS; software for geographic applications; telecommunications and computer networking; and the uses of computers in spatial analysis, form and process modeling, automated cartography, digital processing and analysis of remote sensing data, and GIS.
4 credits

Laboratory component - required

EEOS L267
Introduction to Biological Oceanography/ Marine Biology
This course will examine some of the dominant habitats within the marine world in terms of the organisms that inhabit these regions, the biological and chemical processes that are dominant within those environments, and the impact of the habitat on the ocean and on humans.
3 credits

EEOS 270
Urban Geography
This course is an introduction to the spatial analysis of cities from two different perspectives. The first approach views cities as points and focuses on themes of evolutionary distribution, differential growth patterns, Third World urbanization, and the theoretical basis fo the size, spacing and function of cities. The second approach views cities as areas and is primarily concerned with the location of people and facilites inside the city.
3 credits

EEOS 280
Economic Geography
This course is an introduciton to the field opf economic geopgrapohy. Topics include the evolution of global economy, factors influencing the location of economic activities, and the need for sustainable economies.
3 credits

EEOS 298
Pacific Rim Geography
Provides students with a geographic contecnt of the Pcific Rim, through exloration of themes. Areas to be studied include Japan, four significant economic powers (China, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan), the emerging industrial states of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, and three resource-rich countries (Australai, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea).
3 credits

EEOS 302
Geomorphology
A topical approach to the analysis of landforms and the processes responsible for their formation. MAp and aerial photographic interpretation are used to demonstrate the relationship of underlying structure to destrcutive and contructive proccesses at various stages of landform development. Environmental, regulatory, and other applications are discussed.
3 credits.

EEOS 303

Mineralogy

EEOS 305
Hydrology
Hydrology is the science of the waters of the earth - their occurence, distribution, circulation and chemistry. This course introduces students to the physical scinec of hydrology in the context of its application to real-world problems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the physical processes that form the water cycle (precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, infiltration, and groundwater flow).
3 credits

EEOS 312
Glacial and Quaternary Geology
The significance and effefts of the last ice age. Causes of ice ages, ice dynamics, comparison of glacial events of North America to glacial events throughout the world and current investigations concerning ice ages are among the topics discussed.
3 credits

EEOS 324
Coastal Zone Managemment
This course is concerned with coastal environmental problems and their solutions, It discusses in general the identification of the component parts of the coastal zone and the development of appropriate policies for their management. Field trips to representative areas (relative to Mass CZM) are required.
3 credits.

EEOS 327
Estuarine Geography
This course focuses primarily on abiotic and physical factors in shallow water coastal environments. Particular emphasis is given to detailed examination of Massachusetts. This course includes field trips.
3 credits.

EEOS 340

Planning and Land Use Law
A study of the law as it has developed and applies to the planing process and the regulation of land use in the US, with emphasis on Massachusetts.
3 credits.

EEOS 341
Urban Land Use
A field work approach to land-use analysis in a local area. Class work involves designing a land-use classificaiton system, basic map reading, and discussion of land-use problems in the selected araea. Students are expected to field map and classify existing land uses, analyse the present problem, identify conflicts and pose possible solutions.
3 credits

EEOS 350
Quantitative Hydrogreology
This course review standard quantitative aspects of hydrogeology and then applies a series of comupter models to a number of different hydrogeological situations. Field data from pump tests, slug tests, and contaminant flow are invetigated with programs such as modflow, graphic groundwater, rock ware, and aquifer test in order to ascertain important groundwater characteristics.
3 credits.

Pre-requisite - EEOS 295

EEOS 351

Statistics for Geoscientists

EEOS 352
Political Geography
A functional approach to the study of state formation and evolution. Analysis of the role of geopolitical factors as they relate to the development of internal and external tensions, boundary formation, sea frontiers, capital cities and core areas, territoriality and state-identification, and spatial organization. Geostrategic theories and major writings in the field are stressed.
3 credits.

EEOS 355
Historic Environments
A descriptoion, evaluation and analysis of present North American physical environments and how they have been altered by our urban-industrial evolution. The course focuses on the historical development of interactions among settlements, economic activity, resource exploitation, waste disposal technologies and the natural settling, culminating in how we have arrived at our current altered or damaged environments. Several field trips are required.
3 credits.

EEOS 360
Computer and Analytical Cartography
Topics include cartographic design, cartographic transformations, digital data formats, software for automated cartography, generation of comuter maps, and cartographic modeling.
4 credits

Pre-requisite - EEOS 265

EEOS 370
Remote Sensing
This is an introductory course on the principles and techniques of remote sensing. It covers the physical principles of electromagnetic radation, remote sensing systems, interpretaion of aerial photographs, satellite remote sensing data, thermal and radial imagery, and appllicaitons of remote sensing techiiqeis.
4 credits

Pre-requisite - EEOS 265

EEOS 375
Urban Planning
A case method approach to urban planning. Students are supplied with a standard "request for a proposal" for a master plan. As an end product, they must present and submit a proposal for review. Class work focuses on how to use planning process to design a master plan and on various approaches to desgning zoning ordinances and land-use controls.
3 credits.

EEOS 378
Resource Management
Using geographic concepts and tools (including maps), this course considers in depth the environmental impact of development on the resource base, particularly on water and related land resources in Massachusetts. The course also considers the impact of geographic patterns developed by urbanization; the service economy; efforts to deal with environmental impacts statements; various relevant agencies; legal controls; and other factors affecting the environment. A major project is required.
3 credits

Pre-requisite - EEOS 101

EEOS 380
Introduction to Geograohic Informaiton Systems
This course is concerned with computer handling of spatial data. It covers essential elements of a GIS, hardware requirements, GIS software, data acquisition, data structures, spatial databases, methods of data analysis and spatial modeling, and applications of GIS in solving a variety of environmental and economic problems
4 credits

Pre-requisite - EEOS 265

EEOS 381
Applications of Geographic Information Systems
This course is designed to give students an overview of GIS applcations, a thorough understanding of the design and operation of some commonly used GIS packages, and the practical experience of using GIS to solve a real world problem. Students go through the entire process from project design and data collection to analysis and presentation of resutls.
4 credits

EEOS 383

GIS Water Resources

EEOS 385
Applied Hydrogeology
This course provides comprehensive coverage of groundwater hydrology from theory to practice, with application to issues of groundwater supply, quality and reosurce management.
4 credits

EEOS 401
Field Methods in Hydrogeology
This course introduces students to the basic field techniques and methods used to characterise and investigate hydrogeologic systems. The course is intended to complement the theoretical aspects of hydrogeology, providing students with field experience in hydrogeologic analysis.
4 credits

Pre-requisite - EEOS 385 or permission of instructor

EEOS 410
Cartographic Design and Communication

This course teaches the effective design of maps for communicating spatial knowledge and analyzing geographical data.  The course introduces the theory of cartographic design, language and examines examples of maps produced by private companies and governments.

3 credits

EEOS 415
Multimedia Cartography

The object of this course is to teach theoretical principles of multimedia cartography, and the techniques to implement them.  This is accomplished by introducing the principles of multimedia cartographic design.  Students learn how to integrate maps with images, data, movies and sound, and acquire the technical knowledge necessary to develop multimedia products.

3 credits

EEOS 417
Internet Geography
This course is to study the theoretical principles of internet geography, especially cartography and Internet GIS, and to learn how to design and implement a website using geographical data and GIS mapping-based software. A basic knowledge of computer cartography and GIS is required.
3 credits

Pre-requisite - EEOS 360 and EEOS 370, or permission of instructor

EEOS 444
Cooperative Education Field Experiences and Geographic Sciences
In this program, majors are plaed in paid work positions. Credit is awarded only to those who complete an approved learning prospectus, including working reports and a substantial research project.
3 to 6 credits

EEOS 460
Digital Image Processing in Remote Sensing
This course is concerned with computer processing and analysis of remote sensing data. Topics include radiometric and geometric characteristics of remotely-sensed data, image processing systems, image restoration, enhancement techniques, thematic information extraction, classification accuracy assessment, and integration of remote sensting and geographic information systems.
4 credits

EEOS 465
Environmental Modeling with Raster GIS
This course focuses on two different topics. The first is raster data models, their structure and function, and their use in a modeling context. The second topic is the use of modern structured design techniques to form a basis for the correct design and implementation of GIS applications.
3 credits

Pre-requisite - EEOS 380

EEOS 470

Avenue Programming

EEOS 471
Arc Macro Language
Couse designed to respond to the strong demand of the booming GIS industry for Arc Macro Language (AML) programming skills. It teaches the concepts and techniques of AML. Students learn to write AML programs for automating frequently performed (ARC/INFO) functions, standardizing procedures for particular organizations, providing utilities to help inexperiences users to perform complex operations, and developing customized graphic user interfaces to meet the specific needs of various applications.
3 credits

EEOS 472
C Programming for Geoscience Applications
This course teaches the basic concepts and skills of C programming. It emphasizes the characteristics of geoscience applications and special programming techniqes for spatial data processing. Exercises include writing programs for statistical analysis, implementation of geoscience models, and reading, analysis and graphic presentation of spatial data such as digital elevation models, digital line graphics, and TIGER files.
3 credits

EEOS 478 and EEOS 479
Independent Study
This course provides an opportunity for a qualified, advanced students to work on a specialized topic or research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor outside the traditional lecture/discussion/laboratory framework. Meetings between student and faculty member take place to define goals and expectations and to facilitate the work.
1 to 3 credits.

EEOS 480
Special Topics
Provides an opportunity for presentaiton of particularly timely lectures/laboratories/field material which do not fall under the purview of any other course.
1 to 4 credits

EEOS 499

Practicum

3 to 6 credits