1 GIS APPLICATIONS IN EARTH SCIENCE (G492/592) POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Winter 2004 Term - Western Oregon University 3 CR W 5:30 - 8:30 PM Natural Sciences Bldg, Rm 216/101 INSTRUCTOR: Dr. S. Taylor OFFICE: RM 210 Natural Sciences Bldg OFFICE HOURS: M T 3-5 PM, F 10-11AM Phone: (w) 838-8398 (cell) 541-760-9216 By Appointment e-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.wou.edu/taylor COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to relevant problems in the Earth Sciences. GIS is comprised of computer hardware and software that links digital maps to spatial data. GIS systems provide the capability to store, retrieve, display, and quantitatively analyze map-based spatial information. Class topics include introductory GIS concepts, digital cartography, database functions, map projections, spatial data models, vector / raster data structure, spatial data analysis, image processing, and terrain modelling. THE PROFESSOR'S PHILOSOPHY ON UPPER DIVISION EARTH SCIENCE / GEOLOGY COURSES: The upper division Earth Science / Geology course sequence is designed for mature, serious students who are willing to work hard, play hard, have fun, and learn in-depth skills / concepts in a professional academic setting. By default, our student population is very diverse with a wide array of skills, interests, and career goals. The student population ranges from serious Earth Science majors with focused career objectives, to Geology / Earth Science minors to Science Education majors. As such, the professor is charged with serving a diverse array of student interests and career goals in the most professional manner possible. The problem-solving and technical skills acquired via training in the Earth Sciences are highly valuable (and marketable), regardless of career track. Students are expected to actively participate in the learning process and make a significant contribution to the academic integrity of the Earth Science program at Western Oregon University. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide graduates with the academic skills that will enable them to be highly competitive in graduate school or the career marketplace. GO TEAM! REQUIRED TEXTS: Chang, K., 2004, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, 2nd Edition: McGraw Hill, 400 p. NOTE: The text book includes a fully-working trial version of ArcView GIS software that you can install on your home PC. Insert the CD and the “start-run” function to the install the software and datasets on your computer. The installation is good for 120 days (4 months). ADDITIONAL READING: Getting to Know ArcView Tutorial – each student will be assigned a photocopied version of an ArcView tutorial manual. (Note: I want these back!). CLASS NOTES: A comprehensive set of instructor class notes are available for download via the internet. The class web site is at URL http://www.wou.edu/taylor ... and follow the links to the "G492" home page. The class notes are available as Adobe Acrobat Reader files (*.pdf file). Acrobat Reader is free and is installed on many campus PC's. For home installation, Acrobat Reader is also available for download at the class web site, but you will be responsible for properly installing the software (and will do so at your own risk!).2 Based on prior student suggestions, I have assembled my class notes and made them available. These notes may be freely printed at any campus internet station (e.g. ITC Bldg - Student Lab, Library, local department computer labs). The notes are in outline form and are very comprehensive. "Exam Study Guides" will also be posted on the web site as the term progresses. EVALUATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: Student performance will be evaluated on the basis of 2 exams (Mid-term, Final), weekly lab exercises, and a final project. The following is a breakdown of evaluation points, dates, and letter grades: Mid-Term Exam 100 pts Final Exam 100 pts Class / Lab Exercises 120 pts Final Project 45 pts ____________________________________ TOTAL: 365 pts Final Grading Scale _______________________________________________________________ Percent Range Letter Percent Range Letter of Total Points Grade of Total Points Grade _______________________________________________________________ 94-100% A 77-79% C+ 90-94% A- 73-76% C 87-89% B+ 70-72% C- 83-86% B 67-69% D+ 80-82% B- 63-66% D 60-62% D- <60% F _______________________________________________________________ Exams: Exams will be administered at evenly spaced increments throughout the semester; the final will be 20% comprehensive with test material drawn from throughout the term. Exams will largely consist of essay questions and homework-type problems. Warning: the exams are very comprehensive and will likely require a full 2+ hours to complete, please plan accordingly. You will be expected to use computers and software to complete the exams. Make-Up Exams: Under NO circumstances will make-up exams be administered without prior arrangement (at least five days) and good reason. Please show up on exam day! Class and Lab Assignments: Class and lab assignments will be worked BOTH during class time and outside of class time each week. You will have lab, reading, and homework assignments that may take up to 3 or 4 hours to complete outside of class time, maybe more in some cases, depending on your skill levels and ability. Please plan your schedule accordingly. Due dates for class exercises will be prescribed by the instructor. Late work will be accepted up to 1 week after the due date, but will be automatically assessed a penalty of -20% of the point total. Due to the volume of students assigned to the instructor each term, he will not be able to grade the lab exercise work in detail. The homework and lab assignments will be checked for completeness, with questions randomly chosen for content and accuracy. Grade points will be assigned on the basis of these two criteria. Exercise answer keys will be posted on the class web site by the instructor. It is your responsibility to: (1) check your work against the lab / homework keys, (2) make sure you understand how to complete the3 exercises, (3) find help if you have trouble with lab exercises, and (4) study / learn the exercise skills and material for the exams. A Note About Incompletes: No incomplete grades will be given during the last week of