Course Syllabus

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Contact Information

Dr. Jennifer Koch 

Associate Professor

Teaching Assistant: Trey Lee

Geography and Environmental Sustainability

Virtual Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 - 2:00 PM (see announcement for zoom link)

Phone: +1 (541) 908-3914

Email: jakoch@ou.edu

TA Email: treylee@ou.edu

Live Session: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM in SEC N106 

Zoom link: https://oklahoma.zoom.us/j/99469039996?pwd=cGxkaDFvRUZBTmQ0Z0s0QndqNmRQUT09

Meeting ID: 994 6903 9996

Password: 81221424

IMPORTANT: N106 qualifies as a higher density learning space. 

We need to follow the higher density learning space requirements:

  1. Masks
  2. Eye protection (face shields, safety glasses, or safety goggles)
  3. Hand washing and sanitization protocol.

Course Details

The primary goal of this course is to provide students, with and without programming experience, with the theoretical and methodological knowledge to use programming techniques to read, filter, and manipulate spatial data. Students furthermore learn to perform batch processing of geo-information. The first part of the course focuses on the introduction to basic programming and geoprocessing concepts making use of the Python programming language. Python is an easy-to-use language with an extensive standard library, which makes it a perfect programming language for beginners. The course then moves on to the application of these concepts in ESRI’s ArcMap (a tool to view, edit, create, and analyze geospatial data). The third part of the course focuses on defining functions and modules. The course consists of a mix of lectures, hands-on exercises, and a final group project and an individual project for graduate students. 

Course Prerequisites 

GIS 4013/5013 – Fundamentals of GIS 

Course Materials

Following textbook is required for this course: 

  • Tateosian, L. (2015). Python for ArcGIS. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland.  

An electronic version of the textbook is freely available through OU’s library under this link: https://link-springer-com.ezproxy.lib.ou.edu/book/10.1007%2F978-3-319-18398-5. It is also available through the RESOURCES: Course Materials page on OU Canvas. All other materials for the course will be made available by the instructor in a digital or analog format as required.  

In addition to the required textbook listed above, the following resources were used to prepare class and assignment materials: 

  • Guttag, J.V (2013). Introduction to Computation and Programming Using Python, Revised and Expanded Edition. The MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, London, England. 
  • Severance, C. (2009) Python for Informatics: Exploring Information, Version 2.7.2. Available at http://www.pythonlearn.com/book.php 
  • Zandbergen, P.A. (2013). PYTHON Scripting for ArcGIS. Esri Press, Redlands, CA.  
  • Python Documentation: https://www.python.org/doc/ 

Software

The PCs in the computer lab N106 have all the required software products readily installed. If you wish to work with your own device, please be aware that we need ArcMap installed on that device.  ArcMap only runs on Windows operating systems. You need the following software products installed on your device: 

If you don't have access to a Windows device or for any follow-up technical questions, refer to the RESOURCES: Course Materials page.

Grades

Breakdown

The final grade is calculated based on the following weights: 

GIS 4653-001 

Activity Description Percent
In-class Exercises 10 Exercises: completed during the class meeting times 10%
Homework Assignments 6 Assignments: completed outside of class meeting times 25%
Quizzes 4 Quizzes: completed outside of the class meeting times 20%
Exams 1 Mid-term Exam, 1 Final Exam: both delivered as take-home, open-book exams 20%
Group Project 1 Project Proposal and 1 Project Poster: work in groups of two 25%
Total  100%

Each in-class exercise, quiz, and homework assignment is graded on a scale of 10 points. Each exam and project is graded on a scale of 50 points (project proposal amounts to 5 points, and the project poster/report amounts to 45 points).

GIS 5653-001 

Activity Description Percent
In-class Exercises 10 Exercises: completed during the class meeting times 10%
Homework Assignments 6 Assignments: completed outside of class meeting times 15%
Quizzes 4 Quizzes: completed outside of the class meeting times 15%
Exams 1 Mid-term Exam, 1 Final Exam: both delivered as take-home, open-book exams 20%
Group Project 1 Project Proposal and 1 Project Poster: work in groups of two 20%
Individual Project 1 Project Proposal and 1 Project Report: individual work ideally based on your research 20%
Total  100%

Each in-class exercise, quiz, and homework assignment is graded on a scale of 10 points. Each exam and project is graded on a scale of 50 points (project proposal amounts to 5 points, and the project poster/report amounts to 45 points).

Scale

The final letter grading for the course will be as follows: A: >= 90%, B: 89% - 80%, C: 79% - 70%, D: 69% - 60%, F: <= 59%. The instructor will round all averages to two significant figures (69.5 will round to 70 and 69.4 will round to 69) to determine the student’s letter grade in the course (70 --> C, 69 --> D). There is no curve in this course. The instructor reserves the right to make linear adjustments to exam or quiz grades in cases were a question was found to be in error or unreasonably demanding. 

Course Components

Lectures

This course follows the flipped classroom pedagogy. Lectures are provided as videos on Canvas. This allows students to prepare the lecture materials at their own pace. Check out the module instructions to learn about the weekly schedules.

Class Meetings

In the flipped classroom model, the class meetings provide an opportunity to deepen the understanding of the materials through exercises, hands-on activities, and group work.

Assignments

Quizzes and homework assignments have to be completed outside of the class meetings. In-class exercises, group work, and exams are conducted during class meetings.

Course Policies

Communication

All OU students should use the Canvas Messaging functionality to contact the instructor. The instructor will not respond to messages sent via email. It is the students’ responsibility to check their inbox regularly. The same applies to announcements on the learning management system.

Late Policy

Late submissions are accepted but are subject to an automatic grade reduction of 20%. No credits will be given for submissions more than seven days late unless an extension was granted.

Civility  

All students are expected to follow proper classroom behavior and treat other students and the instructor with respect. If the instructor deems a student’s actions or behavior disruptive to the class, the student will be asked to leave the class for the day.  

 Emergency Contact  

In case of family or medical emergencies, students can contact the instructor through the Canvas messaging functionality. Once the emergency has passed, the student can meet with the instructor to discuss what material/assignments the student has missed and what steps would be beneficial to aid the student continued success in the course.  

 Changes in the Syllabus  

As the course develops, it might be desirable/necessary to make appropriate changes in aspects of this syllabus. The instructor reserves the right to make changes if desirable or necessary.  

University Academic Policies and Student Support

Course Catalog 

Search the OU Course Catalogue.

Student Handbook

Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.

Online Library

Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.

Masking Policy - Fall 2020

As outlined by the University of Oklahoma¹s Chief COVID Officer, until further notice, employees, students, and visitors of the OU community will be mandated to wear masks (1.) when they are inside University facilities and vehicles and (2.) when they are outdoors on campus and social distancing of at least six feet is not possible. For the well-being of the entire university community, it is important that everyone demonstrate the appropriate health and safety behaviors outlined in the University Mandatory Masking Policy (https://www.ou.edu/coronavirus/masking-policy). As this mandate includes all campus classrooms, please make sure you are wearing your mask while in class. If you do not have a mask or forgot yours, see the professor for available masks. If you have an exemption from the Mandatory Masking Policy, please see the professor to make accommodations before class begins. If and where possible, please make your professor aware of your exemption and/or accommodation prior to arriving in class.
If a student is unable or unwilling to wear a mask and has not made an accommodation request through the ADRC, they will be instructed to exit the classroom.

Attendance Policy - Fall 2020

A temporary university policy has been established to protect the OU community by ensuring that students who are ill or required to isolate feel encouraged to remain at home. Missing a class session or other class activity due to illness or isolation will not result in a penalty for the absence, and the student will not be asked to provide formal documentation from a healthcare provider to excuse the absence. This policy is based on all students and faculty adhering to the principles of integrity, honesty, and concern for others.

Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle pain, headache, chills, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea or who have been in close contact with others who have symptoms should:

  • Remain at home to protect others
  • Ensure that any needed screening has been conducted (COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool) and any needed treatment obtained
  • Contact the instructor prior to absence or inability to participate, if possible, and provide an honest report of the reason for which you cannot attend class or complete a course activity
  • Continue to complete coursework to the extent possible, using Canvas, zoom, and other online tools
  • Submit assignments electronically to the extent possible and as directed by the instructor
  • Communicate with the instructor to arrange modifications to deadlines or work requirements or reschedule exams or other important course activities, when it is necessary

Academic Misconduct

In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook. 

It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.

This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.

Plagiarism 

Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism. 

For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.

Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities

The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students requiring academic accommodation should contact the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center for assistance at (405) 325-3852 or TDD: (405) 325-4173. For more information please visit http://www.ou.edu/drc/home.html. Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunities.

Mental Health Support Services

If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019.  To schedule an appointment call (405) 325-2911. For more information please visit http://www.ou.edu/ucc.

Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues

Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability.  Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.

Title IX Resources  

For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at 405-325-2215 (8-5, M-F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident. 

Religious Holidays

It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays without penalty. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.

Copyright Policy

It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or his/her authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user’s access to some or all of the university’s computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.

Final Exam Preparation Period

The pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU’s Final Exam Preparation Period policy (https://apps.hr.ou.edu/FacultyHandbook#4.10).

Registration and Withdrawal

If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.

Student Grievances

In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.

Emergency Protocol

During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.

Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather 1. LOOK for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances 2. SEEK refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building. 3. GO to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows. 4. GET IN, GET DOWN, COVER UP. 5. WAIT for official notice to resume normal activities.

Link to Severe Weather Refuge Areas , Severe Weather Preparedness - Video

 Armed Subject/Campus Intruder: If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:

  1. GET OUT: If you believe you can get out of the area WITHOUT encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911. 2. HIDE OUT: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room. 3. TAKE OUT: As a last resort fight to defend yourself.

For more information, visit http://www.ou.edu/emergencypreparedness.html

Shots Fired on Campus Procedure - Video

Fire Alarm/General Emergency: If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates: 1. LEAVE the building. Do not use the elevators. 2. KNOW at least two building exits 3. ASSIST those that may need help 4. PROCEED to the emergency assembly area 5 ONCE safely outside, NOTIFY first responders of anyone that may still be inside building due to mobility issues. 6. WAIT for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.

OU Fire Safety on Campus

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes. We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations.  Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people. The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.

 

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due