Conservation and Land Management in Practice
In this course we will investigate conservation and resource management issues with a focus on Trinchera Ranch, a 265-square mile ranch in the greater Sangre De Cristo Conservation Area in southern Colorado. Studying the application of conservation tools and practices at spatial scales from site to landscape, we will explore forest, game, and wildlife management; agricultural production; water use/conservation; fire; and energy. We will visit public and private lands to glean the local, regional and national context and hear numerous perspectives. We will develop spatial (GIS-based) analyses for conservation and management efforts on the ranch and in the region. This course counts as a cognate for ENVS majors.(Approval required; informational meeting on November 4 at 7:00 p.m. in MBH 331)

Winter 2014

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Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
This course introduces fundamental concepts and methods of geographic information systems (GIS): computer systems for processing location-based data. Through a sequence of applied problems, students will practice how to conceive, gather, manage, analyze, and visualize geographic datasets. Major topics will include raster and vector data structures and operations, geographic frameworks, and principles of cartographic design. (first semester first-year students and seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab.

Spring 2013

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GIS Applications
This course introduces the structure, concepts, and application of geographic information systems (GIS): computer-based systems designed to process large spatial databases. The productive use of GIS technology in the physical and social sciences, environmental management, and regional planning is investigated through a variety of applied exercises and problems. (Not open to first-year and sophomore students) 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab.

Fall 2009

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Independent Study
A one-credit intensive research project developed under the direction of a faculty member. Junior majors only. (Approval Required)

Fall 2013

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Environmental Remote Sensing
Remotely sensed imagery is increasingly important in natural resource planning and management. It has become essential in such applications as land cover change analysis, weather prediction, mineral exploration, and wildlife tracking. In this course it will be our goal to develop a critical understanding of key concepts and techniques in remote sensing for applications in geographical and environmental studies. We will first cover the history of remote sensing and the uses of aerial photography. We will then turn to computer-based satellite image interpretation and analysis. The course is approximately 1/3 lecture and 2/3 lab. (GEOG 0320)

Winter 2010, Winter 2011

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Conservation and Land Management in Practice
In this course we will investigate conservation and resource management issues with a focus on Trinchera Ranch, a 265-square mile ranch in the greater Sangre De Cristo Conservation Area in southern Colorado. Studying the application of conservation tools and practices at spatial scales from site to landscape, we will explore forest, game, and wildlife management; agricultural production; water use/conservation; fire; and energy. We will visit public and private lands to glean the local, regional and national context and hear numerous perspectives. We will develop spatial (GIS-based) analyses for conservation and management efforts on the ranch and in the region. This course counts as a cognate for ENVS majors.
(Approval required; informational meeting on November 4 at 7:00 p.m. in MBH 331)

Winter 2014

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