The featured course descriptions listed here are a subset of the 130+ Geography courses listed in the .ÌýPlease go to the RegistrarÌýwebsite to see "" to getÌýthe list of courses being offered in the current semester.

Graphic of sky, ocean, land, volcano, mountains, city, farmland with arrows showing how each affects the other

GEOG 3601 / ATOC 3600 / ENVS 3600 Principles of Climate

This course describes the basic components of the climate system: the atmosphere, ocean, cyrosphere, and lithosphere. We will investigate the basic physical processes that determine climate and the link between the components of the climate system. Emphasis is placed on the hydrologic cycle and its role in climate, climate stability,...

Elephants passing by African field with African onlookers

GEOG 3422 Political Ecology

‘The environment’ figures dominantly in our daily lives and academic pursuits—from concerns over climate change and biodiversity loss, to energy policy and agricultural development. Yet we rarely stop to consider how environmental concerns are tied to specific contexts, histories, and power struggles. In this class we do just that, through...

Graphic depicting flow of agriculture, medicine, engineering, plant growth

GEOG 3412 Conservation Practice: Urban Systems: Design. Management. Resilience.

In an ever-urbanizing world, having an understanding of the systems that support, maintain, and optimize human conditions will be critical in responding to a changing climate. Through the lens of Resilience, this course looks at the nexus represented by urban settlements: where the demand for productive energy, water, and food...

Polar bear looking into the water

GEOG 2271 Introduction to the Arctic Environment

The Arctic plays a key role in the global climate system and is a region in the midst of rapid change, encompassing the land, ocean and the atmosphere. In this course you will learn about the highly varied climates and landscapes that characterize the Arctic, the Arctic Ocean and its...

Geomorphology students examine the headscarp of a recent earth flow in north Boulder

GEOG/GEOL 4241 Principles of Geomorphology

This class studies the surface of the Earth and the processes which shape physical environments. Landscapes reflect the underlying geologic and erosional histories, both of which are affected by climate and the biosphere. At the surface, rock is transformed and sculpted by water, wind, ice, and biota, all fueled by...

Collage of Peter Blanken on with crew on boat in Great Lakes, weather tower

GEOG/ENVS 4201 Biometeorology

Biology + Meteorology = Biometeorology Those with an interest in exploring how weather affects life will enjoy this course. We will explore how the atmosphere affects plants, animals, and people. Topics ranging from water flow through plants to heat stroke and windchill effects will be covered. Basic high school level...

Collage of tractors in the field, Machu Pechu, a dam, Rio de Janero

GEOG 4812 Environment & Development in South America

This is a course for students interested in learning about relationships between environment and development in S. America. We will explore the complexity of development practices and efforts to govern natural resource extraction and use, and how relationships between development and the environment shape the way we think of S...

Graphic map of the world with each country's flag

GEOG 4712 Political Geography

This course focuses on the international and cross-national perspectives of political geography. It deals with political, economic and social aspects of international relations from a geographical perspective and examines the post Cold War and post 9-11 world. As such, the course has an integrative character and requires basic knowledge about...

Collage of students doing research and mountain terrain in summer and winter

GEOG 4371 / 5371 Forest Geography

Are you interested in forest ecology and in getting hands-on field experience for a future career in the environment? Have you ever wondered how trees grow so large and live so long? Are you curious about how disturbances such as bark beetles and fire impact our Colorado forests? If you...

Collage of students doing research in the snow-covered mountains

GEOG 4321 Snow Hydrology

Are you interested in the various processes related to snow in mid-latitude and polar areas? You will learn the physics and chemistry that underlie processes such as snow metamorphism, and apply this knowledge to real situations, including calculation of basin storage of water, runoff rates, acid snow, and avalanche dynamics...

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