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  UNIVERSITY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN G.I.S. - Revised for Spring 2005
Coordinators: Dr. Yifei Sun and Dr. Eugene Turner
           
Eligibility
This program was developed with two intended groups in mind.
           
  1. Currently enrolled students who wish to focus their training and skills
    for a career in GIS
  2. Currently employed persons who need or wish to enhance their knowledge
    of GIS for better understanding or to support their current job activities.    
     
Admission Requirements  
           
  1. Applicants must apply for admission to the program after consultation
    with certificate coordinators.
  2. Geography majors may use this certificate program to fulfill the Cartography
    and GIS specialization within the major.
  3. Admission to the program is open to other currently enrolled qualified
    university students.
  4. Non-university students may enroll in the program through Continuing
    Education. See catalog for eligibility requirements to the Extended
    Learning Program.
           
How To Register    
           
Application For Admission To The GIS Certificate Program    
           
Program Requirements
           
  1. Must complete five, one semester courses (15 units)
  2. Must maintain an overall 3.0 grade point average calculated for all five
    elected courses. Courses may not be taken credit/no credit.
  3. Must complete all courses within seven years of enrolling in the program
    at CSUN.
  4. No more than 3 units may come from transfer credits.
  5. Participate in an annual review of progress with an advisor and a
    summary review at the completion of coursework.
           
Certificate Course
All the following courses are currently available. The following three listed
in the recommended order will serve as the core of the curriculum.
           
  1. Geog 305/305L - Maps and Graphics
  2. Geog 306/306L - Intermediate GIS
  3. Geog 406/406L - Advanced GIS
           
Students must also select two courses listed below.
           
      Geog 407/407L - Remote Sensing
Geog 408/408L - Applications in GIS
      Geog 409/409L - Computer Mapping
Geog 460/460L - Spatial Analysis
      Geog 497F - Techniques (Must be GIS/Cartography/Remote Sensing
      topic).
           
Currently enrolled graduate students may also select one of the following courses:
      Geog 690D - Graduate Seminar in Remote Sensing  
      Geog 690F - Graduate Seminar in Methods GIS
      Geog 690G - Graduate Seminar in Applications in GIS
           
Evaluation Criteria
           
The instructors in each class will evaluate participants. Outcomes will be
measured by exams and laboratory exercises. Normally the results of
projects will result in maps and other graphics demonstrating mastery of
concepts, techniques, and software.
           
Courses
           
Geog 305 (1) / 305L (2) Maps and Graphics, Laboratory
The design, use and preparation of maps and graphs. Students will be introduced
to the use of the computer for the access of data for mapping and for the
preparation of maps. Topics will focus on the design, use, and preparation of
maps and graphs. (1 hour lecture, 6 hours laboratory)
 
Geog 306 (1) / 306L (2) Intermediate Geographical Information
Science, Laboratory
This course will cover principles of geographic data acquisition, processing,
and display through digital methods. Students will be introduced to spatial
data structures and grid-based applications of GIS. Labs will give hands-on
experience with MapInfo and ArcView. (1 hour lecture, 6 hours laboratory)
           
Geog 406 (1) / 406L (2) Advanced Geographical Information Science,
Laboratory
This course will cover advanced topics in geographical information science.
Students will investigate geographic data structures, database design,
algorithms for spatial data analysis, and implementation and management
issues associated with geographical information systems. Laboratories will
demonstrate these issues through the use of ArcInfo software. (1 hour
lecture, 6 hours laboratory)
           
Geog 407 (2) / 407L (1) Remote Sensing, Laboratory
A problem oriented course emphasizing the techniques application on imagery
recorded in non-visible segments of the electromagnetic spectrum. This
includes infrared, near infrared and radar imagery from aircraft and
satellite platforms. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
 
Geog 408 (1) / 408L (2) Applications in Geographical Information Science,
Laboratory
Advanced applications of geographical information systems. Examples include
analysis of crime patterns, patterns of disease and health care delivery, population
and housing characteristics, utility management, environmental hazards, animal
and plant species distributions, distributions of archaeological sites, market area
analysis, mineral exploration, voting behavior and redistricting, forest inventory
and management, and vehicle navigation. In some cases projects may result in
the development of customized applications of software through the addition
of new functions. (1 hour lecture, 6 hours laboratory)
 
Geog 409 (2) / 409L (1) Computer Mapping, Laboratory
The design, use and preparation of graphs, diagrams, and maps with computers.
Students will be presented with advanced topics on map design that they will be
expected to employ in the preparation of a final project. Labs will introduce
Adobe Illustrator, elevation modeling software, and animation software. (2 hours
lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
 
Geog 460 (2) / 460L (1) Spatial Analysis
Statistical analysis of quantitative data by areas. Measurement of aggregation
and concentration, description of areal distribution and gradients, significance
of similarities and differences. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory)
 
Geog 497F (3) Techniques
 
Geog 690D (3) Graduate Seminar in Remote Sensing
 
Geog 690F (3) Graduate Seminar in Methods in GIS
 
Geog 690G (3) Graduate Seminar in Applications in GIS
 
Any questions regarding the revised GIS Certificate Program should be
directed to either Dr. Sun or Dr. Turner  
 
GIS Certificate Program - pdf format

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