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Fall 2005
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Quantitative Analysis in Geography Instructor: M.B. Green office: SSC 2415, phone: office 679-2111 x 85025 office hours: 10:00-11:30 am, Tuesdays and by appointment Teaching Assistants: Radu-Dan Capitan rcapitan@uwo.ca , SSC 2308, office hours 10:30 to 12:30 Thursdays, Yunliang Meng ymeng6@uwo.ca Course description: Simple parametric and nonparametric statistical methods through multiple regression are introduced. Exploratory data analysis techniques are examined as a supplement to more traditional statistical methods. Geography specific techniques are also presented. Antirequisites: All other senior-level statistics courses numbered 100 and above. Prerequisites: Geography 201a/b. Objectives: To extend the knowledge gained in Geog 201a/b regarding the nature of geographical data and the application of statistical techniques and computing systems to spatial analysis; models of spatial data, probability, distributions, hypothesis testing and correlations. What that means is that I want you to become comfortable with opening a medium level stats books and being able to follow the discussion of a technique well enough that you could apply it correctly. General information The course is quantitative. Computations will be performed manually, using calculators, and with computers. SPSS for Windows will be the main computer program used in the course. In addition to the instructor there is consultation help available in SSCL (consultant in room 1004, and demonstrator in room 1032) on use of microcomputers and SPSS for Windows . However, it is not within the consultant’s job description to help you with the labs themselves. Exercise your common sense when you seek out their advice. Be sure that you use these resources before you complain. The course material is cumulative- you will need to know last week’s lecture in order to understand this week’s lecture. Because of this you should review lectures and readings weekly - do not expect success if you only study and practice before exams. The course is also problem based, and applied - you must practice problems and do all of the exercises in order to fully understand the material and successfully complete the course. If you are having problems, SPEAK UP! I am more than happy to help you with difficulties you are having in the course. This help is conditional upon you doing your job. That is, you should read the text or lab before you come to see me. The session is much more fruitful if you have tried to understand the material first. I will not redo a class lecture because you didn't attend. Please attend the lectures, it makes everyone's life much easier. Format: Instruction is through one two-hour classes on Tuesdays, from 3:30-5:30 pm in SSC 2020 with lab section 2 Tuesdays 7:00-9:00 pm in SSC 2322 and lab section 3 Thursdays 8:30-10:30 am in SSC 2322. Lecture schedule, Geog 301a, 2005 (Provisional) Date Topic(s)
Recommended Textbooks: Geographic Measurement and Quantitative Analysis, Earickson and Harlan, 1994, Prentice Hall You will also need to obtain and learn to use a calculator which has some scientific / statistical functions. Evaluation: There will be 10 quizzes of no more more than 30 minutes each, a final exam, and four laboratory assignments. I will only use the highest eight of the 10 quizzes. The quizzes will consist of short answer questions and problem solving. Lab assignments will be assigned and introduced on the Tuesday the week before the week of the lab, and will be taken up in the following week's lab unless stated otherwise. The quizzes and final exam are closed book with the exception of a single 4" by 6" index card that you may prepare for use in the quiz. You may use these index cards in the final exam if you wish. You have the option of having your course mark based on your quizzes and labs or the final exam and labs, but not both. The final for the course is a 'resurrection final', that is you can substitute your mark on the final examination for your quiz marks. So if you do poorly on the quizzes all is not lost, you can take the final an 'resurrect' your course mark. I will assign your course mark on which ever of the 2 options gives you the highest course mark. Labs. A suggested outline can be viewed by clicking here. Labs must be stapled securely (I'm not responsible for missing pages!), and clearly labeled with your name, and student number. Labs must be typed. Copies of the labs are available on this site. You are encouraged to work on labs in groups for the lab. This does not mean copying labs but helping each other understand the material. Copied assignments will be given zero marks in the first instance. More serious measures may be enacted upon a repeat offense. Assignments handed in late will have marks deducted (10% per day, including weekends), except for documented medical or other extraordinary circumstances. No labs will be accepted or graded once they have been handed back in class. In any case, the instructor must be notified of late assignments prior to the due date. No travel or employment plans should be made during the Final Examination time. In accordance with university policy, missed exams cannot be made up except on written medical grounds and notification prior to exam date. Distribution of marks Exercises 20% In addition you are expected to attend the lectures. You can’t learn the material if you aren’t there. If you have a cellular phone with you in class, TURN IT OFF! Be sure to read the information from the Dean of Social Science Office. Click here. If you have questions about the regulations
regarding exams or other requirements visit the social science academic
counseling web site. If the fire alarm sounds you are to immediately vacate
the building and not return until directed to do so by competent authority.
UWO SENATE STATEMENT ON PLAGARISM “Students must write their essays and assignments in their own words. Whenever students take an idea, or a passage of text from another author, they must acknowledge their debt to both by using quotation marks where appropriate and by proper referencing such as footnotes or citations. Plagiarism is a major academic offence (See Scholastic Offence Policy in the Western Academic Calendar).” Essays may be evaluated by plagiarism checking software.
You should also note that any marks in the course are considered preliminary
until you receive your final mark from the Registrar.
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