MCC Geography Courses
GEOG 101A Physical Geography—4 Cr. Hrs.– 5 Contact Hrs. (5 hours Integrated Lecture and Lab)
Physical Geography is a course study in Earth Systems Science; the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and surface features of the lithosphere. The course work focuses on the development of geographic models and their use as a tool to explain phenomena in man’s physical environment.
GEOG 102C Cultural Geography—4 Cr. Hrs. – 4 Contact Hrs.
A study of the world’s people and how they occupy the earth. Important topics include: population density and distribution, languages, religions, political systems and international relations, economic systems, and urbanization.
GEOG 105 World Regional Geography—3 Cr. Hrs. – 3 Contact hrs.
World regional geography is an introductory examination of the major cultural realms of the world—areas which share similar cultural and economic conditions. The physical environment and human impact on that environment will also be studied for each region. Units of study may include: Anglo-America, Europe, Russia and her neighbors, sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa/Southwest Asia, Monsoon Asia, East Asia, and middle and South America. A previous course in physical or human geography would be helpful, but is not mandatory.
GEOG 215 Introduction to Weather and Climate—4 Cr. Hrs. – 5 Contact Hrs. (5 Hrs. Integrated Lecture and Lab).
This course is an introductory study of the atmosphere which includes both weather and climate. Fundamental physical laws governing weather elements will be examined; such as solar radiation, temperature, moisture, pressure, winds, and weather systems. Current weather data is delivered via the internet, which is coordinated with learning activities. Students will be introduced to
the excitement of weather in near real‑time. Broad aspects of climates and local microclimatology will also be integrated. An optional field trip to the National Weather Service Office, Grand Rapids may be offered. No prerequisites, although physical geography, MATH 040, and the knowledge of basic computer skills including the ability to manipulate images, are recommended.
GEOG 230 Elements of Map Design—3 Cr. Hrs. – 3 Contact Hrs. Prerequisite: MATH 040.
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of cartographic design. Students will learn the language of geography through course activities that include concepts of space, tools of map representation, and process reasoning as related to base map development. Acquisition of geographic data, geographical mathematics, and map reading and analysis skills will be developed as a foundation for further geospatial studies. Skills and concepts will be presented through professional quality maps and charts.
GEOG 231 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems—3 Cr. Hrs. – 3 Contact Hours
Prerequisites: MATH 040 and CIS 120A. Pre or Co-requisite: GEOG 230.
This course provides an in-depth introduction to the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with applications to a variety of problems using established data sources and repositories. A review of the necessary hardware and software elements used in GIS will be made. Various applications of GIS technology used in environmental science, business and government will also be presented. Specific topics taught will include an understanding of GIS terminology, raster and vector data sources, accuracy, methods of data acquisition, conversion and input, requirements for metadata, working with spatial databases and spatial analysis. The course will include production of professional quality maps using ArcView software. This is a course in a curricular sequence developing GIS professional expertise.
GEOG 232 Applications of Geographic Information Systems—3 Cr. Hrs. – 3 Contact Hours
Prerequisite: GEOG 231.
This course is a continuation to the Introduction of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Specific topics will include geospatial data acquisition and analysis, methods of aerial data acquisition, conversion and input, further work with geodatabases and spatial analyses. During this course applications of GIS to a variety of problems using established data sources and repositories will be conducted. Various applications of GIS technology used in environmental science, business and government will also be presented. The course will include production of professional quality maps using ArcView software. This is a course in a curricular sequence developing GIS professional expertise.