GUS 4065/5065: Applications in GIS/Geographic Data Systems
General Information
Meets: Tuesday, 2:40-5:00, 336 Gladfelter Hall
Instructor: Jeremy Mennis
328 Gladfelter Hall
Phone 215-204-4748
Purpose of the Course
The purpose of this course is to build on the material presented in GUS 0262/0462: Fundamentals of GIS and demonstrate how GIS may be applied to the analysis of physical and human systems. Topics of the course include network analysis, terrain and hydrological analysis, and interpolation of environmental and population data. The lecture portion of the course will incorporate both lecture-based learning as well as discussion. The lab portion of the course offers a series of GIS exercises. At the end of the course the student is expected to grasp advanced GIS analysis and modeling concepts.
Note that this is not 'just' a software training course! You will indeed finish the course with advanced skills in a specific GIS software package. However, broader learning objectives for this course include general scientific literacy and graphicacy (the understanding and creation of maps and other graphic representations), as well as developing critical thinking skills.
Prerequisites
A introductory course in GIS, or equivalent coursework or experience.
Attendance
Attendance at each class is not mandatory. You are also free to leave at any time during the 'lab' portion of the class devoted to completing lab assignments. Keep in mind, however, that prolonged absence from class will likely affect your participation grade, inhibit your understanding of the lecture material, and prevent you from receiving help on the lab assignments.
Text
There is no required text for the course. There are a series of required readings specified on the course schedule page. These readings can be accessed from links on the schedule course web page. A short quiz will be given on the day the reading is due (the day the reading is listed for on the course schedule).
Grading
Midterm Exam15%
Final Exam15%
Quizzes5%
Lab Exercises30%
Class Participation10%
Term Paper/Project25%
The Final Exam will be comprehensive (covering the entire course) and both exams will include information covered in the lecture and lab portions of the course. Both exams will also cover all assigned readings.You must complete all the labs and both exams to pass the course. Make-up exams will be given only for documented medical emergencies.
Lecture
The first 50 minutes or so of each class will be devoted to lecture.The lecture is intended, as much as possible, to be an interactive environment. Please feel free at any time during lecture to ask a question or make a comment. Conversely, you are expected to respond to discussion questions asked in class. We will devote time to discussing assigned readings. Participation in the discussion is required and goes toward the participation portion of your final grade.
Lab
The remainder of each class following the lecture will be devoted to lab. During lab, students work on lab assignments that provide practical experience in applying the concepts learned in lecture. The lab portion of the course will use the commercial GIS software package ArcGIS, created by Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI). ArcGIS is common in academic, government, and industry settings.
Disabilities
Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss the specific situation as soon as possible. Contact Disability Resources and Services at 215-204-1280 in 100 Ritter Annex to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty (i.e. cheating on tests, copying another student's assignments, plagiarism, etc.) will not be tolerated.
Classroom Environment
All persons participating in the course should be respectful of other students and the instructor in order to facilitate a civil learning environment. All persons participating in the course have a right to expect respectful treatment in the classroom.
Statement on Academic Freedom
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed through the following link: