Based on the belief that we cannot relate to and solve environmental problems elsewhere in the world without a basic knowledge of the issues immediately around us. A ground level-view of environmental change and landscape ecology. Emphasizes spatial reasoning and analysis. Topics include spatial data models, data requirements and acquisition, spatial analysis using GIS, implementation within an organization, and especially the application of GIS to problem-solving in other disciplines. Two lectures, two laboratories.
Students learn data entry, data manipulation, and database structure.
The material learned in the first two weeks in then applied to help investigate environmental problems. Students learn the multidisciplinary techniques of management. Offered as needed. 210 Energy and the Environment. Sources, production, distribution, and consumption of energy are considered with special attention to alternative energy systems including wind, solar, and geothermal and conservation.