Geography
7 courses · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
GEOG-01 Physical Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 110
This course is a spatial study of the Earth’s dynamic physical systems and processes. Topics include: Earth-sun geometry, weather, climate, water, landforms, soil, and the biosphere. Emphasis is on the interrelationships among environmental and human systems and processes and their resulting patterns and distributions. Tools of geographic inquiry are also briefly covered; they may include: maps, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). (11/20)
GEOG-01L Physical Geography Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Corequisite
- GEOG -01 (one-way)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 111
This course focuses on the development of skills and analytic thinking in explaining landform processes, weather phenomena, climate patterns, and vegetation patterns. Exercises include contour map drawing, analysis of data and drawing graphs, study of weather maps, stereo photo interpretation, and landform processes. (05/19)
GEOG-02 World Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 125
Survey of the world’s culture regions and nations as interpreted by geographers, including physical, cultural, and economic features. Emphasis on spatial and historical influences on population growth, transportation networks, and natural environments. Identification and importance of the significant features of regions. (5/19)
GEOG-12 Introduction to Human Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 120
Introduction to origins and global distribution of cultures. Examines cultural adaptations to the earth, human modifications of the landscape, and patterns of human organization as exemplified in population, agriculture, language, religion, political organization, popular culture, and economic development. Issues addressed include famine, political conflict, multiculturalism, suburban sprawl, industrial relocation and third world development. (03/22)
GEOG-15 Introduction to Weather and Climate
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 130
Introduction to the Earth’s atmosphere: topics include atmospheric structure and composition, solar radiation and energy balances, temperature, seasonal changes, atmospheric moisture, clouds and fog, precipitation, air pressure, winds, air masses and fronts, cyclones, weather forecasting, climate and climate change. (11/20)
GEOG-20 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Techniques with Lab
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Study of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) science and its applications to spatial data management. Identification and acquisition of GIS data. Assessment of vector and raster systems, scale, resolution, map projection, coordinate systems, georeferencing and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Spatial analysis and modeling with GIS. (05/22)
GEOG-25 Map Interpretation and Remote Sensing
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 1 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to maps, images and geographic techniques. Technologies include map and aerial photograph interpretation, tabular data, spatial statistics, cartography, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Internet mapping, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that aid in data collection, analysis and presentation. (05/22)