Davis: Office Hours: W 1-3 pm, F 11-12 pm

Introduction to the application of field methods to geographic inquiry. Research design and sampling methodologies for data collection. Preparation for field work using maps and earth imagery. Basic field survey methods, and methods for investigating specific geographic systems. Prerequisite: Geog 103.

This course will be structured such that the first few weeks of the semester will be devoted to the central concepts of field data collection: research design, sampling methods, and the use of published sources in preparation for field work. Examples of field methods from subfields of geomorphology, biogeography and land-use planning follow. Concepts and methods will be presented and applied in a lecture-field trip format. The final portion of the course will be dedicated to individual field projects, and presentations. Groups of 2 people should be formed for a major project to be presented at the end of the semester. Group project topics must be approved by the instructor by October 26.

Texts:

• Elzinger, Salzer, and Willoughby, Measuring and Monitoring Plant Populations
• Pacific Coast Tree Finder
• Exercise handouts (to be provided during the course) -- you should read these in advance.  These are in lieu of an actual general textbook; there is none currently in print, but I am writing one this semester.

Other materials needed:

• field notebook -- Bob & Bob cave survey notebook available in the bookstore
• pencil -- preferably mechanical
• other materials mentioned in the exercises

Evaluation

• Exercises (40%), Exam (20%) Group Project (40%).

Schedule of Topics