Please click HERE for the university schedule of classes.
Brief Descriptions of Graduate Geography Courses (Prefix GEO):
###: University Class Number
(3): Number of Credits
LEC/LAB: Course contains a lecture and a lab
REC: recitation
TUT: course is a tutorial
SEM: course is a seminar
500 Introduction to Graduate Geography (3)
Prepares the student for graduate work in geography by providing an introduction to research techniques, scientific method and the research frontier in geography. SEM
501 Research Design (1)
The purpose of this seminar is to present and discuss preliminary research proposals for theses and
dissertations. The faculty will also participate by presenting current and proposed research activities. As appropriate, off-campus speakers will be
invited to present and discuss research topics of interest. SEM
502 Survey Methods For Human Geographers (3)
Designed to acquaint students with contemporary aspects of survey research in human geography, paying particular attention to sampling techniques, bias estimation
procedures, survey instrument design, response-rate enhancement, and statistical methods. Special attention is given to research designs that target
private business establishments, government organizations and/or public institutions. SEM
503 Geography Seminar. SEM (3-4)
504 Geography Seminar. SEM (3-4)
505 Univariate Statistics in Geography (4)
Introduction to the use of univariate statistical techniques in geography. Simulation experiments conducted in the laboratory. LEC/LAB
506 Geographical Information Systems (4)
Introduction to the use of high-speed digital computers in geographic research. Topics include
advanced programming, introductory machine architecture, large file handling and data base management systems, computer graphics and digitizing. Students
are expected to complete a major applications programming project as part of the course requirement. LEC/LAB
507 Location Theory (3)
Survey of the historical development of the central ideas of location theory and an analysis
of the origin and development of the major sub- fields of economic geography, spatial economics and regional science. LEC
508 Regional Analysis (3)
A survey of quantitative technique essential to subsequent graduate study in geography. An
in-depth study will be made of regional concepts, together with mathematics and computer algorithms accompanying these concepts. LEC
509 Multivariate Statistics in Geography (3)
Review of parametric and non-parametric statistical theory and an introduction to SAS. LEC/LAB
510 Advanced Pedology (3)
Trains the student in quantitative approaches in the investigation of soil-forming factors. Field
and/or laboratory situations in assessment of each factor. Each factor treated as an independent variable while holding other control factors constant. In
addition to lectures and discussion, the student is required to do intensive field work, individually or as a member of a work team and to learn sampling
and laboratory techniques. LEC
515 Landscape Ecology (3)
This course will examine the spatial structure, function and dynamics of ecosystems. This
perspective will be applied to landscape management and conversation problems. Topics include community classification, natural disturbance, species dispersal
and biodiversity. LEC
518 Population Geography (3)
Population studies including migration and methods of population forecasting and their applications. LEC
519 Transportation (3)
Evolution of the U.S. transportation system; contemporary transportation problems: provision of
transportation, transport networks, transport flows, urban transportation, logistics, information technologies; transport and urban forms. LEC
520 Transportation and Spatial Information (4)
Prequisites: GEO 519, GEO 506
Overview of data used in transportation, including travel behavior surveys, vehicle locations,
and traffic information. The course also covers GIS-T data models, data accuracy, primary and secondary data collection
and storage approaches, geo-processing of network data, principles of Intelligent Transportation Systems, and location-based services. LEC/LAB
525 Manufacturing Location Theory (3)
Theory and selected case studies of the location of manufacturing activity. LEC
528 Geography and Social Theory (3)
Introduction and critical analysis of the current debates in human geography as they reflect or
oppose social theory. Covers approaches such as: Marxist geography, structuration theory and realism, qualitative methods and methodologies,
alternative epistemologies, world systems theory, feminism, and post-modern geographies. SEM
529 Geography of American Pluralism and Public Policy Issues (3)
Course focuses upon the interrelationships that exist between the increased diversity in American
society and changing patterns of human spatial behavior and the spatial context of contemporary public policy issues in the United States. The dimensions of
diversity include those related to social class, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and age. Special attention is given to problem formulation and
research design, the interface between human spatial behavior and public policy at varying scales of geographic resolution, and constraints placed upon
geography research by data structures and analytical techniques. SEM
530 Urban Geography (4)
Urban Geography is the study of the spatial structure of urban and metropolitan areas. Among other topics, it includes: (1) a study
of the changing form of urban areas over time; (2) the behavior of people that gives rise to particular urban form; (3) the ways in which the internal
structure of cities affects behavior and welfare; and, (4) the various ways in which people perceive and interact with their environment. LEC/LAB
531 Introduction to International Business and World Trade (3)
Focuses on the evolving patterns, international framework, theoretical foundations and
locational strategies of international business. Special attention is given to the practical day-to- day operations of an export/import business. LEC
534 Graduate Research Problems (1-4) TUT
539 Graduate Tutorial in ITC (1-4) TUT
544 Environmental Change (3)
This course will investigate how landscape, and vegetation system in particular, have changed
over the past 10,000 years in response to environmental changes. The methods of fossil pollen and tree ring analyses will be focused on as tools to reconstruct
changes in environmental factors such as climate, fire, earthquakes and pollution. LEC
549 Fluvial Geomorphology (3)
Deals with the erosional and depositional processes of running water and the land-forms
produced by these processes. Emphasizes dynamics of the fluvial system and the interaction between man and the system. LEC/REC
550 Introduction to Graduate Cartography (4)
A general base in cartography for incoming geography students. Depending on prior cartographic
training, the student selects any combination of course modules (Cartographic Concepts; Cartographic Design and Laboratory Techniques; Elements of Computer
Mapping; Readings in Cartography). Introduction to these topic groups is given in a number of lectures, where the work within these modules to be done on an
independent basis. Depending on the student's background, the number of modules and/or the amount of work within these modules may be adjusted. LEC
551 Cartography and Geographic Visualization (4)
This course examines current issues in cartography and geographic visualization (GVIS),
focusing on the use of maps and other visual representations to facilitate thinking, problem solving, and decision making in geography. The lectures in
this course focus on the history and conceptual background of cartography and GVIS, visual functions and forms, and topics such as interface design,
animation, multimedia, hypermedia, color, sound, multivariate displays, terrain, etc. The laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience in
constructing basic cartographic visualization tools with various hardware devices and software packages. LEC/REC
552 Special Topics in Cartography (4)
Topics in cartography in a seminar format. Each semester one or two topics are covered
and recent research and developments in this field are discussed. Topics selected may include history of cartography, thematic cartography, map
perceptions and communication, analytical cartography, map projections, generalization, cartographic surface representation, etc. Course
work includes study of recent literature, a survey paper and/or a major project in the field in question. LEC/REC
553 Remote Sensing (4)
Prerequisite: GEO 481 or GEO 485 or permission of instructor
Principles, characteristics, and applications of remote sensing; practical training in the
methods and technique of the interpretation and analysis of aerospace remotely sensed data. LEC/LAB
554 Network and Location Analysis (4)
Prerequisites: GEO 519, GEO 506
This course examines the basic theories and concepts behind transportation networks, their structure and operation as well as their need in
different applications such as location theory. The topics covered will be approached from both a theoretical and a GIS perspective. LEC/LAB
555 GIS Algorithms and Data Structures (4)
Examines selected aspects of the design and operation of large, computerized systems for handling
spatial data. Detailed case studies of selected systems, e.g., the Canada Geographic Information Systems (CGIS) and the CBF/DIME system of the U.S.
Bureau of the Census included. Laboratory sessions serve to familiarize the student with the actual operation of selected systems. LEC/LAB
556 GIS Design (4)
Covers full range of considerations necessary to develop a geographic information system in a
governmental or other institutional setting. Topics include: 1) concepts of geographic information system development and use; 2) design and implementation
processes; 3) review of historical system development and applications; 4)application of these concepts to local needs. SEM/LAB
557 Thematic Cartography (4)
An advanced cartography course dealing with problems of compilation and design of special
purpose maps. Includes a discussion of the thematic maps as information media for spatial data. LEC
559 GIS and Environmental Modeling (3)
This course will emphasize GIS applications in environmental research. Methodology design will be the primary focus and discussed under
the following four topics: direct application of GIS functions, integrating GIS with statistics, and interfacing GIS and environmental models. The above three sections will be introduced
with case studies. The fourth section of the course is the advanced topics in GIS research. The course also offers a series of lab exercises to familiarize
students with basic operations of GIS projects. LEC
560 Tree-like Networks: Form and Function (3)
Discusses the following themes: the morphometry of trees, the principle of optimality as
applied to blood vessels, lungs, trees and rivers; and the modeling of trees by combinatorial methods and by simulation. The course includes lectures,
readings, student reports and a research paper. LEC
561 Advanced Climatology (3)
Intensive study of general climatology emphasizing synoptic, regional and physical aspects of the subject. LEC
564 Mobility and Flows (4)
Prerequisites: GEO 519, GEO 506
The study of spatial problems such as optimal location, logistics, and retail market analysis has long been one of the main areas of
geographic research. However, the individual human component, which constitutes one of the main actors in these
problems, is commonly missing. This course focuses on the study of the human decision-making process underlying
spatial mobility, which results in the creation of patterns and daily routines. It covers the different environments and
theories involved in the process, as well as the modeling techniques that have been used with an emphasis on the application of geographic information
systems. LEC/LAB
570 Drainage Basin Form and Processes (3)
Advanced seminar course dealing with drainage basic morphometry, dynamics and processes.
Particular attention given to hillslope hydrology and its impact on the hydrograph and to statistical properties of channel networks. SEM
574 Urban Transportation and Land Use Modeling (4)
Prerequisites: GEO 519, GEO 554, GEO 564
Examines the interactions between urban transportation and spatial patterns of land use in
cities. The course covers modeling issues related to the development and use of Integrated Transportation Land Use
Models, and their relationships to GIS, as well as policy issues advocated to reduce urban congestion, including transit oriented development, congestion
pricing, and other travel demand management issues. LEC/LAB
575 Landform Development (3)
Designed to familiarize students with standard field and laboratory techniques for
measuring and analyzing hillslope and river channel form and process and sediment size, shape and fabric. LEC
577 Urban Economics(3)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Recommended: Microeconomics and calculus.
Surveys contemporary mathematical land rent literature referred to as "consumption
theory of land rent," or "the new urban economics." Emphasizes urban equilibrium, optimum, the public section, externalities and housing. LEC
580 Macroeconomic Development (3)
This course will consist of four elements: 1) a review of the experience of the third world with
the processes of economic development; 2) a review of the major theories of economic development; 3) a review of the literature on regional aspects of economic
development; 4) an examination of some of the relationships between national and regional patterns of development. LEC
586 Spatial Decision Support Systems (3)
Prerequisite: GEO 481 or GEO 506
Adding the spatial element to decision support systems by integrating analytical modeling and GIS;
issues in system, design and implementation. LEC
590 Census Data and Their Use (3)
Critical review of pertinent literature within the field provides a foundation on which to base
empirical research in the next course in the sequence: Activity Analysis Problems. Includes in-depth examination of various measurement and analytical
techniques employed. Specifically, the course examines large portions of behavioral geography, disaggregate urban transportation studies and space-time budget studies. LEC
591 Introduction to Geographic Information Science (3)
This new course will present a survey of Geographic Information Science, the basic field underpinning geographic information systems (GIS).
Geographic information science rests in three basic areas: cognitive models of geographic concepts; computational and implementations of
geographic models; and interactions between GIS and society. The course will provide overviews of these three research areas.
The course will review applications of GIS and sources of geographic data, and include material on spatial data quality and spatial data standards.
It will also provide students with an awareness of the history of GIS, the current state of the GIS industry, and trends and projections for the
future. Ethical issues and legal dimensions of geographic information will be presented, and current high
priority research areas within geographic information science will also be reviewed. LEC
592 Geographic Cognition and Cognitive Geography (3)
This course provides an overview of spatial cognition and perception, and of the role of
cognitive models and evidence in geographic information science. Topics will include map perception,
wayfinding and navigation, behavioral geography, and environmental perception. The course will also
examine how natural languages represent and express spatial concepts. Applications for which a cognitive science
approach are especially valuable include: vehicle navigation systems, semantic data models, entity type
definitions for spatial data transfer standards, and design of user interfaces for geographic information systems.
Spatial reasoning, including hierarchical reasoning, will be discussed. The course will pay
particular attention to the research methods and kinds of evidence used by different contributing disciplines, and
it will examine how a multidisciplinary approach may advance progress in the disciplines involved. LEC
593 Computational Geography (3)
This course is devoted to the implementation of computational techniques and resources for the
exploration and analysis of large spatially referenced databases. The course provides an assessment of the
place and contribution of computational methods in spatial data handling. The next part of the course covers various
algorithms for treating geographic information (for instance, spatial aggregation, clustering, and scale dependence of
measurements [fractals], data quality and uncertainty. The last part explores “new” computationally intensive approaches to doing geography.
Topics will include cellular automata, artificial life, artificial neural networks, machine learning induction algorithms,
genetic algorithms, and other algorithms for spatial data mining and spatial data fusion. LEC
594 Geographic Information and Society (3)
Geographic Information and Society examines the interrelationships between GIS and the
political, economic, legal, social, cultural. Spatial and institutional structures of society. Two general
perspectives are reviewed: The institutional perspective focuses of GIS implementation processes and
benefit/cost measure in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and equity, as well as on theories and methods
for determining how spatial information influences land and policy decisions. The critical social theory
perspective focuses on a critical analysis of the effects of GIS technologies on individuals and groups,
including issues of representation, alternative modes of reasoning, and differential access to technology. Both theoretical and applied aspects of GIS and Society are
reviewed in the context of the two general perspectives. LEC
595 Database Design for Geographic Information Systems (3)
Prerequiste: Students should have completed an introductory computer programming course.
This course offers a theoretical foundation for representation of knowledge
in spatial information systems and logic based programming as a tool for
fast prototyping and design of geographic systems. Key topics discussed are
methods for formalizing interactions of geographic objects; characteristics
of various information models including hierarchical, network, relational
and object-oriented; overview of database management systems and their
suitability for spatial data; the transaction concept; and the design of
database scheme for geographic applications using the Unified Modeling
Language (UML) and Oracle RDBMS. Lecture concepts are reinforced through a
set of laboratory exercises. LEC
596 Children's Urban Geographies (4)
A service-learning course involving a seminar focused on the
cutting-edge field of children?s geographies and the opportunity to
conduct community service and qualitative research projects with
low-income children in Buffalo through an after-school program in the
city. Dual-listed with GEO496, the course is open to undergraduates and
graduate students who are interested in: critical urban geographies,
children and education, creative hands-on qualitative research,
community service. SEM
597 Geostatistics (3)
This course is designed to introduce basic concepts and applications of geostatistics. Geostatistics are considered one of the most
commonly used spatial interpolation methods in science and engineering research and professional applications. The lecture and
discussion emphasize underlying assumptions, statistical principles, and applications of geostatistics. The classroom
discussion is in conjunction with several lab sections and bi-weekly assignments to provide students hands-on experience of using the method. LEC
601 Supervised Teaching (1-4) TUT
605 Spatial Statistics (4)
Introduces spatial statistics at an advanced level. Numerical work is carried out with the help of
varies computer packages. Topics include spatial autocorrelation, space-time autoregression, simulation experiments in geography, shape indices and nearest
neighbor, quadrat and directional statistics. While applications are emphasized, an understanding of mathematical derivations is expected of the student. LEC/REC
610 Advanced Soils Field Problems (3)
This second-level graduate course expects the student to apply knowledge and techniques gained in
preceding courses to independent field research in an area of special interest. The student, under the supervision of the instructor, has to demonstrate
his/her understanding of the geomorphic setting of soil(s) under investigation, develop a soil-formation hypothesis and perform necessary field and laboratory
work to back up, statistically, the assumption contained in the hypothesis. LAB
625 Industrial Geography (3)
This seminar reviews a broad range of empirical and theoretical trends in the recent
literature on industrial geography. Topics covered include flexible manufacturing systems, corporate outsourcing, vertical
integration/disintegration, collaborative networks, industrial districts and the role of producer services in technological innovation. SEM
628 International Transportation (3)
The spatial variation in the functioning of international ports and airports. Geographical
variation in international trade routes, rates, risks and documentation. LEC
629 Mathematical Models in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (3)
A broad variety of models including discrete choice analysis, longitudinal data analysis, log-
linear modeling and matrix models are applied to a range of problems in the social sciences. LEC
630 Models in Urban Geography (3)
Analyzes distribution of urban population, household activity systems and social groups.
Attention is given to inter-urban migration and diffusion models. LEC
631 Project Guidance (1-3 credits) TUT
632 Macro Issues in Trade (3)
633 Critical Urban Issues (3)
In this course, we explore new debates, problems, and issues that are shaping contemporary urban
geography. It is assumed that students will have taken GEO 530 (or have an equivalent background in urban geography). This course is designed to consider
7-10 current issues or debates within this area of geography and critically evaluate each one for several classes. This course is designed to consider 7-10
current issues or debates within this area of geography and critically evaluate each one for several class meetings. This strategy allows students to achieve a
depth of knowledge and understanding that is not possible in broader "survey" courses. Topics will vary year to year, but possibilities
include: urban social policy, housing, employment and labor markets, metro-regions and "megacities," land-use and the (re)construction of
urban landscapes, urban politics, race and the city, gender issues in urban geography, the "globalization" debates, and Third World cities. Prospective
students are encouraged to contact the professor for information before the start of classes. LEC
634 World Cultural Regions and Commercial Problems (3)
Directed principally to students preparing for careers in international business, this
course is intended to provide a better understanding of cultural differences among peoples and the geographical relationships underlying them. Emphasizes
those aspects most important for designing international marketing strategies and making locational decisions. SEM
636 Spatial Problems of Multinational Operations (3)
Examines geographic aspects and problems of multi-plant, multinational business enterprises.
Special attention is given to the growth and spread of MNC manufacturing and service industries, international movement of investment capital, global
rationalization of industrial production and the impact of MNC behavior upon host-and home-country growth and development. SEM
639 ITC Special Topics.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
REC
640 The Organization of Industrial Space: The Asia-Pacific Region (3)
The first part of the course will provide and overview of the theoretical explanations of
industrial development in East, South, and South East Asian economies. The second part of this course will focus
upon international economic relations in the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus upon the role of the United States and Canada in forging
business linkages in the Asia-Pacific region. LEC
650 Advanced Topics in Cartography. SEM
655 Advanced Topics in Geographic Information Systems (3)
Seminar dealing with selected and specialized technical topics relating to design, development
and technical structure of geographic information systems. Seminar topics vary and are selected by the students and faculty involved. Participation
presupposes satisfactory completion of GEO 555 and 556. SEM
666 Geography of Information (3)
This course deals with the geographical impact of new information technologies on society in
general, cities and regions in particular. It covers a diverse selection of material ranging from science parks to technopolis policies to the emergence of
new electronic networks and new telecommunications. It deals with the transition to postindustrialism set in the context of a history of computing
and other media. We deal with changes in manufacturing processes, the provision of services, the use of transportation and telecommunications, and the
development of new information infrastructures which form the new media of cyberspace. The course emphasizes that to research the geography of the future,
these new technologies will form both the instruments as well as the objects of study. LEC
674 Advanced Land Use Analysis (3)
Reviews current literature in land use analysis. Students are presumed to know basic theory,
models and methodology of land-use analysis and thus be able to evaluate some of the more recent examples in the literature. LEC
675 Land Form Analysis Topics (3)
Advanced level seminar which reviews recent research in selected topics. These topics are
selected by students in consultation with instructor. SEM
680 Technology, Globalization, and Development (3)
This course will focus on the theoretical underpinnings of the processes associated with
development, and examine their geographic implications. A related objective of this course is to
understand the impact of science, technology, and innovation on economic and social development at an international scale. LEC
687 Urban Theory and Policies (3)
Prerequisites: GEO 507 and GEO 508
Advanced course in geography and economics. The course covers a review of spatial theories of
urban structure in geography and in economics and focuses attention upon specific examples of problems of policy analysis. Among others, some of these
problems deal with spatial distribution of housing, education, transportation and urban finance. LEC
699 Applied Skills Supervision. TUT
701 Thesis Conference (1-6) TUT
710 Graduate Seminar in Soils (3)
Designed to offer a forum for advanced graduate students and interested faculty members to probe
highly specialized concepts of pedology. The student does intensive readings and research in original areas of study to report to seminar members for
further elaboration. The research area is selected by student, with approval of instructor and may represent topic of soil specialization in which student is
doing his/her degree research. SEM
720 Seminar in Transportation Geography. SEM
725 Problems in Manufacturing Geography SEM
730 Seminar in Urban Geography. SEM
741 International Trade Concentration (ITC) Internship and Research Project (6)
Prerequisites: GEO 531, GEO 632, GEO 634 and GEO 636.
The internship assignment is designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply
previously learned skills to day-to-day problems and activities of business firms and service agencies operating at the international level. LAB
742 Geography Graduate Internship. TUT
774 Seminar in Land Use Analysis. SEM
799 Advanced Research Seminar. SEM
800 The Art of Teaching (2)
Lectures, demonstrations and student presentations in the methods of teaching geography. SEM
