Information Retrieval - Dr. Lee Giles (Fall 2006)

This course was intended to prepare students to design, develop and use information systems. This course introduced the principles of information storage and retrieval systems and databases and learnt how effective information search and retrieval is interrelated with the orgnaization and description of information to be retrieved. The course also introduced the major types of information retrieval systems, search engine, the different theoretical foundations underlying these systems, and the methods and measures that can be used to evaluate them.

GeoComputation Seminar - Dr. Mark N. Gahegan (Fall 2006)

This course introduced the philosophy of science that underpins inference, knowlede discovery and analysis. The objective was to understand about geographic data and knowledge and their complexities, and th problems that current methods have in addressing these complexities.

GeoVisual Analytics - Dr. Alan N. MacEachren (Spring 2006)

Discussed how geographic visualization can aid in analyzing large data sets, techniques for displaying multidimensional data, integration of geographic visualization and knowledge discovery in databases and geocomputation, process of decision making and usability testing of visualizations

Human Computer Interaction – Dr. Mary B. Rosson (Spring 2006)

Discussed how scenario based development (SBD) can be use in different phases of software development such as requirement analysis, activity design, information design, and interaction design. Also discussed formative and summative evaluations of project goals and objectives.

Introduction to Database Management Systems – Dr. Wang Chang Lee (Fall 2005)

Discussed design, use, and application of database management systems. Topics included relational data models, relational query languages, design theory, and conceptual data design and modeling for relational database applications. Broad introduction to database indexing, query processing, data storage and transactions was also provided.

Space Time Seminar – Dr. Donna J. Peuquet (Spring 2005)

Discussed different conceptual frameworks and data models for representing spatial, temporal and spatial-temporal data.

Dynamic Cartographic Representations – Dr. Mark N. Gahegan (Spring 2005)

Discussed perceptual and cognitive basis of visual support for thinking, fundamental principles of representations, and challenges of dynamic mapping and geovisualizations.

Introduction to Geographic Information System – Dr. Thomas D. Frank

This course provided basic concepts and hands-on experience to bridge geographic problems and GIS approaches. The class used ESRI's ArcGIS as the major software and covered step-by-step GIS practice in the real world including working with public domain data, getting data into GIS, creating GIS database, performing spatial analysis with vector and raster data, georeferencing data, building GIS models, making maps and layouts, etc.

Techniques of Remote Sensing Image Analysis – Dr. Thomas D. Frank

Studied optical and digital information processing of imagery acquired from aircraft and satellite remote sensing platforms. The course also included systems design, mensuration theory, photographic enhancement techniques, and automatic digital classification for all of the standard sensor systems

Decision Making with Multiattribute Utiltiy Analysis – Dr. Deborah L. Thurston

Studied background and practice in applying tools for subjective multiple attribute decision making when present or future states of nature are uncertain. The course covered multiattribute utility analysis from theoretical foundations through assessment procedures, practice, and pitfalls of potential cognitive bases.

Applied Statistical Methods – Dr. German Bollero

Statistical methods involving relationships between populations and samples; collection, organization, and analysis of data; and techniques in testing hypotheses with an introduction to regression, correlation, and analysis of variance limited to the completely randomized design and the randomized complete-block design.