Spring 2021 - GEOG 251 D100

Quantitative Geography (3)

Class Number: 2773

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 24, 2021
    Sat, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 100 or 111.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to basic quantitative techniques for the collection of geographic data. Topics include describing data, gathering samples, theoretical distributions, linking samples and populations, testing significance, and exploring spatial relationships all within practical, real-world application contexts. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Content:
Only basic statistics and computer knowledge is assumed. Each section will start with an introduction and objectives followed by lecture or lectures on the topic where students will learn about the theory; then followed by a lab assignment where students will practice the geographic analysis techniques. This course is an introduction to the use of quantitative information in geography, including data collection, management, and analysis. Analytical procedures will include graphical presentation of data, descriptive statistics, application of probability and sampling theory, and inferential statistics. Examples will be taken from both physical and human geography. Computers and data analysis software will be used

Course Organization:
Course lectures will be delivered online via weekly 2-hour modules. These lectures will be asynchronous. There will be one computer lab per week. The computer labs will be asynchronous.  Students will have the week to complete all material at their own pace (abiding by the due dates for assignments).

There may be a few synchronous tutorial/open discussion segments that will be recorded and posted online.  

The Midterm and Final exams will be asynchronous but in a limited time window.

The Instructor/TA will be able to answer questions during office hours (zoom), via email or by appointment.

Notes:
The content of the course is subject to minor changes

Format: Remote delivery. The course and lab begin in the first week of the term.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the conclusion of the course the successful student will be able to:

  • Explain the role of quantitative information in geographic research and applications
  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic descriptive statistics and regression methods as they apply to problem solving in Geography
  • Perform basic data manipulation, statistical calculations and graphical presentation using computer spreadsheets or statistical software
  • Evaluate the roles of probability theory and sampling distributions in drawing inferences about populations based on samples
  • Identify when and where statistical procedures are appropriate
  • Greater appreciation of statistics as tool for scientific research.

Grading

  • Participation 5%
  • Weekly Lab Assignments (12 total) 60%
  • Mid-Term Exam (asynchronous but in a limited time window) 15%
  • Final Term Exam (asynchronous but in a limited time window) 20%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Textbook and Software:
The software and required reading materials will be made available to you during the course.

Technical Requirements:
Modern Windows or Mac computer, speakers or headphones, keyboard, mouse, reliable internet connection.

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).