CURRICULAR ACTION NOTICE—GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY

Course changes, new courses, program changes, new program, and course deletions

COURSE CHANGES: GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY (4 course changes)

1. GEG 1600 to WSM 1600: Introduction to Watershed Management

Purpose and nature of change:  To change the course prefix.

                NOTE: For purposes of repeating a course, this class equates to GEG 1600.

Old Prefix:   GEG                Old Number:   1600      Old CIP:  030205

                New Prefix:  WSM            New Number:   1600     New CIP:  030205

2. GEG 3300 (2 cr) to GEG 3400 (3cr)

Purpose and nature of change:  To change the course number, incorporate a new assignment 

             and have the credit hours more properly reflect the student and faculty workload.

              NOTE: For purposes of repeating a course, this class equates to GEG 3300.

Old Prefix:  GEG                 Old Number:    3300         Old CIP:   45072

                New Prefix:   GEG             New Number:   3400        New CIP:  45072

Old Course Title:  Geographic Research

New Course Title: Geographic Research

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

GEOGRAPHIC RESEARCH

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

OLD Credit(s)    2   Undergraduate                           

NEW Credit(s)   3   Undergraduate                           

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):  Studies the techniques of research in

             Geography as well as the effective written and oral presentation of results. Both a research   

             paper and an oral presentation are required.

Prerequisites: (Courses which MUST be completed prior to taking this course) GEG 3364 

             Geostatistics is recommended

Requested date of offering (Must meet new catalog deadline of March 1)  Fall, 2009

Estimated Frequency of Offering:  Once a year

3. GEG 3400 to WSM 3400: Watershed Restoration

Purpose and nature of change:  To change the course prefix

                NOTE: For purposes of repeating a course, this class equates to GEG 3400.

Old Prefix:   GEG                Old Number:   3400      Old CIP:  030205

                New Prefix:  WSM            New Number:  3400     New CIP:  030205

4. GEG 4496: Internship (increase minimum credits to 6)

Purpose and nature of change:   To conform to University policy regarding the number of  Internship

               credit allowed .

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

OLD Credit(s)     3-12    Undergraduate                    

NEW Credit(s)    6-12   Undergraduate                   

To repeat for additional credit (not repeat of previously earned grade), list maximum

hours of credit that may be earned over multiple semesters   12   semester hours.

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

Offers practical work experience and the opportunity to apply and further develop skills taught in

               the Geography and Geology Department. May be taken for six through twelve credits. All   

               Internships will be graded S or U—they do not affect your Q.P.A. Prerequisite: Permission of

               instructor.

Prerequisites: (Courses which MUST be completed prior to taking this course)   Permission of Instructor

NEW COURSES: GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY (5 new courses)

5. GEG 2020: PRACTICUM

Purpose and Nature of Course:  An out-of-class learning experience that allows students to   

             observe or participate in applied work .

Prefix: GEG      Number: 2020    CIP:   450701

Course Title: Practicum

Credit(s)  _ X __Undergraduate                 

Credit(s)  ___ Graduate                                               

For variable credits, list Minimum Credit  1 ; Maximum Credits 3   (May be repeated for a total of 5 credits)         

To repeat for additional credit (not repeat of previously earned grade), list maximum 

hours of credit that may be earned over multiple Semesters:  5  semester hours .

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

An out-of-class learning experience that allows students to observe or participate in 

             applied work. May be taken for 1-3 credits and repeated for a total of 5 credits. Practicums 

             are graded S or U—they do not affect your QPA. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

Requested initial date of offering (Must meet new catalog deadline of March 1) Summer, 2009

Estimated Frequency of Offering: ___ As needed ___________________________________

6. GEL 3400: ECONOMIC GEOLOGY:

Purpose and Nature of Course: To cover the important aspects of geologic exploration,

              especially that of petroleum and natural gas. Rock structures, exploration techniques,

             drilling logistics, well production and reserves will all be addressed. This class is an

             especially important component to the Geology minor.

Prefix:   GEL     Number:   3400   CIP:  030104

Course Title:   Economic Geology

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s) __ 3 __ Undergraduate                       

Credit(s) _____ Graduate                                   

For variable credits, list Minimum Credit _____; Maximum Credits _____    

Clock Hours:               3               Lecture _____                  Recitation _____             Lab _____

Contract Hours:         3       Lecture _____             Recitation _____         Lab _____

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

A study of oil and natural gas resources focused on resource formation, occurrence, exploration and production methods, and regional prospects for oil and natural gas development.  Students will be actively involved in map interpretation and written presentation of data.  Prerequisite: GEL 1121 or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites: (Courses which MUST be completed prior to taking this course) :

GEG 1121 and GEL 1121L

New faculty resources needed?   ____Yes   __ X __ No

Requested initial date of offering (Must meet new catalog deadline of March 1) Fall, 2009

Estimated Frequency of Offering:  O nce every two years

7. GEG 4500: SENIOR SEMINAR:

Purpose and Nature of Course:  A capstone course in which students complete a research

             project and conduct a job search. Compiling a vita and writing a cover letter for an

             actual job are integral parts of the course.

Prefix:  GEG     Number:  4500        CIP      030104                                                                    

Course Title:  Senior Seminar

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s) __ 1 ___ Undergraduate                            

Credit(s) _____ Graduate                                           

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):  A capstone course for Geography

             majors. A research project and job search, to include compiling a vita and writing a cover

             letter for an actual job, are integral parts of the course.

Courses to be eliminated:  (Course deletion form must be completed):

Prefix   GEG/GEL    Number   4465

Requested initial date of offering (Must meet new catalog deadline of March 1) Spring, 2009

Estimated Frequency of Offering:  Once a year initially, then every semester if our programs 

             grow as anticipated.

                Describe any student enrollment restrictions (limited to majors in program XXX, restricted from majors in program XXX, etc.)  Limited to senior-level majors or minors in the Department of Geography and Geology

8. WSM 3512: Wetland Identification and Management:

Purpose and Nature of Course:  Wetlands are an important component of watersheds. 

            This course covers their identification, classification, delineation and management.

Prefix:    WSM      Number:  3512       CIP: 030205

                Course Title:  Wetland Identification and Management

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

Wetland ID/Mgmt

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s)   2    Undergraduate                      

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):  This course allows students to gain an

             understanding of wetland identification using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manual

             along with learning the value of wetland management. Wetland-related topics include:

             identification, delineation, mapping, permitting issues, policies, management and

             protection. Field work outside of normal class time is required.

Prerequisites: (Courses which MUST be completed prior to taking this course)  None

Courses to be eliminated:  (Course deletion form must be completed):

Prefix  GEG   Number  3510

New faculty resources needed?   ____Yes     X  No

Requested initial date of offering (Must meet new catalog deadline of March 1) Summer, 2009

Estimated Frequency of Offering: O nce a year

9. WSM 3522: Watershed Policies and Ethical Issues:

Purpose and Nature of Course: An upper-level course in Watershed Management that focuses

             on policy, regulations, and ethical considerations. It is part of a restructuring of three one-

             credit classes in the program and combines portions of two existing courses, Watershed

             Ethics and Law and Watershed Policy, parts of which were also transferred to the

             Wetlands course.

Prefix:  WSM      Number:   3522   CIP:  030205

                Course Title:  Watershed Policies and Ethical Issues

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

WSHD POLICIES/ETHICS

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s) __ 1 ___ Undergraduate                            

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

              This course covers policy and ethical issues pertaining to watershed management. Topics    

              include pertinent regulations, court decisions, and ethical concerns as well as the

             environmental and social aspects of water use.

Prerequisites: (Courses which MUST be completed prior to taking this course)

WSM 1600  Introduction to Watershed Management

Courses to be eliminated:  (Course deletion form must be completed):

Prefix  GEG 3520  Watershed Ethics and Law and GEG 3530Watershed Policy

If none:  How will increased offerings be staffed?

Requested initial date of offering (Must meet new catalog deadline of March 1) Fall, 2009

Estimated Frequency of Offering:  O nce every three or four semesters

PROGRAM CHANGES: Minor in Geography; BS Geography (WSM emphasis); BS Geography (EnvSci emphasis)

10. PROGRAM CHANGE TO MINOR IN GEOGRAPHY:

Rationale for change:  Allow for more flexibility in the minor and update prefix change

Old Degree and Program Title (attach an old ER):

Minor in Geography (see attachment)

      New Degree and Program Title (attach a new ER):

Minor in Geography (see attachment)

      List all changes:

Reduce the number of “choose from the following” credits from 9 to 6 and add an

      additional class (WSM 1600) to that list; increase the number of upper-level elective

      credits from 9 to 12.

OLD MINOR

GEOGRAPHY                   18 SH  Grade   QP's   Date

Choose 9 SH from the following:
GEG 1101 World Regional Geg     3
GEG 1102 Human Geography        3
GEG 1111 Physical Geography     3
GEG 1122 Environmental Issues   3
GEOGRAPHY ELECTIVES-            (9 SH upper level)

NEW MINOR

Choose 6 SH from the following:
GEG 1101 World Regional Geg     3
GEG 1102 Human Geography        3
GEG 1111 Physical Geography     3
GEG 1122 Environmental Issues   3
WSM 1600 Intro Watershed Mgmt   3
GEOGRAPHY ELECTIVES-            (12 SH upper level)

11. PROGRAM CHANGE TO MAJOR IN GEOGRAPHY (emphasis in Watershed Management):

Rationale for change:  Update prefix and course changes

      Old Degree and Program Title (attach an old ER):

B.S. Geography (Watershed Management Emphasis)

      New Degree and Program Title (attach a new ER):

B.S. Geography (Watershed Management Emphasis)

      List all changes:

Incorporate the new WSM prefix by:

        Deleting GEG 1600, GEG 3500, GEG 3510, GEG 3520, GEG 3530 and

        Adding WSM 1600, WSM 3500, WSM 3512, WSM 3522

        Delete GEG 3300 and Add GEG 3400

        Change GEG 3280 from a required to an optional course

        Delete GEG 4465 and Add GEG 4500

        Incorporate new University policy on Practicums and Internships

12. PROGRAM CHANGE TO MAJOR IN GEOGRAPHY (emphasis in Environmental Science):

Rationale for change:  Incorporate course prefix, name and credit changes; modify the program based on present needs; offer more options in the “Must take at least four” portion of the program

Old Degree and Program Title (attach an old ER):

      BS Geography (Environmental Science Emphasis)

      New Degree and Program Title (attach a new ER):

BS Geography (Environmental Science Emphasis)

       List all changes:

Delete GEG 3300 and Add GEG 3400

       Delete GEG 4465 and Add GEG 4500

       Incorporate new University policy on Internships

       Change GEG 3280 from a required course to an optional course

       Change GEL 3310 from an optional course to a required course

       Require GEG 3272

       Remove RPL 3342 and RPL 3380 from list of optional courses

       Add ENG 3371, GEL 3400, PHL 3316, WSM 3512 to list of optional courses

NEW PROGRAM: Minor in Watershed Management

13. NEW MINOR—WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

Rationale for program:  The Department of Geography and Geology offers an emphasis in Watershed Management, a field with tremendous growth potential.  Having a minor in Watershed Management will be a valuable option for a number of students, Biology and Fisheries majors in particular. In fact, some of them have already asked if they could obtain such a minor. This minor will NOT be available to Geography majors, they have to complete the entire emphasis.

Degree and Program Title (attach an ER, course titles, and rationale): Minor in Watershed Management   See attached ER

Program Description for Catalog:  The minor in Watershed Management provides valuable training for students interested in the environment. This minor is not available to Geography majors.

Program Objectives: Allow students from other majors to obtain a valuable minor, thereby enhancing their credentials.

        Impact on other programs: Would offer an attractive option for students interested in the 

       environment--Biology,  Fisheries, and possibly Chemistry students, in particular.

        Demand for Program (attach a market analysis): EnvironmentalPrograms.net lists the following     

       jobs, all of which involve Watershed Management.

• Wetland Scientist ( Northern Ecological Associates, Inc. )
• GPS/Wetland Coordinator ( Native Resources, Inc. )
• Water Resources Engineer ( ENTRANCO )
• Wetland Mitigation Design Specialist ( Sugnet Environmental, Inc. )
• Wetland Biologist/Project Scientist ( Access Environmental Associates, Inc. )
• Environmental Planner/Project Manager in Water, Land Use Projects ( Sequence Systems )
• Water Resources Scientist ( Baylor University )
• Public Water Security Specialist ( Montana Department of Environmental Quality )
• Water/Wastewater Project Manager ( RBF Consulting )
• Hydrologist ( St. Johns River Water Management District )
• Groundwater Education Specialist ( University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point )
• Hydrographer ( Hoopa Valley Tribe )
• Watershed Ecologist ( SCCWRP )
• Wastewater Services Coordinator ( City of Port Hueneme )
• Water Systems Supervisor ( Valencia Heights Water Company )

· Water Quality Analyst ( Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District )

MINOR EVALUATION RECORD

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT          19SH  Grade   QP's   Date

WSM 1600 Into Watershed Mgmt    3
WSM 3500 Watershed Restoration  3
WSM 3512 Wetlands               2
GEG 3272 GIS/GPS                4
GEG 3060 Princp Soil Science    3
SELECT ONE FROM
GEG/GEL 3290 Map/Air Photo      4
GEL 3310 Hydrology              4

COURSE DELETIONS: GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY (6 course deletions)

14. DELETE GEG 1600: Introduction to Watershed Management

Rationale for deletion:  Change in prefix—from GEG to WSM

                Course Title:  Introduction to Watershed Management

15. DELETE GEG 3300: Geographic Research

Rationale for deletion: Being changed to a 3 -credit course with a new number (GEG 3400)

Course Title: Geographic Research

16. DELETE GEG 3400: GPS and Mapping

Rationale for deletion: This course is being combined with another 3-credit course (GEG 3270

             Geographic Information Systems) to form a new 4-credit course (GEG 3272 GIS/GPS)

Course Title: GPS and Mapping

17. DELETE GEG 3510: Wetlands

Rationale for deletion: This class is being folded into a new 2-credit course WSM 3512

             Wetland Identification and Management.

Course Title: Wetlands

18. DELETE GEG 3520: Watershed Ethics and Law

Rationale for deletion:  This class is being folded into a new class, WSM 3522 Watershed Policies and Ethical Issues       

                Course Title:  Watershed Ethics and Law

19. DELETE GEG 3530: Watershed Policy

Prefix:  GEG                                 Number:  3530

Rationale for deletion:  This class is being folded into a new class, WSM 3522 Watershed Policies and Ethical Issues               

Course Title:  Watershed Policy