Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GEOG XL 7

Students will learn how to think spatially, become familiar with information technology, produce maps, communicate effectively using spatial information, and conduct data analysis with GIS.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Online
Starting at $2,250.00
As few as 11 weeks
5.0

What you can learn.

  • Learn to create maps, perform geographic data analysis, and answer geographic research questions
  • Develop, sharpen, and reinforce geographical knowledge and spatial awareness across different fields
  • Demonstrate how a geographic perspective can complement, extend, and apply across the physical, biological, environmental, and social sciences
  • Learn how to use GIS software like ArcGIS and other platforms

About this course:

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to fundamental principles and concepts behind the use and application of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn how to think spatially, become familiar with information technology, produce maps, communicate effectively using spatial information and conduct data analysis with GIS. Instruction is technique-oriented, focusing heavily on practical applications of GIS methods and practices using the industry-standard ArcGIS software platform. All course exercises situate GIS within both its practical and economic context. Key concepts and ideas are reinforced through practical assignments and activities involving the use of desktop GIS software. Students will be earning transferable UCLA course credit for all courses in the certificate program. This course is accredited and approved by the UCLA Academic Senate as a credit-bearing course. It carries lower-division undergraduate credit. Weekly activities include reviewing video lectures, technical screencasts, and readings. Completing practical assignments involve the use of GIS methods to address real-world scenarios; Self-assessment using automated non-graded quizzes; and more.

Choose from Two Formats

Students can choose to take GEOG XL 7 in one of two formats: self-paced or cohort-based.

 

Self-paced format

  • Complete at your own pace.
  • Great for self-motivated students who wish to complete the course either more quickly or over a longer period of time.
  • Students will have two quarters from the course's scheduled start date (NOT from the date of enrollment) to complete the course.*
  • There are no scheduled due dates for course activities.

Cohort-based format

  • Complete in ten weeks.
  • Great for students who are motivated by deadlines and enjoy being able to engage in discussions with classmates.
  • Students will take the course over a standard ten-week academic quarter.
  • Course activities are due weekly.

Click 'See Details' under each section below to determine if it is self-paced or cohort-based. 

*Students who enroll in the self-paced format after the course's scheduled start date should be aware that they will have less than the full two quarters to complete course activities. Students who wish to take advantage of the full two-quarter time window should enroll in the subsequent quarter's self-paced course in advance of the course's start date.

Fall 2024 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Available
See Details
Instructor: Sierra Burkhart, Michael Shin, Monica Dimson
399864
Fee:
$2,250.00
Onlineformat icon
Notes

Required course in the GIS & Geospatial Technology Certificate program.

Students can choose to take GEOG XL 7 in one of two formats: self-paced or cohort-based. This is the self-paced version of the course.

Students enrolled in the self-paced version will have two quarters from the course's scheduled start date (NOT from date of enrollment) to complete the course, and there are no scheduled due dates for course activities. This option is best for self-motivated students who wish to complete what is typically a ten-week course either more quickly or over a longer period of time.

Students who enroll after the course's scheduled start date should be aware that they will have less than the full two quarters to complete course activities. Any students who wish to take advantage of the full two-quarter time window should enroll in the subsequent quarter's self-paced course in advance of the course's start date.

This is an online course, wherein all course content is delivered online and all interaction among the instructor and the participants will take place online; additional requirements include microphone, headphones/speakers, and webcam.

Technical requirements: Students are responsible for providing a personal computer with a minimum of 4GB of RAM that is capable of running Windows 10. Apple hardware running macOS can be used provided that Windows 10 is installed either using Boot Camp or virtualization (VirtualBox, Parallels, etc.) with at least 4GB of RAM allocated to Windows. Hardware specifications in excess of these minimum requirements will offer better performance and a better student experience. Students will be provided with a student license for ArcGIS as long as they are enrolled in program courses for which ArcGIS is required.

Enrollment limited to 50 students; early enrollment recommended. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required.

Refund Deadline
No refunds after October 04, 2024
Course Requirements
Essentials of Geographic Information Systems, 2.0 by Shin, M., Campbell, J. and Burkhart, N.
Internet access required to retrieve course materials

Winter 2025 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Available
See Details
Instructor: Sierra Burkhart, Michael Shin, Monica Dimson
400803
Fee:
$2,250.00
Onlineformat icon
Notes

Required course in the GIS & Geospatial Technology Certificate program.

Students can choose to take GEOG XL 7 in one of two formats: self-paced or cohort-based. This is the cohort-based  version of the course. Students enrolled in the cohort-based version of the course will take the course over a standard ten-week academic quarter, with weekly due dates for course activities providing structure. This option is best for students who are motivated by deadlines and enjoy being able to engage in discussion with classmates.

This is an online course, wherein all course content is delivered online and all interaction among the instructor and the participants will take place online; additional requirements include microphone, headphones/speakers, and webcam.

Technical requirements: Students are responsible for providing a personal computer with a minimum of 4GB of RAM that is capable of running Windows 10. Apple hardware running macOS can be used provided that Windows 10 is installed either using Boot Camp or virtualization (VirtualBox, Parallels, etc.) with at least 4GB of RAM allocated to Windows. Hardware specifications in excess of these minimum requirements will offer better performance and a better student experience. Students will be provided with a student license for ArcGIS as long as they are enrolled in program courses for which ArcGIS is required.

Enrollment limited to 50 students; early enrollment recommended. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required.

Refund Deadline
No refunds after January 17, 2025
Course Requirements
Essentials of Geographic Information Systems, 2.0 by Shin, M., Campbell, J. and Burkhart, N.
Internet access required to retrieve course materials
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Available
See Details
Instructor: Sierra Burkhart, Michael Shin, Monica Dimson
400804
Fee:
$2,250.00
Onlineformat icon
Notes

Required course in the GIS & Geospatial Technology Certificate program.

Students can choose to take GEOG XL 7 in one of two formats: self-paced or cohort-based. This is the self-paced version of the course.

Students enrolled in the self-paced version will have two quarters from the course's scheduled start date (NOT from date of enrollment) to complete the course, and there are no scheduled due dates for course activities. This option is best for self-motivated students who wish to complete what is typically a ten-week course either more quickly or over a longer period of time.

Students who enroll after the course's scheduled start date should be aware that they will have less than the full two quarters to complete course activities. Any students who wish to take advantage of the full two-quarter time window should enroll in the subsequent quarter's self-paced course in advance of the course's start date.

This is an online course, wherein all course content is delivered online and all interaction among the instructor and the participants will take place online; additional requirements include microphone, headphones/speakers, and webcam.

Technical requirements: Students are responsible for providing a personal computer with a minimum of 4GB of RAM that is capable of running Windows 10. Apple hardware running macOS can be used provided that Windows 10 is installed either using Boot Camp or virtualization (VirtualBox, Parallels, etc.) with at least 4GB of RAM allocated to Windows. Hardware specifications in excess of these minimum requirements will offer better performance and a better student experience. Students will be provided with a student license for ArcGIS as long as they are enrolled in program courses for which ArcGIS is required.

Enrollment limited to 50 students; early enrollment recommended. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required.

Refund Deadline
No refunds after January 10, 2025
Course Requirements
Essentials of Geographic Information Systems, 2.0 by Shin, M., Campbell, J. and Burkhart, N.
Internet access required to retrieve course materials

UCLA Students: Please be advised that UCLA's Concurrent Enrollment policy prohibits taking courses for credit at UCLA Extension during UCLA's regular session (fall, winter and spring quarters).

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This course applies towards the following certificates & specializations…

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