UNIVERSITY OF I 11'1 Main Adilliilirtratio~lBuilding
Collrgr Park, Maryland 20712-5031
301.105.5252 T E L 301.405.8105 FAX
NTAPAND
V
OFFICE O F T H E SENlORVICE PRESIDENT
F O R ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PROVOST
May 18,2006
MEMORANDUM TO:
Edward Montgomery
Dean, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
FROM:
Phyllis Peres
Associate Provost for Academic Planning and Programs
SUBJECT:
Proposal to modify the GIs Computer Cartography concentration in the B.S. in
Geography (PCC Log No. 05080)
pb
At its meeting on May 5,2006, the Senate Committee on Programs, Curricula, and
Courses approved your proposal to modify the curriculum of the GIs Computer Cartography
concentration in the B.S. in Geography. A copy of the approved proposal is enclosed.
The changes are effective in Fall 2006. The College should ensure that the new
requirements are fully described in the Undergraduate Catalog and in all relevant descriptive
materials, and that all advisors are informed.
Enclosure
cc: James Baeder, Chair, Senate PCC
Sarah Bauder, Office of Student Financial Aid
Mary Giles, University Senate
Barbara Hope, Data Administration
Kathy McAdams, Undergraduate Studies
Anne Turkos, Archives
Linda Yokoi, Records & Registrations
Shunlin Liang, Geography
THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK PROGRAMICURRICULUM PROPOSAL DIRECTIONS:
Provide one form with original approval signatures in lines 1 - 4 for each proposed action. Keep this form to one page in length.
Early consultation with the Ofice of the Associate Provost for Academic Planning & Programs is strongly recommended if there are
questions or concerns, particularly with new programs.
Please submit the signed form to Claudia Rector, Office of the Associate Provost for Academic Planning and Programs, 1 1 19 Main
Administration Building, Campus.
Please ernail the rest of the proposal as an MSWord attachment to pcc-submissions(a.umd.cdu.
PCC LOG NO.
DATE SUBMITTED 211 3/06
05080
COLLEGEISCHOOL: BSOS
DEPARTMENTIPROGRAM: GEOG
PROPOSED ACTION ( A separate form for each) ADD
DELETE
CHANGE-X-
DESCRIPTION (Provide a succinct account of the proposed action. Details should be provided in an
attachment. Provide old and new sample programs for curriculum changes.)
Add GEOG 306 - Introduction to Quantitative Methods for the Geographic Environmental Sciences as a requirement, and reduce
upper level geography electives fiom 6 hours to 3 hours. Add MATH 220 - Elementary Calculus - as a required Supporting Area
course.
JUSTIFICATIONIREASONSIRESOLTRCES (Briefly explain the reason for the proposed action. Identtfj, the
source of new resources that may be required. Details should be provided in an attachment.)
The proposed changes requiring Calculus and Quantitative Methods for the GIs Computer Cartography concentration in Geography
provides the necessary numerical background required for a technical degree in the field. No additional hours are added to the
program, and they reflect the general path taken by students in the program. The quantitative requirement also brings the G I s
program in line with the major requirements of Geography. No additional resources or new courses will be required.
APPROVAL SIGNATURES
1. Department Committee Chair
2. Department Chair
cJ
5. Dean of the ~ r a d b t eSchool (if required)
6. Chair, Senate PCC
7. Chair of Senate
+BV
[a-R-
8. Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost
VPAAP 8-05
A comparison of the Current and Proposed requirements for the Specialization in GIS &
Computer Cartography
CURRENT requirements for the
Specialization in GIS & Computer
Cartography
PROPOSED requirements for the
Specialization in GIS & Computer
Cartography
Geography Primary Courses – 8 credits
• GEOG 201/211
• GEOG 202
• GEOG 212
Geography Gateway – 6 credits – 3 each in a Human and
a Physical course
Human
• GEOG 310
• GEOG 312
• GEOG 313
• GEOG 326
• GEOG 330
• GEOG 331
• GEOG 332
• GEOG 334
• Other ______
Physical
• GEOG 340
• GEOG 342
• GEOG 345
• Other _______
Geography Primary Courses – 8 credits
• 201/211
• 202
• 212
Geography Gateway – 6 credits – 3 each in a Human and
a Physical course
Human
• GEOG 310
• GEOG 312
• GEOG 313
• GEOG 326
• GEOG 330
• GEOG 331
• GEOG 332
• GEOG 334
• Other ______
Physical
• GEOG 340
• GEOG 342
• GEOG345
• Other ______
Quantitative course – 3 credits
• GEOG 306
Upper level Geography Elective – 3 credits
• ___________
Upper level Geography Elective – 6 credits
• GEOG 306
• Other ______
Upper level Cartography, GIS, and Remote Sensing
Electives -15 credits
• GEOG 372
• GEOG 373
• GEOG 375
• GEOG 472
• GEOG 473
Supporting courses – 15 credits
Advanced Studies – 6 credits – must be 300 or 400
course level from outside the GEOG Dept.
Upper level Cartography, GIS, and Remote Sensing
Electives -15 credits
• GEOG 372
• GEOG 373
• GEOG 375
• GEOG 472
• GEOG 473
Supporting courses – 15 credits
• MATH 220 or MATH 140
Advanced Studies – 6 credits – must be 300 or 400
course level from outside the GEOG Dept.
GEOG Curriculum worksheet: Requirements for Specialization in
GIS & Computer Cartography (Revised)
Phone: 301-405-4073; geog-advise@umd.edu
Geography Primary Courses - 8 credits
Course Number
CORE
Credits
201
PL1
3
211
PL1
1
202
SB
3
212
1
Semester Completed
Geography Gateway – 6 credits – 3 credits in each a Human, and a Physical course
Type
Course Number
Credits
Semester
(circle one)
Completed
310, 312, 313, 326, 330, 331,
Human
3
2
Physical
332, 334, other_____
340, 342, 345 , other______2
Quantitative Course – 3 credits
Course Number
306
Credits
3
Upper Level Geography Elective – 3 credits.
Course Number
Credits
3
Grade
Grade
3
Semester Completed
Grade
Semester Completed
Grade
Upper level Cartography, GIS, and Remote Sensing Electives – 15 credits
Course Number
Credits
Semester Completed
372
3
373
3
375
3
472
3
473
3
Grade
Supporting Courses – 15 credits –Students are encouraged to take primarily Mathematics (MATH) and Computer Science (CMSC) courses.
Students interested in remote sensing may incorporate courses from Physics (PHYS), Biology (BIOL), or Atmospheric and Oceanic Science (AOSC).
The advising office must approve all supporting area courses prior to registration.
Course Number
Math 220
Credits
3
3
3
3
3
Semester Completed
Grade
Advanced studies – 6 Credits – Must be a 300 or 400 course level from outside the GEOG Dept.
Course Number
Credits
Semester Completed
Grade
3
3
*** Students must select a faculty advisor once they have reached 56 credits. ***
1
2
GEOG 201 and 211 must be taken simultaneously to count for PL CORE.
A Geography advisor must approve these courses.
r
[Fwd: Re: Letter Support]
Subject: [Fwd: Re: Letter Support] From: Robert Crossgrove <crossgro@umd.edu> Date: Tue, 25 Apr 2006 10:02:08 -0400 To: KBEARDSLEY@bsos.umd.edu, Claudia Rector <crector@umd.edu> -------- Original Message -------Subject:Re: Letter Support
Date:Mon, 24 Apr 2006 22:3 1:40 -0400
From:Denny Gulick <dng@,math.umd.edu>
To:David Lay <lay@math.umd.edu>, Robert Crossgrove <crossgro@,umd.edu>
Hi Professor Crossgrove, If the addition of the requirement of one semester of calculus (either Math 220 or Math 140) as prerequisite for the GIs specialization in the BS Geography degree would result in approximately 5-10 additional students, that would have a minimal impact on our program. In particular, 10 students extra in Math 220 would be be equal to about 1/12 of one TA assignment. My hunch is that the split would favor Math 220 rather than Math 140, and that likely some students would be taking Math 220 or Math 140 anyway, irrespective of prerequisite. Best wishes, Denny Gulick Professor of Mathematics Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies Department of Mathematics wrote:
On 4/24/06 7:01 PM, "David Layrl<lay@math.umd.edu>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Dear Bob, I am forwarding this request to Denny Gulick, our undergraduate chairman. I was not able to see him personally about this today. Thanks for writing with the enrollment information. One issue that might be discussed is whether a calculus course is the best choice to prepare your students for your 400-level courses. That would be your decision, of course. But it might be helpful to consider this. >
>
Sincerely, David Lay > Robert Crossgrove wrote: >
> > Hi David, >> > > This is Bob Crossgrove from the Department of Geography and fellow > > Senate PCC member. >> >> Our department is in the process of submitting a proposal to add >> MATH220 or MATH140 as a requirement to the GIs specialization in rhe
>> BS Geography degree. Since this will impact these math courses, we > > need to get a letter of support from the Math Department. >> > > Currently there are about 50 in the specialization, and probably > > represent about 5-10 additional students per semester taking these [Fwd: Re: Letter Support]
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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classes.
A letter of support can be in the form of an email.
For further information, contact the department PCC Chair, Dr. Joseph
Cirrincione, at jcirrinc@umd.edu or 54053.
Thanks,
Bob
Geography 306, Fall 2005
Introduction to Quantitative Methods for
Geographic and Environmental Sciences
TuTh 11:00-12:15pm, 1171 LeFrak Hall
Instructor: Naijun Zhou
Office: 1125 LeFrak Hall
Office Hours: TuTh 1-2pm
Phone: 301-405-4063
Email: njzhou@umd.edu
Course Overview
This course is an introduction to quantitative methods for geographic and environmental sciences. Geographers
and other environmental and social scientists use quantitative methods, such as statistics, to measure, describe,
and make estimates about variables across the landscape for a variety of reasons, such as developing and
testing hypotheses or to support decision making. Increasingly large amounts of spatial data are being
generated and used by all levels of government as well as by other private and public institutions. Thus,
developing solid skills in quantitative analysis should be a priority for any student in these fields.
Course Objectives
The main goal of this class is to provide a foundation in the quantitative analysis of spatial and other data, with
a particular emphasis on statistics and programming. In particular students will: (1) develop an understanding
of important theoretical concepts in statistical analysis; (2) gain experience in the application of statistics to
spatial and other data using specific statistical software; (3) develop basic skills in the elements of
programming. The class covers the fundamentals of statistical analysis including data display, data description
and summary, statistical inference and significance tests, analysis of variance, correlation and regression. The
class also touches upon more advanced statistical concepts and methods useful in Geography, including
principal component analysis and spatial statistics. Students will develop expertise in data analysis using
spreadsheets (Excel) and advanced statistical software (R/S-plus). Students will learn concepts and skills in
programming, generally as part of problem sets, using the rich programming environment of R/S-plus (similar
to the C programming language). Concepts will be presented and developed through the use of real world data
sets that cover both the natural environment as well as the social environment.
Who Should Take this Class?
This class is appropriate for anyone majoring in the geographic (both physical and human) and environmental
sciences. Students whose focus is on other aspects of spatial data handling and analysis, such as those in GIS
and remote sensing will find it especially useful. The course also provides a good introduction for graduate
students wishing to pursue more advanced course work in spatial analysis. There are no prerequisites for the
class at this time.
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Recommended Textbooks
The "required" text for this course is:
McGrew, J. Chapman and Monroe, Charles B. (2000). An Introduction to Statistical Problem Solving
in Geography (Hardcover), 2nd edition. McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 0697229718.
If you take good notes in class, you probably do not need to get it. You could also easily share the
book with someone and split the cost. It is available at the University Book Center (UBC), but is
considerably cheaper both new and used online at Amazon.com and addall.com.
Some homework questions would come from a workbook accompanying the textbook:
McGrew, J. Chapman and Monroe, Charles B. (2000). Workbook to Accompany An Introduction to
Statistical Problem Solving in Geography (Spiral-bound), 2nd edition. McGraw-Hill. ISBN:
0697229726.
The other required text is: Venables and Smith (2004). An Introduction to R, available for free as a pdf
file from http://www.r-project.org. You may also wish to consider purchasing the following very
good, but somewhat advanced, book on using R, especially if you are a graduate student or otherwise
plan on continuing to use the software: Dalgaard, Peter (2002). Introductory Statistics with R.
Springer. ISBN 0-387-95475-9. There are numerous web texts available for R as well.
Course Schedule and Readings
Week Date
1
Sep 1, 6
Topics
Introduction: Statistics and Data Basics
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Descriptive Statistics, Introduction to Excel and R
Probability and Probability Distributions
Sampling and Sampling Design
Point and Interval Estimation
Hypothesis Testing
Analysis of Variance: Two Sample Tests
Analysis of Variance: Multiple Sample Tests
Review, MIDTREM (Nov 1)
Goodness of Fit
Correlation
Regression
Thanksgiving; Descriptive Spatial Statistics
Inferential Spatial Statistics
Principal Component Analysis
FINAL EXAM 8-10 AM
Sep 8, 13
Sep 15, 20
Sep 22, 27
Sep 29, Oct 4
Oct 6, 11
Oct 13, 18
Oct 20, 25
Oct 27, Nov 1
Nov 3, 8
Nov 10, 15
Nov 17, 22
Nov 24, 29
Dec 1, 6
Dec 8, 13
Dec 15
Readings
Chapter 1,
2
Chapter 3
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 4
Chapter 12
Note: Readings are from the textbook by J. Chapman McGrew, Jr. and Charles B. Monroe. Because
we use statistic software, lectures may be split in two parts: one in the classroom (1171 LeFrak), the
other in the Geography Open Lab.
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Software
The required software for this class is R. R is the open source, freeware version of S-PLUS, one of the most
powerful and versatile statistical packages, and is available for free download for use on PC, Mac, UNIX and
Linux environments. The software is available in the LeFrak Geography Open Lab on the PC machines. The R
software and user manual may be downloaded for free from: http://www.rproject.org. In addition, you may do
some analyses with Microsoft Excel, again available on the Geography Open Lab PC machines.
If you wish, you may also use S-PLUS, available on the UNIX machines in the Geography Open Lab.
However, the official software will be R, and all homework assignments, examples, etc, will be with this
software (and Excel). Therefore it is advised that R be used. You may do your homework assignments either
using Open Lab machines, or on your own personal computer. A FREE home copy of S-PLUS Student Edition
is available at http://elms03.e-academy.com/splus/.
All students are required to have a UMD GLUE account, and they must have a UMD email address. We will
frequently use email for communication in this class, as well as to distribute materials, and we will only use
UMD email addresses. In addition all students must get access to the Geography Open Lab, PC and/or UNIX
machines. If your current email address is not the one listed by the UMD Registrar, please update that address
immediately.
Related Resources
There are a number of introductory statistics web sites that are very good and may help you considerably in
your understanding by providing a different perspective. For a list of online materials:
http://www.geog.ubc.ca/vgd/statistics/tutorials/tutorials.html.
Three that are recommended are below:
Statistics at Square 1.
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/statsbk/.
Electronic Statistics Textbook:
http://www.statsoft.com/textbook/stathome.html.
Simple R: Using R for Introductory Statistics:
http://www.math.csi.cuny.edu/Statistics/R/simpleR/
Course Requirements
Attendance at all lectures is strongly encouraged. Lectures will cover not only theoretical material, but also the
practical mechanics of using our software to answer specific problems. No lectures note will be posted or made
otherwise available, so it is unlikely a student will successfully complete the class unless most lectures are
attended. Students are expected to have completed reading assignments, if any, before class.
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Homework Assignments
There will be 6 homework assignments. All homework assignments must be turned in at the beginning of the
class at which they are due. Incompletes are only given in situations beyond student's control, such as illness,
family emergency, etc. Otherwise, late homework will have a penalty of 25% per day. Technical excuses
including "computer system error", "didn't print", etc. will not be accepted as reasons for late work. You are
expected to start the work early. Never underestimate the time you will spend on the assignments.
Academic Honesty
The University of Maryland has a Code of Academic Integrity that all students are expected adhere to. Please
see http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/index.html for specific information. Within our class, students
may work together on homework assignments, however, each student absolutely must turn in their own work,
from their own computer, and any discussion must be theirs alone, and not attributable to another person of
group. Students must list everyone they collaborated with on each homework problem. Students may not use
any textual discussion, calculations or programs from any other student or group of students.
Grading
Final grade calculation will be based on homework assignments, one midterm and final, weighted as:
homework (40%), midterm (30%), final exam (30%). Make-up exams will be given only for University
approved excused absences.
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