GEOG 010
Introduction to Physical Geography (Exploration of Earth’s Ecosystems), Fall semester
Introduction to Physical Geography systematically examines the spatial patterns and interrelationships among physical elements at the earth's surface. Particular emphasis is given to developing an integrative view of how atmospheric, hydrologic, geomorphic, and biotic processes control the patterns of climate, water, landforms, soils, and biota across a local-to-global continuum. Those physical elements that influence and/or are influenced by people are the primary focus of study.
Physical geography does not simply discuss the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere in isolation; instead, it concentrates on understanding the integration of these realms of the natural world. For example, the study of weathering processes demonstrates how the physical and chemical breakdown of Earth's surface material depends on the interaction of air, water, and biota with rock.
The focus of physical geography is unlike the component disciplines from which it draws. On the one, hand, meteorology focuses on the atmosphere above our heads. Hydrology focuses on water in isolation from people. Geology and soil science focus on the Earth beneath our feet. Biology and ecology focus on the plants, animals, and ecosystems in isolation from people. One the other hand, physical geography concentrates on the surface of the Earth where the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere intersect. Introduction to Physical Geography is concerned with the human habitat-the life layer in which humans interact with their natural world.
Like all geography, five recurring themes permeate Introduction to Physical Geography: location, place, regions, movement, and human-environment relationships. Physical geographers not only are interested in where natural phenomena are located on Earth's surface, but also they want to know the answers to such questions as:
1. What is special about the physical processes that take place in a location?
2. How does the physical geography of a place relate to other places in the region?
3. How does energy and mass flow into and out of a region?
4. How do biophysical processes change as we move up and down spatial scales?
5. How do people influence natural processes? How do these processes influence people?
Other disciplines typically do not cover these spatial and nature-society themes systematically.
Physical geographers have developed and adopted many tools to address these themes. Maps are obvious choices, but geographers also use a wide array of photographic and imaging technologies to study the distribution of Earth processes and the processes themselves. They use geographic information systems and computer models to manipulate, display, and analyze spatial data. Introduction to Physical Geography acquaints students with many of these tools.
When the above points are taken together, physical geography emerges as a unique field of science. Introduction to Physical Geography provides a learning experience that students can get in no other discipline-one that takes an integrated view that makes the nature environment relevant.
GEOG 311
Introduction to Landscape Ecology (3), Spring semester
Landscape ecology is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates the tools and theoretical frameworks of geography, ecology and earth sciences. The focus of landscape ecology is on the controls, interactions and outcomes of spatial patterns and spatial processes on ecological dynamics at large spatial scales. Ecological systems are patterned in space by a wide range of interacting physical, biological and human processes. Spatial arrangement and spatial dynamics influence a broad array of ecological processes, such as the flows of energy and nutrients, dispersal and persistence of aquatic and terrestrial organisms, and the spread and impact of natural disturbances. In this course, students will explore the methods, theories, approaches and practical applications of landscape ecology as a framework for understanding landscape dynamics and interactions and how to apply this information for landscape management. Particular emphasis is placed on how humans have modified landscapes and how species, ecological communities, and ecosystems have responded to these changes.
Ecology 597B
Landscape Genetics and Microbial Biogeography (2), Spring 2008
GEOG 597E
Perspectives in Landscape Ecology (3), Fall 2008
Landscape ecology focuses on the interactions between pattern and process and is now well integrated into geographical and ecological theory. In this seminar, we will explore the roots of landscape ecology, in both geography and ecology. We will explore the conceptual basis of this fusion by reading classic papers in landscape ecology, prior to the rapid development of the field in the 1990s. We will also use this historical perspective to trace the contemporary challenges and opportunities that are likely to shape landscape ecology research over the next decade. Specific topics to be compared among historical and contemporary readings will include concepts and approaches (e.g., emergent behaviors, critical thresholds, sustainability), methods (e.g., metrics, spatial landscape modeling ) and applications (wildlife conservation, land management, ecosystem biogeochemistry).