Introduction to GIS

NRM 344

Fall 2009

Stillwell 354

Tues and Thurs 12:35-1:50

Lab Thursdays: 2:05-3:55

Instructor:                         Dr. Ron Davis   

Office:                              Stillwell 318

Phone:                              x2726

Office Hours:                   MWF 8:00-9:30am Tues 2-3:00pm

NOTE:  I have an open door policy and am frequently in my office when not teaching.  Please feel free to stop by my office.

***Given the amount of information, complexity of the software this course has proven frustrating to some.  The best advice I can give is

1) Don’t let the work get ahead of you—if you wait until the day an assignment is due then something WILL go wrong

2) Pay attention to what you’re doing and why—don’t just rush through lab exercises to get them done,

3) This is a problem solving too so try to have some fun learning how to answer real world questions and problems with GIS. ***

4) Ask for help when you need it. 

I. Purpose

Students will develop basic understanding and skills required for applied GIS analyses in the study and management of natural resources or other fields.

II. Course Objectives: 

Students will develop and apply skills in basic data management and spatial analyses using both raster and vector data sources in GIS. Specific Learning objectives will be provided at several points throughout the semester.

III. Course Materials

• Required text(s): Bettinger and Wing 2004 Geographic Information Systems: Applications in Forestry and Natural Resource Management.
• Other readings will be provided as needed.

 IV. Expectations of Students/Course Policies (Amendments will be announced in class)                   

• Attend and be engaged in class. 
• Complete assignments on time.  Late work will be penalized 20% of the total points possible for each day late.  After 5 days the assignment will receive a grade of zero.  
• All written assignments completed outside of class MUST be typed using a standard font (times new roman, 12 pt).
• Exams are not available for make up.  If you MUST miss an exam make arrangements ahead of time to take it early.
• Be COURTEOUS to other students AND the instructor.  This includes but IS NOT LIMITED TO getting to class on time, avoid excessive talking, keeping cell phone OFF and not browsing the web during lectures etc.
• Put simply, avoid things that interfere with my teaching or student learning.

Academic Integrity:  You are encouraged to share ideas, discuss questions, and work together with your classmates in such a way as to further your individual and collective understanding and proficiency of the concepts and skills presented in this course.  However, I expect each of you to submit original, independent work and adhere to the policies set forth in the University Catalog and Student Handbook.  Academic dishonesty of any kind is not acceptable.  Be sure to cite all work and ideas that are not your own and reference all citations.  See the University Writing Center website for information regarding plagiarism.  Failure to comply with the University policy on academic integrity can result in a zero for the specific assignment, a failing grade for the course, University disciplinary action or any combination thereof.

What you should expect from me:

• I am readily available to answer questions and help with assignments.  I have office hours but feel free to stop by at any time or call/email to set up an appointment.  NOTE:  Talk to me as soon as you are having problems or questions.  If you wait until the day before something is due or the end of the semester to ask for help there will be little I can do for you.

• I will strive to get your graded work back to you in a timely fashion.  Handing assignments in on time and in a presentable fashion will help with this tremendously.

• Expectations (i.e. such as what you need to “know” for a test or quiz) are clear.  Grading and course policies are implemented fairly.

Use of the GIS Lab:  Priority use of the GIS lab is for those students enrolled in the GIS or Remote Sensing courses.  Occasionally, other classes will use the lab though it will be open regularly for you to work on class projects.  Specific hours will be posted.  NOTE:  Use of the lab for other class work, email, internet etc. is fine UNLESS it interferes with someone else’s access for GIS or Remote Sensing related work.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Western Carolina University is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for students with documented disabilities.  Students who require disability services or reasonable accommodations must identify themselves as having a disability and provide current diagnostic documentation to Disability Services.  All information is confidential.  Please contact Disability Services for more information at (828) 227-2716 or 144 Killian Annex.

V. Grading Procedures:  With the exception of some in class exercises used for discussions, all work will be graded and returned to you.  Assignments will be designed to provide a variety of approaches to learning. 

Grading Scale:  Grades will be assigned according to the scale shown below. 

Tentative Course Schedule

Fall 2009