Advanced Studies Grad Course Example Topics 


Introduction

Here you will find a list of topics that might be used under an "Advanced Studies" (Specialized) course number (i.e. 9200, 9300, 9400, 9500, 9600).  It is not an exhaustive list.  These courses are meant to be tailored to the students' needs but need to be "arranged with instructor" (AWI).  For more details about courses see the course regulations. 

Example Specialized Course topics (click table headers to sort)

Topic and Description (click either header to sort) Instructor
Fluvial Geomorphology
A seminar course on the fundamental concepts and research methods in fluvial geomorphology. Topics will vary depending on the student's interests but will focus on river hydraulics, sediment transport, channel morphology, river channel response to environmental change and applied fluvial geomorphology.
Ashmore
Paleolimnology
Paleolimnology is the analyses of the physical, chemical and biological properties of lake sediments in order to determine environmental change. This course includes an overview of limnological processes, paleolimnological techniques, and an understanding of the contributions of paleolimnological research to global change issues.
 Moser
Biogeography
Applications in biogeography relating to the distribution, dynamics, and management of plant and animal populations in fragmented landscapes.  Students will review theories and concepts associated with landscape biogeography and apply this knowledge through computer-based exercises, field work, and the completion of a research project.
 various faculty
Hydrology
This lecture/discussion course will cover topics in watershed hydrology.  The course instructors will combine their expertise to deliver a series of lectures that reflect a comprehensive coverage of hydrological sciences.  A preliminary list of lecture topics includes: basic hydrologic processes and concepts (e.g. water budget, hydrological flowpaths, runoff processes); hydrologic measurements (ground, airborne and satellite); hydrologic modeling (tracers, isotopes, numerical); and societal relevance of hydrological sciences.  Following the series of lectures, graduate students (either individually or in a group) will present a seminar and a paper on a topic approved by the instructors.
 		Creed/Branfireun/

Smart/Sass
Landscape Modeling
This course investigates landscape modelling and computational geomorphology. Topics are tailored to the students' interest but will focus on techniques, applications, limitations and contemporary issues in numerical simulation of landscapes.
 Van de Wiel
Urban Climatology
This course examines the field of urban climatology through sample papers that represent observational, modelling, conceptual and applied studies in urban climate. The course will allow students to situate their own research within the broader discipline of urban climatology. It is assumed that students will have previous background in boundary layer climatology/micrometeorology.

 Voogt
Social Theories of Hazard Risk
This seminar course examines some of the key theories to explain why some people are concerned about particular hazards while others are not.  The strengths and limitations of each theory and its associated empirical support will be discussed.  Though this course concerns the issue of hazard risk perception, the theories we cover should link with major theoretical currents in other areas of geography (e.g., environmental perception and behaviour, critical theory, cultural theory).
 Baxter
Geography of Gender
The course provides theoretical foundations of the geography of gender in multiple contexts, from the urban male computer programmer in Toronto to the rural female agricultural labourer in Malawi. The variability of gender roles and relations and their socio-spatial implications will be examined.
 Hopkins or

Bezner Kerr or  Dodson
Advanced Seminar in Human Geography
This course examines current theoretical debate and research practice in human geography. Through preparatory reading and class discussion, students are exposed to the work of key geographical thinkers in order to deepen their understanding of core geographical concepts and theories. These are then applied to analysis of particular themes and locations. Depending on the fields in which students are conducting their research, the specific thematic focus will vary from year to year.
 Dodson
Determinants of the Health of Populations
An examination of the methods used to define, measure, and investigate health outcomes and health determinants at a population level. The applications of this approach to public health policy and planning. Both local and international contexts will be explored in population and public health.
 Luginaah
Global Technologies and Local Knowledge
A course examining the frictions of going global: 1) how technologies embed the resource endowments, labour and managerial practices, culture and politics of their time and place of origin, 2) when exported where the local knowledge and best practice amongst users, policy makers and entrepreneurs differ, 3) and what environmental, political and economic implications attend such encounters. We proceed through theory and case studies, concluding with a series of workshop presentations.  This course has been of interest to geographers, historians and those following courses in environment and sustainability.
Parr
Environment and Resource Management
A review of institutional, legislative and community perspectives on resource management.  This course is targeted at resource managers, but is also relevant to those  interested in environmental policy and society.
 Shrubsole
Environment and Ideology
An examination of ideological premises and their ramifications for effective governance of resources and the implementation of sustainability.
 
 Smith
Agriculture and Rural Development
This course provides theoretical and substantive foundations in the history of agriculture and food in the Global South, and examines contemporary agricultural, food and nutritional issues and controversies.
 Weis or

Bezner Kerr
Civil Society and Development
A critical examination of how civil society is constructed as an actor and a context for international development interventions. The focus is on how development rhetoric orders and utilizes the space, and on the negotiation of diverse agendas that meet in this space.
 Vainio-Mattila
Spatial Decision Support Systems
Theories, concepts and methods for enhancing the decision support capabilities of GIS. Topics include the integration of multi-criteria analysis (MCA) methods with GIS, group-based SDSS (G-SDSS) and participatory GIS (PGIS).
 
 Malczewski
Advanced GIS Visualization
The application of general principles of graphic design and visualization of information to problems tackled with a geographic information system (GIS).  Principles of scientific and geographic data visualization as they apply to maps, images, imagemaps, spatial databases, electronic atlases, etc.
 Pazner
Advanced Mapping Project
A project-based course designed to extend student experience in mapping, including topics such as large format maps, maps for online or presentation purposes, animated maps, photomosaic construction and time-series map analysis.  The course will be adapted to fit individual needs, especially for thesis or presentation needs.
 Stooke
Remote Sensing Digital Image Analysis
An in-depth study of current algorithms in remote sensing digital image processing and analysis. Topics may vary depending on students’ interests, such as hyperspectral data analysis, textural analysis, object-oriented classification, radar data processing and analysis, change detection, structural pattern recognition and integration with GIS.
 
 Wang
 Advanced Urban Social Geography
A course focusing on contemporary urban studies through directed readings and discussion.  Topics will depend upon interest and demand  of participants, for example Children's Geographies, Urban Social Justice, etc.
 Gilliland
Geography of International Business
An examination of the spatial behaviour of large corporations and the impact on regional economics. Investment pattern, inter-organizational linkages and organizational change will be discussed.
 Green
 Advanced Cultural Geography
This course examines the production and interpretation of cultures, the major cultural markers of identity, and the politics of space, place and landscape.  Final lists of seminar topics and readings for discussion will be developed in consultation with students.
 
 Hopkins
Applied Urban Economic Geography
Discussion of ideas, models and empirical evidence developed in urban economic theory.  A major focus is on the application of statistical techniques to testing the theoretic models. Final lists of seminar topics and readings for discussion will be developed in consultation with students.  		Mok
Questions?

Please contact the Graduate Administrator with any questions regarding the graduate program.

Phone: 519-661-2111, Ext. 85033;

Email: GeoGradAdmin@uwo.ca