GEOG 474 - Our Changing Planet: A Seminar in Land-Change Science

Changes in land use and land cover are cause and consequence of global environmental change. Land Change Science (LCS) seeks to understand these processes as coupled human-environment systems to address theory, concepts, models, and their applications to environmental and societal problems. The purpose of this seminar is to provide a conceptual basis of LCS, as well as to review the approaches and analytical techniques used in LCS research. We will utilize readings, discussions and, to a lesser extent, lectures to review foundational LCS scientific literature and student-selected readings. Students will conduct a semester-long research project on a case study of their own interest to explore a LCS question. using appropriate methodological approaches including in-depth literature reviews, modeling, Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, spatial analysis, or other geographical tools. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing. Alternate years. (4 Credits)