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GIS courses at the introductory and intermediate level are offered through the Department of Geography and the College of Agriculture.  Other departments provide courses that have a strong specialized GIS component in numerous higher level courses. The following table is a list of courses listed in the University Bulletin, followed by brief statements covering departmental objectives and prerequisites.

 

AEC 483 REGIONAL ECONOMICS. (3)
This course presents an economic approach to the study of regions. The emphasis is on the role of spatial relationships in economic activity. Topics considered include market area analysis, location theory, economic base and input-output analysis as well as regional economic development. Prereq: ECO 202.   http://www.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/classes/aec483/syllabus.htm

BAE 599 TOPICS IN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING. (2-3)
A detailed investigation of a topic of current significance in agricultural engineering such as: design of small earth dams, vacuum dehydration systems, small particle mechanics, environmental control in green houses, sprinkler irrigation, energy conversion in agriculture, bio-simulation. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits, but only three credits can be earned under the same title. A particular topic may be offered at most twice under the BAE 599 number. Prereq: Variable; given when topic identified.   "GIS Applications in Water Resources" - http://gis.bae.uky.edu/BAE599_003/default.htm

CE 525 CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS. (3)
CE 525 focuses on GIS as a tool in Civil Engineering. The terms and concepts related to Geographic Information Systems are introduced. The management of spatial databases, particularly those related to Civil Engineering, is covered. Students will collect data using a Global Positioning System (GPS). Students will be required to use the GIS ArcInfo to solve a specific individual spatial problem that they propose based on several Civil Engineering databases available to them. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, three hours per week. Prereq: Engineering standing and one of the following: CE 331, CE 341, or CE 471G.

GEN 300 SPECIAL COURSE. (3)
Interdisciplinary, topical or experimental courses to be approved by the Dean of the College of Agriculture. Introduction to GIS is taught in alternating semesters, with an emphasis on learning to utilize ArcView GIS 3.2. Open to all University students, subject to such limits or prerequisites as set by the instructor. Hours are variable with each special course. Prereq: As specified by the instructor.

GEO 309 DIGITAL GEOGRAPHIC DATA: SOURCES, CHARACTERISTICS, PROBLEMS, AND USES. (3)
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Science. This course introduces students to the use of geographic information systems and their basic principles. Topics addressed include data collection, processing and output. Students will learn about types of geographic information and data: sources, constraints, and uses; browsing and analyzing geographic information on the world wide web; collection of spatial data using global positioning systems (GPS) and other technologies.

GEO 409G GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SCIENCE: FUNDAMENTALS. (3)
Investigation of geographic information systems (GIS) and science (GIScience). Including theory and applications areas. A major portion of the course will be based on use of a current widely-used GIS computer software system. Considered will be aspects of geographic data entry and editing, spatial analysis, and map development and display. Relationship of GIS to the Global Positioning System (GPS) and satellite generated data will be addressed. Prereq: Other GIS course, instructor permission, or graduate standing.   http://www.uky.edu/~fharvey/GEO409/

GEO 508 GEOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY. (3)
Aerial photography is commonly used as a means of collecting information and enhancing the analysis of the earth's landscapes. This course provides the technical background necessary to use aerial photography in a research setting and includes the application of the techniques in specialized fields, including agriculture, forestry, geology, and urban studies. Prereq: GEO 305 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.

GEO 509 APPLICATIONS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS. (3)
An extension of GEO 409G, this course covers GISs in greater detail. Material common to GISs will be covered in lecture, and students choose between becoming familiar with several GISs or making intensive use of one or two systems. Actual data will be used and actual spatial issues or problems will be addressed. The student will be responsible for data procurement and input, analysis design, and output production, including maps. Prereq: An introductory GIS course (e.g. GEO 409G) or permission of instructor.   http://www.uky.edu/~fharvey/GEO409/GEO509/geo509.html

GEO 512 GI SYSTEMS & SCIENCE: ANALYTICAL ISSUES. (3)
This course introduces advanced spatial statistical techniques under the rubric of spatial analysis. The course is organized as a seminar. Participants will first learn advanced spatial analysis techniques and apply them to exercises. Following these exercises, participants will learn statistical techniques including Monte Carlo simulations and kriging. A project that teams of students develop with the instructor will be required of all participants. Prereq: GEO 409G.

GEO 514 GI SYSTEMS & SCIENCE: TECHNICAL ISSUES. (3)
This course merges issues and approaches from geography, computer science, information management in the practically oriented development of geographic information applications. The exercises focus on developing the necessary skills for constructing robust GIS applications, culminating in a project, complemented by parallel lectures that introduce relevant aspects of geographic information processing. A student prepared project is the keystone in this course and will include various aspects of developing geographic information applications ranging from algorithms to applications. Prereq: GEO 409G or consent of instructor.

GEO 516 GI SYSTEMS & SCIENCE: MANAGEMENT ISSUES. (3)
Examination of managerial aspects of geographic information systems and science that includes information system design, cost/benefit analysis, elementary programming, and metadata production. Course will also examine organizational and legal aspects of developing GIS in private and public sectors. Issues including access, copyright, and data protection will be discussed in their relevance to GIS. Prereq: GEO 409G or consent of instructor.

GEO 705 ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC METHODS (Subtitle required). (3)
In-depth study and application of one or more research methods/techniques (e.g., qualitative methods, ethnography, textual analysis, visual analysis, GIS). Intended to offer M.A. and Ph.D. students advanced methodological specialization in geography. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits under different subtitles. Prereq: GEO 600 or equivalent.

GEO 708 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES. (3)
Following a brief overview of GIS, remote sensing, GPS, and other relevant information technologies as information collection, presentation, and analytical aids, this course will consider current developments of geographic information technologies. These include, but are not limited to, field GIS, public participation GIS, participatory information technology, collaborative environments, and spatial decision-making. Discussion of these developments will be complemented by a rigorous examination of theoretical and methodological issues. Prereq: GEO 409G or its equivalent, or consent of instructor.

NRC 555 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS. (3)
An introduction to the concepts and methods of compilation, management, analysis, and display of spatially-referenced data. Lectures will be complemented with computer based laboratory exercises. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, four hours per week. Prereq: Fourth/fifth year LA major, upper division or graduate student, or permission of instructor. (Same as LA 855/SOC 555.)

NRC 556 ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) AND LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS. (3)
Advance concepts in data base analysis, model development, and ancillary functions in geographic information systems. Lecture,. two hours; laboratory, four hours per week. Prereq: LA 855, LAAR major, upper division, graduate student, or permission of instructor. (Same as LA 956/SOC 556.)

PLS 468G SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT. (3)
The application of principles related to soils and their management in planning the utilization of land and associated resources. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for soil use and management decision making is emphasized. Lecture and discussion. Prereq: PLS 366 or consent of instructor.   http://www.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/classes/pls468g/
 

 


Departments also offer mini-courses, lasting 2 to 5 days, to a variety of people from on and off campus to aid the teaching of GIS. While these courses are not integrated per se in any curriculum, they play an important role in raising awareness of GIS and its scientific aspects and applications for various fields. For example, a two-day ArcView workshop is offered as part of the field camp for majors in the Natural Resources Conservation and Management program. KGS offers a similar 2 day Introduction to ArcView course twice a year. A course taught by UK faculty is also part of 4-H activities.

When a department does not provide specific GIS or GISci courses, especially at the introductory level, students are encouraged to take the requisite course work in the Department of Geography and College of Agriculture. The department of geography is revising its undergraduate professional curriculum, including GIS courses. The GISci related changes will consider other departments needs and the increasing role of the university for "technology transfer" in the state. At present the undergraduate committee is reviewing course proposals and will present them to departmental faculty in the Fall calling for implementation in the 2000/2001 academic year. The changes envisioned will substantially link GISci into the core of the undergraduate professional curriculum and add more higher level courses than the general courses with individual sub-topics so now.

The UK Libraries hold more than 200 books under the subject heading "Geographic Information Systems", that form the base for more specialized individual collections. It certainly holds others with strong GISci relevance in its total collection of 2.7 million books. The system subscribes to 11 periodicals under the subject heading "Geographic Information Systems--Periodicals", and a total of 26,000 periodicals. ArcView and ArcGIS software is currently loaded on approximately 50 computers in the new William T. Young Library, with more seats available in the Agriculture Information Center, the College of Engineering Computer Lab and BAE Computer Lab.

 
 
Copyright © 2004 University of Kentucky, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
An Equal Opportunity University
Questions/Comments: Teri Dowdy (tdowdy@bae.uky.edu)
Last Updated: July 8, 2004