Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - GEOG 150 D100

Digital Earth (3)

Class Number: 4289

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 8, 2021
    Wed, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Practical applications of geographic information techniques for analysis and problem-solving in multiple contexts. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:
Practical applications of geographic information techniques for analysis and problem-solving in multiple contexts. GIScience is a well-established and integrative discipline at the intersection of spatial data management, spatial analysis and statistics, geovisualization and remote sensing. GIScience allows analysts to understand spatial patterns and act on them by visualizing and analyzing events on the earth using computers and digital data. A wide range of events can be studied using GIScience including patterns of: human settlement, natural landscapes and geology, water flows, animal movement, retail store siting, voting and politics, urban land use, human health, and criminal activity.

This course will demonstrate how the various GIScience components contribute to a more complete understanding of real-world events and processes. Students will also obtain an understanding of how GIScience analysis can be extended to benefit research and policy in a multidisciplinary context.

Course Organization:
There will be one key lecture per week. The lectures will be asynchronous. Students will learn about and practice geographic analysis techniques through lectures, computer labs, and assignments. Selected short readings will enhance and extend understanding of the materials presented in the lectures.

There will be one key computer lab per week. The computer labs will be asynchronous. Data sets and software analysis will reinforce the methods from the lectures. The labs will prepare students to complete the graded assignments and mini-project. The labs will also allow students to apply GIScience techniques to a variety of problem contexts and provide the basis for further study in GIScience and other areas.

Format: Completely online. The course begins in the first week of the term.

Notes: The contents are subject to minor changes depending on the number of students and available resources.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge about geographical information science concepts
- Obtain working competence in using software tools for problem-solving
- Conceptualize GIScience based solutions for a range of spatial problems

Grading

  • Course Participation 5%
  • Quiz 10%
  • Assignment 45%
  • Mini-Project 15%
  • Final Exam (synchronous) 25%

NOTES:

All marks in the course are absolute and hence NOT scaled or assigned based on a curve.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Software:
The software will be made available during the course.

Requirements for Online Learning:
Modern Windows or Mac computer, video camera, microphone, keyboard, mouse, reliable internet connection.

REQUIRED READING:

Required reading materials will be made available during the course.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.