Undergraduate Program

Survey of environmental issues related to the degradation of land, air and water resources.

This course introduces the physical elements of world geography through the study of climate and weather, vegetation, soils, plate tectonics, and the various types of landforms as well as the environmental cycles and the distributions of these components and their significance to humans.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Exercises designed to complement 1160. Applied problems in the spatial processes of the physical environment. Map construction and reading, weather and climatic analysis, classification of vegetative and soil associations, landform distribution analysis. Two hours lab.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Pre- or corequisite: 1160.

This course serves as an introduction to the study of human geography. Human geography examines the dynamic and often complex relationships that exist between people as members of particular cultural groups and the geographical "spaces" and "places" in which they exist over time and in the world today.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area IV: Social/Behavioral Sciences.

Overview of the physical geography, natural resources, cultural landscapes, and current problems of the world’s major regions. Students will also examine current events at a variety of geographic scales.

Maps are tools for communication. Will explore scale; projections; symbolization; generalization; alternative or non-tradition map representations provided by GIS, remote sensing, multimedia and animated maps.

Students gain field and laboratory experience in geographic data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Topics include map reading, spatial sampling and statistics, the global position system (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and cartography.

This course examines and the complex and fascinating world of beer. It examines social and ecological influences on its development and explores the functions of beer from historical, economic, cultural, environmental and physical viewpoints.

(Also offered as ME 217)

A look at the social, ethical, and environmental impacts of energy use both now and through history. A survey of renewable energy and conservation and their impact on environmental and social systems.

(Also offered as POLS 254, SOC 354)

Introduction to Latin American Studies through the social sciences examines major themes including colonialism, agrarian transformation, urbanization, demographics, family, human rights, inequalities, violence, and social movements. Emphasis given to insights gained from making interdisciplinary connections.

(Also offered as LTAM 360; POLS 360)

This course serves as an introduction to the cultures and societies of Latin America from an interdisciplinary perspective. The course surveys the region using materials drawn from both the humanities and social sciences.

Field-based learning experiences focused on the collection and analysis of natural phenomena. Methods for recording and analyzing climate, vegetation, biodiversity, and disturbance patterns are explored through field and laboratory experiences in the Albuquerque region. 

Prerequisite: 1160 and 1160L.

(Also offered as EPS 352)

Comparison of natural and anthropogenic causes of large-scale climate change. Factors influencing development of mitigation of adaptation policies.

Prerequisite: MATH 1220 or MATH 1230 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1512.

Exercise of legal and political power over land and other resources. Resolution of conflicts between competing land users.

This class examines the relationships between law and geography, interrogating how law shapes the human experience of place, and the ways that a variety of spatial categories inform the law.

This course explores the human dimensions of geographical challenges through the traditions, actions and social organization of contemporary western and global/international human systems.

Introduces fundamental statistical and quantitative modeling techniques widely used in geography. Emphasizes geographic examples and spatial problems. Includes a lab component that covers the use of statistical software in geographic analysis. Fee required.

The study of spatial data, spatial processes and an introduction to the computer tools necessary to analyze spatial representations of the real world. Exercises in data acquisition, preprocessing, map analysis and map output. Fees required. Three hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

This course introduces fundamental qualitative methods and research design widely used in geography. Emphasizes geographic examples and spatial problems through the completion of an independent research project on a geography topic.

This course is intended to provide GIS software users with an introduction to Python, the de facto programming language of the GIS community.

Prerequisite: **381L.

This course is intended to provide advanced GIS software programing experience, with an emphasis on the creation of standalone, distributable programs in Python, the de facto programming language of the GIS community.

Prerequisite: 427.

This course introduces the geography of the Southwest, focusing on New Mexico. Students will conduct independent research in conjunction with a multi-day field trip.

Field course focusing on food and craft production as related to geography, sustainability, and development in indigenous communities in Oaxaca, Mexico. Topics include indigenous culture, food systems, globalization, heritage and tourism, economics and material culture.

This seminar explores how power and space together shape contemporary sociocultural, political, and ecological worlds. Focal topics and theoretical approaches will vary each semester. 

Examination of critical issues of environmental degradation in global and local system related to: air and water pollution, soil erosion, deforestation, strip mining, over dependence on fossil fuels and improper management of toxic and other wastes. Appraisal of the conservation methods and policies applied to these issues and the outlook for the future.

In this class, we view political considerations as inherent in water management and unavoidable. This focus on politics before technical water resource manipulation is what we call water governance, compared to traditional "water resource management". 

Defining public and private rights associated with managing natural resources is the key to many of the current controversies concerning the environment. This course looks at public land policy and policy related to other common property resources such as water, the oceans, and the coastal zone.

Students gain an advanced introduction to the social and environmental effects of individual food choices, through the analysis of the sociocultural and biophysical relationships embedded in various agricultural and food production systems.

This class examines the vectors of difference - cultural, economic, political, legal and environmental - that animate urban form and life. Class involves fieldwork.

The role of global and regional governmental and non-governmental organizations in environmental politics, and the process of their formation and change in response to environmental problems.

Course uses human geography to explore development and historical economic and environmental change in Latin America, with a special focus on the second half of the 20th century.

Students examine how geographic knowledge may be applied beyond academia, through discussion of key ideas in geography, personal values, and career goals. Students gain practical experience preparing for professional careers.

Restriction: senior standing.

Thematic mapping of qualitative and quantitative data, including graphic design theory and appropriate statistical and representational treatment of geospatial data.  Fees required.  Two hours lecture, four hours lab.

Prerequisite: 281.

Introduces the concepts of remote sensing of the Earth, sensors and photographic systems used, and the basic processing and analysis required to bring the imagery into GIS. Includes a lab component. Fee required.

Prerequisite: **381L.

Explores the utilization of remote sensing imagery through advanced processing and analysis. Covers the integration of imagery into specific research areas, including biological, geological, urban and hydrological analysis. Includes a lab component. Fee required.

Prerequisite: 483L.

Current and emerging approaches to internet mapping, including geospatial interoperability standards, technologies, and capabilities. Includes a lab component that covers the use of various types of software and applications. Fee required.

Prerequisite: **381L.

Selected applications of Geographic Information Systems, including anthropology, business, crime, ecology, engineering, health, planning, water resources and others. Covers analytical techniques specific to selected applications. Fee required.

Prerequisite: **381L.

Spatial analysis and modeling techniques using Geographic Information Systems. Includes a lab component that covers the use of GIS and other software to carry out analysis projects. Fee required.

Prerequisite: **381L.

Selected advanced concepts and techniques in Geographic Information Systems. Includes a lab component that provides students with the opportunity to apply concepts and techniques in a hands-on manner. Fee required.

Prerequisite: **381L.

Supervised individual study and field work. Must be taken for 6 credit hours in the Honors program.

Written field analysis of a project coordinated between student, faculty and public or private manager. Credits to be determined by supervising faculty.

Specific topics in geography which relate contemporary issues to the discipline. Topics will be noted in the appropriate schedule of classes. Credit can be applied by majors to the appropriate department group requirements for the degree.

Examines, evaluates, and criticizes the methods geographers have used to analyze the reciprocal relationship between humankind and the environment.

Introduces the basic elements of research design and proposal writing, focusing on examples from current geographic research.

Prerequisite: 501.

This course explores the interdisciplinary nature of natural resource challenges. Topics will vary each semester. Field trips will be included to investigate issues relevant to the class.

This seminar explores how power and space together shape contemporary sociocultural, political, and ecological worlds. Focal topics and theoretical approaches will vary each semester. 

This course investigates development and globalization as inter-related processes that have transformed many societies and created a global economy and society. It grapples with ideas of development from different perspectives, including geography, anthropology, and economics.

(Also offered as OILS 515)

This course builds upon the foundations of information practice with an emphasis on spatial data. Students will survey essential methods for evaluating, accessing, organizing, storing and securing spatial data and information.

This course provides graduate students with the opportunity to explore theoretical, technical and applied advancements in remote sensing as a tool for monitoring and managing earth resources

Prerequisite: (583L or 483L) and (584L or 484L).

Examination of current trends in Geographic Information Science, including technical, social, institutional and legal issues.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

This course is intended to provide GIS software users with an introduction to Python, the de facto programming language of the GIS community.

Prerequisite: **381L or 581L.

This course is intended to provide advanced GIS software programing experience, with an emphasis on the creation of standalone, distributable programs in Python, the de facto programming language of the GIS community.

Prerequisite: 527 or 427.

This course provides an intensive overview of the unique physical geographies of arid regions with concentrated precipitation, commonly known as drylands. The course introduces drylands bio-geographies, geomorphology, and fluvial processes.

Examination of critical issues of environmental degradation in global and local system related to: air and water pollution, soil erosion, deforestation, strip mining, over dependence on fossil fuels and improper management of toxic and other wastes. Appraisal of the conservation methods and policies applied to these issues and the outlook for the future.

In this class, we view political considerations as inherent in water management and unavoidable. This focus on politics before technical water resource manipulation is what we call water governance, compared to traditional "water resource management". 

Defining public and private rights associated with managing natural resources is the key to many of the current controversies concerning the environment. This course looks at public land policy and policy related to other common property resources such as water, the oceans, and the coastal zone.

Students gain an advanced introduction to the social and environmental effects of individual food choices, through the analysis of the sociocultural and biophysical relationships embedded in various agricultural and food production systems.

This class examines the vectors of difference - cultural, economic, political, legal and environmental - that animate urban form and life. Class involves fieldwork.

The role of global and regional governmental and non-governmental organizations in environmental politics, and the process of their formation and change in response to environmental problems.

Course uses human geography to explore development and historical economic and environmental change in Latin America, with a special focus on the second half of the 20th century.

Introduces fundamental statistical and quantitative modeling techniques widely used in geography. Emphasizes geographic examples and spatial problems. Includes a lab component that covers the use of statistical software in geographic analysis. Fee required.

Introduces the concepts underlying Geographic Information Systems and its utilization for the input, storage, manipulation, query, display, and analysis of geographical data. Includes a lab component that covers the range of analytical techniques available in current software. Fee required.

Introduces the concepts of remote sensing of the Earth, sensors and photographic systems used, and the basic processing and analysis required to bring the imagery into GIS. Includes a lab component. Fee required.

Prerequisite: **381L or 581L.

Explores the utilization of remote sensing imagery through advanced processing and analysis. Covers the integration of imagery into specific research areas, including biological, geological, urban and hydrological analysis. Includes a lab component. Fee required.

Prerequisite: 483L or 583L.

Current and emerging approaches to internet mapping, including geospatial interoperability standards, technologies, and capabilities. Includes a lab component that covers the use of various types of software and applications. Fee required.

Prerequisite: **381L or 581L.

Selected applications of Geographic Information Systems, including anthropology, business, crime, ecology, engineering, health, planning, water resources and others. Covers analytical techniques specific to selected applications. Fee required.

Prerequisite: **381L or 581L.

Spatial analysis and modeling techniques using Geographic Information Systems. Includes a lab component that covers the use of GIS and other software to carry out analysis projects. Fee required.

Prerequisite: **381L or 581L.

Selected advanced concepts and techniques in Geographic Information Systems. Includes a lab component that provides students with the opportunity to apply concepts and techniques in a hands-on manner. Fee required.

Prerequisite: **381L or 581L.

This course is designed to expose students to the underlying theories, purpose, scope, and procedures of qualitative research, especially as applied to human geography.

Supervised individual study and field work.

Written field analysis of a project coordinated between student, faculty and public or private manager. Credits to be determined by supervising faculty.

Development of an advanced project in geographical research under the supervision of a graduate committee. A grade of CR is earned if the project is approved by faculty committee.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only. 

Prerequisite: 501 and 502.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Specific topics in geography which relate contemporary issues to the discipline. Topics will be noted in the appropriate schedule of classes. Credit can be applied to the appropriate department group requirements for the degree.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Overview of geographic history and philosophy, with emphasis on relationship between theory and practice. Includes virtual and in-person meetings with students from both UNM and NMSU.

Introduction to research design in geography, with emphasis on the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods. Includes virtual and in-person meetings with students from both UNM and NMSU.

Prerequisite: 601.

This professional development course focuses on communication, ethics, grantwriting, and applied geographical work in the student's area of interest.

Prerequisite: 602.