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Academic Courses and Initiatives l Online Educational Resources

CIESIN regularly offers undergraduate and graduate courses through several different schools and departments at Columbia University, held at either the Morningside campus or the Lamont campus. CIESIN also participates in a variety of educational initiatives and has mapping tools and resources of interest to K–12 teachers and students, college classrooms, and graduate-level education and research.

Academic Courses and Initiatives                   

The Climate Mobility Network
One of four new “Earth Networks” to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration across Columbia University and develop fresh approaches to research, education and impact on themes related to climate, sustainability and the future of the planet. Among other outputs aligned with the four purposes of Columbia University and the Climate School, the network is developing a trans-disciplinary course, teaching aids, and curriculum-building tools on climate mobility.

WINTER/SPRING 2023 COURSES

Climate Mobility
Course#: GR5013
School: Climate and Society Master’s Program, The Climate School
Mode: designated campus classroom
Instructors: Susana Adamo and Alex de Sherbinin
Description: This team-taught interdisciplinary course focuses on the social, demographic, economic, political, environmental and climatic factors that shape mobility as well as the legal categories of international mobility (e.g., migrant versus refugee), exploring underlying drivers of the various types of migration—from forced to voluntary—in order to better understand current and future trends. It brings to the fore equity, climate justice, and human rights considerations, as well as the mental health dimensions of climate displacement and migration. The course will offer students the opportunity to undertake a role-play that explores policy and programmatic responses to climate  migration, guided by leading policy experts. In a simulated negotiation of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), teams of students will employ the knowledge they have gained and a zero-draft of the compact to negotiate the final text of the GCM, taking into account the interests of the party they will represent. This component builds on the Climate School’s Fourth Purpose, which is to apply research to policy design and programs.

Data Analysis & Visualization in Sustainability
Course#: SUMA PS5255
School: School of Professional Studies/Sustainability Management Program
Mode: designated campus classroom
Instructor: Greg Yetman
Description: Data science is an exciting new field of applied research that takes advantage of the ever-growing volume of data being collected to support decision-making in both the public and private sectors, with limits and issues that are important to understand before applying to problem solving. In anticipation of increased use of data science in promoting sustainability, this course introduces the common methods used in data science, best practices in data management, and the basic scripting skills required to start analyzing data in R and Python. After introducing foundational scripting and data analysis methods, a case study approach will be used to highlight both what can be accomplished with data analysis and the limits of the data and methods used. Lab exercises will teach basic skills in scripting in Python and R and then move to a common approach for data analysis: adapting existing scripts and software libraries to solve applied data problems.

GIS for Sustainable Development
Course#: SDEV W3390
School: Columbia College
Mode: designated campus classroom
Instructor: Linda Pistolesi
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) as a foundation for practical GIS skills used in sustainable development research. Through a mix of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, gain knowledge of the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and learn basic cartographic principles for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use emerging Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) will also be explored.

Spatial Analysis for Sustainable Development
Course#: SDEV W3450
School:
Columbia College
Mode:
designated campus classroom
Instructor:
Kytt MacManus
Description:
This is an intermediate course in spatial modeling developed specifically for students in the Undergraduate Sustainable Development program. This course will provide a foundation for understanding a variety of issues related to spatial analysis and modeling. Students will explore the concepts, tools, and techniques of GIS modeling and review and critique modeling applications used for environmental planning and policy development.

FALL 2022 COURSES

GIS for Sustainable Development
Course#: SDEV W3390
School: Columbia College
Instructor: Kytt McManus
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) as a foundation for practical GIS skills used in sustainable development research. Through a mix of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, gain knowledge of the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and learn basic cartographic principles for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use emerging Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) will also be explored.

Data Analysis and Visualization for Sustainability Management
Course#: SUMA PS5255
School: School of Professional Studies/Sustainability Management Program
Instructor: Greg Yetman
Description: Data science is an exciting new field of applied research that takes advantage of the ever-growing volume of data being collected to support decision-making in both the public and private sectors, with limits and issues that are important to understand before applying to problem solving. In anticipation of increased use of data science in promoting sustainability, this course introduces the common methods used in data science, best practices in data management, and the basic scripting skills required to start analyzing data in R and Python. After introducing foundational scripting and data analysis methods, a case study approach will be used to highlight both what can be accomplished with data analysis and the limits of the data and methods used. Lab exercises will teach basic skills in scripting in Python and R and then move to a common approach for data analysis: adapting existing scripts and software libraries to solve applied data problems.

Human Populations and Sustainable Development
Course #: SDEV3400
School: Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Dept (E3B)
Instructor: Susana Adamo
Description: Demographic processes and their outcomes in terms of population size, distribution and characteristics have a fundamental role in sustainable development and also broad policy implications. This course will introduce students to the scientific study of human populations as a contribution toward their understanding of social structure, relations, and dynamics, as well as society-nature interactions. We will consider the implications for population-environment relationships in the context of consumption trends, economic development, sustainability and cultural change. The aim is to offer a basic introduction to the main theories, concepts, measures, and uses of demography. The course will address: (a) the issues of population size, distribution and composition at different scales from global to regional to local; and (b) the fundamental demographic processes of mortality, fertility and migration, including their trends and transitions. The course will also include an overview of basic demographic techniques and tools used for identifying, managing, analyzing and interpreting population data, and an introduction to population projections. These assignments and exercises will complement readings and lectures by enabling students to explore data sources, calculate rates, and graphically represent demographic data.

WINTER/SPRING 2022 COURSES

Climate Mobility
Course#: EESCGR5410
School: Climate and Society Master’s Program
Mode: designated campus classroom
Instructors: Susana Adamo and Alex de Sherbinin
Description: This team-taught interdisciplinary course focuses on the social, demographic, economic, political, environmental and climatic factors that shape mobility as well as the legal categories of international mobility (e.g., migrant versus refugee), exploring underlying drivers of the various types of migration—from forced to voluntary—in order to better understand current and future trends. It brings to the fore equity, climate justice, and human rights considerations, as well as the mental health dimensions of climate displacement and migration. The course will offer students the opportunity to undertake a role-play that explores policy and programmatic responses to climate  migration, guided by leading policy experts. In a simulated negotiation of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), teams of students will employ the knowledge they have gained and a zero-draft of the compact to negotiate the final text of the GCM, taking into account the interests of the party they will represent. This component builds on the Climate School’s Fourth Purpose, which is to apply research to policy design and programs.

Data Analysis & Visualization in Sustainability
Course#: SUMA PS5255
School: School of Professional Studies/Sustainability Management Program
Mode: designated campus classroom
Instructor: Greg Yetman
Description: Data science is an exciting new field of applied research that takes advantage of the ever-growing volume of data being collected to support decision-making in both the public and private sectors, with limits and issues that are important to understand before applying to problem solving. In anticipation of increased use of data science in promoting sustainability, this course introduces the common methods used in data science, best practices in data management, and the basic scripting skills required to start analyzing data in R and Python. After introducing foundational scripting and data analysis methods, a case study approach will be used to highlight both what can be accomplished with data analysis and the limits of the data and methods used. Lab exercises will teach basic skills in scripting in Python and R and then move to a common approach for data analysis: adapting existing scripts and software libraries to solve applied data problems.

GIS for Sustainable Development
Course#: SDEV W3390
School: Columbia College
Mode: designated campus classroom
Instructor: Linda Pistolesi
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) as a foundation for practical GIS skills used in sustainable development research. Through a mix of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, gain knowledge of the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and learn basic cartographic principles for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use emerging Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) will also be explored.

Spatial Analysis for Sustainable Development
Course #:
SDEV W3450
School:
Columbia College
Mode:
designated campus classroom
Instructor:
Kytt MacManus
Description:
This is an intermediate course in spatial modeling developed specifically for students in the Undergraduate Sustainable Development program. This course will provide a foundation for understanding a variety of issues related to spatial analysis and modeling. Students will explore the concepts, tools, and techniques of GIS modeling and review and critique modeling applications used for environmental planning and policy development.

FALL 2021 COURSES

Data Analysis & Visualization in Sustainability
Course#: SUMA PS5255
School: School of Professional Studies/Sustainability Management Program
Mode: designated campus classroom
Instructor: Greg Yetman
Description: Data science is an exciting new field of applied research that takes advantage of the ever-growing volume of data being collected to support decision-making in both the public and private sectors, with limits and issues that are important to understand before applying to problem solving. In anticipation of increased use of data science in promoting sustainability, this course introduces the common methods used in data science, best practices in data management, and the basic scripting skills required to start analyzing data in R and Python. After introducing foundational scripting and data analysis methods, a case study approach will be used to highlight both what can be accomplished with data analysis and the limits of the data and methods used. Lab exercises will teach basic skills in scripting in Python and R and then move to a common approach for data analysis: adapting existing scripts and software libraries to solve applied data problems.

Scripting ‘Boot Camp’: Introduction to R and Python
Course #: NA
School: School of Professional Studies/Sustainability Management Program
Mode: online
Instructor: Greg Yetman
This four-session intensive introduces students to scripting in R and Python. Non-credit.

GIS for Sustainable Development
Course #: SDEV W3390
School: Columbia College
Mode: designated campus classroom
Instructor: Kytt Macmanus
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) as a foundation for practical GIS skills used in sustainable development research. Through a mix of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, gain knowledge of the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and learn basic cartographic principles for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use emerging Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) will also be explored.

SUMMER 2021

Analytics for Environmental Science and Policy
Course
#: ENVP U6246
School: School of International and Public Affairs
Mode: HyFlex (designated campus classroom, with online participation by students and faculty as needed)
Instructor: Carolynne Hultquist
Description: An introduction to GIS theory and application for the incoming master of public administration in environmental science and policy class. The three-week intensive course covers the fundamentals of data capture and storage and introduces analytical techniques. Students complete a GIS project and presentation using desktop and Web GIS technologies.

WINTER/SPRING 2021 COURSES

Data Analysis & Visualization in Sustainability
Course #: SUMA PS5255
School: School of Professional Studies/Sustainability Management Program
Mode: HyFlex (designated campus classroom, with online participation by students and faculty as needed)
Instructor: Greg Yetman; Carolynne Hultquist is supporting
Description: Data science is an exciting new field of applied research that takes advantage of the ever-growing volume of data being collected to support decision-making in both the public and private sectors, with limits and issues that are important to understand before applying to problem solving. In anticipation of increased use of data science in promoting sustainability, this course introduces the common methods used in data science, best practices in data management, and the basic scripting skills required to start analyzing data in R and Python. After introducing foundational scripting and data analysis methods, a case study approach will be used to highlight both what can be accomplished with data analysis and the limits of the data and methods used. Lab exercises will teach basic skills in scripting in Python and R and then move to a common approach for data analysis: adapting existing scripts and software libraries to solve applied data problems.

Environmental Sustainability Indicators: Construction and Use
Course #: SUSCPS5210
School: School of Professional Studies Sustainability Management Program
Mode: HyFlex (designated campus classroom, with online participation by students and faculty as needed)
Instructor: Alex de Sherbinin
Description: This elective course will provide a basic introduction to the rationale for environmental indicators, the strengths and limitations of data that contribute to their development, the methods for their normalization and aggregation into indices, and their use in policy settings. Architecture, data, methods, and use cases of environmental indicators, from national-level indices to spatial indices that present sub-national variation, will be presented. The course will explore alternative framings of sustainability, vulnerability and performance, as well as aggregation techniques for creating composite indicators (e.g., hierarchical approaches vs. data reduction methods such as principal components analysis). Data sources will include both in-situ monitoring and satellite remote sensing, and issues with their evaluation and appropriateness for use cases and end users. During in-class “lab” sessions, the students will use pre-packaged data and basic statistical packages to understand the factors that influence index and ranking results, and will construct their own comparative index for a thematic area and region or country of their choice. They will learn to critically assess existing indicators and indices, and to construct their own. The course will also examine theories that describe the role of scientific information in decision-making processes, and factors that influence the uptake of information in those processes; and best practices.

GIS for Sustainable Development
Course#: SDEV W3390
School: Columbia College
Mode: Online
Instructor: Linda Pistolesi
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) as a foundation for practical GIS skills used in sustainable development research. Through a mix of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, gain knowledge of the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and learn basic cartographic principles for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use emerging Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) will also be explored.

Spatial Analysis for Sustainable Development
Course #:
SDEV W3450
School:
Columbia College
Mode:
Online
Instructor:
Kytt MacManus
Description:
This is an intermediate course in spatial modeling developed specifically for students in the Undergraduate Sustainable Development program. This course will provide a foundation for understanding a variety of issues related to spatial analysis and modeling. Students will explore the concepts, tools, and techniques of GIS modeling and review and critique modeling applications used for environmental planning and policy development.


FALL 2020

Data Analysis & Visualization in Sustainability
Course #: SUMA PS5255
School: School of Professional Studies/Sustainability Management Program
Mode: HyFlex (designated campus classroom, with online participation by students and faculty as needed)
Instructor: Carolynne Hultquist
Description: Data science is an exciting new field of applied research that takes advantage of the ever-growing volume of data being collected to support decision-making in both the public and private sectors, with limits and issues that are important to understand before applying to problem solving. In anticipation of increased use of data science in promoting sustainability, this course introduces the common methods used in data science, best practices in data management, and the basic scripting skills required to start analyzing data in R and Python. After introducing foundational scripting and data analysis methods, a case study approach will be used to highlight both what can be accomplished with data analysis and the limits of the data and methods used. Lab exercises will teach basic skills in scripting in Python and R and then move to a common approach for data analysis: adapting existing scripts and software libraries to solve applied data problems.

GIS for Sustainable Development
Course #: SDEV W3390
School: Columbia College
Mode: Online
Instructor: Kytt MacManus
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) as a foundation for practical GIS skills used in sustainable development research. Through a mix of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, gain knowledge of the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and learn basic cartographic principles for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use emerging Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) will also be explored.

GIS for Sustainability Management
Course
#: SUMAPS5205
School: School of Professional Studies/Sustainability Management Program
Mode: Online
Instructor: Dara Mendeloff
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) and introduction to the practical GIS skills used in sustainability management. Through a mixture of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and basic cartographic techniques for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use newly emerging Web-based mapping tools such as ArcGIS Online, Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as remote sensing and the global positioning system will also be explored. Case studies will draw from a wide range of GIS applications that assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable development projects and programs. This course satisfies the quantitative analysis curriculum area requirement for the MS in Sustainability Management program. 

Human Populations and Sustainable Development
Course #: SDEV3400
School: Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Dept (E3B)
Mode: Online
Instructor: Susana Adamo
Description: Demographic processes and their outcomes in terms of population size, distribution and characteristics have a fundamental role in sustainable development and also broad policy implications. This course will introduce students to the scientific study of human populations as a contribution toward their understanding of social structure, relations, and dynamics, as well as society-nature interactions. We will consider the implications for population-environment relationships in the context of consumption trends, economic development, sustainability and cultural change. The aim is to offer a basic introduction to the main theories, concepts, measures, and uses of demography. The course will address: (a) the issues of population size, distribution and composition at different scales from global to regional to local; and (b) the fundamental demographic processes of mortality, fertility and migration, including their trends and transitions. The course will also include an overview of basic demographic techniques and tools used for identifying, managing, analyzing and interpreting population data, and an introduction to population projections. These assignments and exercises will complement readings and lectures by enabling students to explore data sources, calculate rates, and graphically represent demographic data.


WINTER/SPRING 2020

GIS for Sustainable Development
Course #: SDEV W3390
School: Columbia College
Instructor: Kytt MacManus and Linda Pistolesi
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) as a foundation for practical GIS skills used in sustainable development research. Through a mix of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, gain knowledge of the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and learn basic cartographic principles for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use emerging Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) will also be explored.


FALL 2019

Introduction to GIS for Sustainable Development
Course #: SDEV 3390
School: Columbia College
Instructor: Kytt MacManus
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) as a foundation for practical GIS skills used in sustainable development research. Through a mixture of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, gain knowledge of the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and learn basic cartographic principles for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use emerging Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) will also be explored.

GIS for Sustainability Management
Course
#: SUMAPS5205
School: School of Professional Studies Sustainability Management Program
Instructor: Dara Mendeloff
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) and introduction to the practical GIS skills used in sustainability management. Through a mixture of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and basic cartographic techniques for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use newly emerging Web-based mapping tools such as ArcGIS Online, Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as remote sensing and the global positioning system will also be explored. Case studies will draw from a wide range of GIS applications that assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable development projects and programs. This course satisfies the quantitative analysis curriculum area requirement for the MS in Sustainability Management program. 

SUMMER 2019

Analytics for Environmental Science and Policy
Course
#: ENVP U6246
School: School of International and Public Affairs
Instructor: Dara Mendeloff
Description: An introduction to GIS theory and application for the incoming master of public administration in environmental science and policy class. The three-week intensive course covers the fundamentals of data capture and storage and introduces analytical techniques. Students complete a GIS project and presentation using desktop and Web GIS technologies.


WINTER/SPRING 2019

Environmental Sustainability Indicators: Construction and Use
Course #: SUSCPS5210
School: School of Professional Studies Sustainability Management Program
Instructor: Alex de Sherbinin
Description: This elective course will provide a basic introduction to the rationale for environmental indicators, the strengths and limitations of data that contribute to their development, the methods for their normalization and aggregation into indices, and their use in policy settings. Architecture, data, methods, and use cases of environmental indicators, from national-level indices to spatial indices that present sub-national variation, will be presented. The course will explore alternative framings of sustainability, vulnerability and performance, as well as aggregation techniques for creating composite indicators (e.g., hierarchical approaches vs. data reduction methods such as principal components analysis). Data sources will include both in-situ monitoring and satellite remote sensing, and issues with their evaluation and appropriateness for use cases and end users. During in-class “lab” sessions, the students will use pre-packaged data and basic statistical packages to understand the factors that influence index and ranking results, and will construct their own comparative index for a thematic area and region or country of their choice. They will learn to critically assess existing indicators and indices, and to construct their own. The course will also examine theories that describe the role of scientific information in decision-making processes, and factors that influence the uptake of information in those processes; and best practices.

GIS for Sustainable Development
Course #: SDEV W3390
School: Columbia College
Instructor: Kytt MacManus and Linda Pistolesi
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) as a foundation for practical GIS skills used in sustainable development research. Through a mix of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, gain knowledge of the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and learn basic cartographic principles for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use emerging Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) will also be explored.

FALL 2018

Human Populations and Sustainable Development
Course #: SDEV W3400
School: Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Dept (E3B)
Instructor: Susana Adamo
Description: Demographic processes and their outcomes in terms of population size, distribution and characteristics have a fundamental role in sustainable development and also broad policy implications. This course will introduce students to the scientific study of human populations as a contribution toward their understanding of social structure, relations, and dynamics, as well as society-nature interactions. We will consider the implications for population-environment relationships in the context of consumption trends, economic development, sustainability and cultural change. The aim is to offer a basic introduction to the main theories, concepts, measures, and uses of demography. The course will address: (a) the issues of population size, distribution and composition at different scales from global to regional to local; and (b) the fundamental demographic processes of mortality, fertility and migration, including their trends and transitions. The course will also include an overview of basic demographic techniques and tools used for identifying, managing, analyzing and interpreting population data, and an introduction to population projections. These assignments and exercises will complement readings and lectures by enabling students to explore data sources, calculate rates, and graphically represent demographic data.

GIS for Sustainable Development
Course #: UN3390
School: Columbia College
Instructor: Kytt MacManus
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) as a foundation for practical GIS skills used in sustainable development research. Through a mixture of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, gain knowledge of the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and learn basic cartographic principles for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use emerging Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) will also be explored.

GIS for International Studies
Course #: U6275
School: School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)
Instructor: Greg Yetman
Description: An introduction to the fundamentals of GIS and GPS technologies and their use in a variety of social and environmental science applications. Topics include GIS data structures and formats, design and compiling databases from various sources, GPS data acquisition, performing queries from tabular or spatial data, basic techniques for designing maps for communicating analysis results to others, and GIS project design and implementation. Students will also learn how to use Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth and Interactive Map Services (IMS).

Data Analysis & GIS for Sustainability Management
Course #: PS5205
School: School of Professional Studies Sustainability Management Program
Instructor: Dara Mendeloff
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) and introduction to the practical GIS skills used in sustainability management. Through a mixture of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and basic cartographic techniques for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use newly emerging Web-based mapping tools such as ArcGIS Online, Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as remote sensing and the global positioning system will also be explored. Case studies will draw from a wide range of GIS applications that assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable development projects and programs. This course satisfies the quantitative analysis curriculum area requirement for the MS in Sustainability Management program. 

WINTER/SPRING 2018

Data Analysis & Visualization in Sustainability
Course #: SUMA PS5255
School: School of Professional Studies
Instructors: Valentina Mara and Greg Yetman
Description: Data science is an exciting new field of applied research that takes advantage of the ever-growing volume of data being collected to support decision-making in both the public and private sectors, with limits and issues that are important to understand before applying to problem solving. In anticipation of increased use of data science in promoting sustainability, this course introduces the common methods used in data science, best practices in data management, and the basic scripting skills required to start analyzing data in R and Python. After introducing foundational scripting and data analysis methods, a case study approach will be used to highlight both what can be accomplished with data analysis and the limits of the data and methods used. Lab exercises will teach basic skills in scripting in Python and R and then move to a common approach for data analysis: adapting existing scripts and software libraries to solve applied data problems.

GIS for Sustainable Development
Course #: SDEV W3390.00
School: Columbia College
Instructors: Kytt MacManus and Linda Pistolesi
Description: A comprehensive overview of theoretical concepts underlying geographic information systems (GIS) as a foundation for practical GIS skills used in sustainable development research. Through a mixture of lectures, readings, focused discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will acquire an understanding of the variety and structure of spatial data and databases, gain knowledge of the principles behind raster- and vector-based spatial analysis, and learn basic cartographic principles for producing maps that effectively communicate a message. Students will also learn to use emerging Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and similar tools to develop online interactive maps and graphics. The use of other geospatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) will also be explored.

GIS for International Studies 
Course#: ENVPU6275
School: School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)
Instructor: Greg Yetman
Description: An introduction to the fundamentals of GIS and GPS technologies and their use in a variety of social and environmental science applications. Topics include GIS data structures and formats, design and compiling databases from various sources, GPS data acquisition, performing queries from tabular or spatial data, basic techniques for designing maps for communicating analysis results to others, and GIS project design and implementation. Students will also learn how to use Web-based mapping tools such as Google Earth and Interactive Map Services (IMS). 

OTHER PREVIOUS CURRICULUM

Environment, Conflict and Resolution Strategies (School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA))
Instructor: Marc Levy

Environmental Data Analysis (School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA))
Instructors:
Valentina Mara and Xue Liu

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Sustainability Management
(School of Continuing Education (Now School of Professional Studies)
Instructor:
Dara Mendeloff

Capstone Workshop (School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA))
Instructor: Marc Levy

GIS for International Studies (School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA))
Instructor: Greg Yetman

GIS for Public Health (Mailman School of Public Health)
Instructors: Malanding Jaiteh, Gregory Yetman, Mark Becker

GIS for Sustainability Management (School of Professional Studies)
Instructor: Dara Mendeloff

GIS for International Affairs (School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA))
Instructors: Malanding Jaiteh, with lab support from Kytt MacManus  

Introduction to GIS Methods (Barnard College)
Instructor:
Tricia Chai-Onn

Spatial Analysis and Modeling for Sustainable Development (School of General Studies)
Instructors: Greg Yetman, Tricia Chai-Onn

Spatial Analysis for Sustainable Development (Dept. of E3B) 
Instructor: Mark Becker

United Nations Environment Program (UNEP): Payment for Ecosystem Services in Rural Haiti (School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA))
Instructor: Marc Levy

Workshops in Geographic Information Systems (School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA))
Instructor: Kytt MacManus

Online Educational Resources

“EI Live” Educational Video: “Climate Data—The Numbers Behind the Numbers”
The 45-minute video for grades 9–12, available on the EI Live channel, explains the data science tools used in climate research by scientists to understand geographic data, perform spatial analysis, and visualize data while communicating a story. Part of the Earth Institute (EI) Live K–12 science education video series.

E2C (Earth to Class)
The E2C program brings together researchers from Columbia University’s Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory and Earth Institute with local K-12 teachers and specialists in curriculum and technology integration from Teachers College Columbia University and Colégio Bandeirantes, São Paulo, Brazil, to enrich earth science curricula for K–12 students and to support development for their teachers. The program is centered around a series, “Saturday Workshops for Educators,” which features scientists from the Lamont community presenting topics in their area of expertise, often involving new areas of research. CIESIN participates by offering hands-on workshops on using new data products and becoming familiar with various levels of spatial data visualization techniques that are designed to be integrated into the classroom. On pause during the Pandemic.

Environmental Peacebuilding Academy
An online educational partnership to cultivate the next generation of environmental peacebuilding practitioners, researchers, and decision makers. CIESIN deputy director Marc Levy is a founding member. Members teach classes related to environmental peacebuilding and are committed to using and promoting the Knowledge Platform and Community of Practice. Environmental peacebuilding integrates natural resource management with conflict prevention, mitigation, resolution, and recovery to build resilience in communities affected by conflict. The Academy is a collaborative effort of the Environmental Law Institute, UNEP, McGill University, and the University of Tokyo.
Geospatial Data Preservation Resource Center
A Web site containing the latest approaches and tools for long-term geospatial data preservation and access. Included are descriptions and links for a variety of relevant resources, including education and training modules, useful tools and software, information on policies and standards for preserving geospatial data, and examples of successful preservation and associated benefits.
Mapping Tools
A variety of mapping tools developed by the CIESIN’s Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center, both Web-based and stand-alone, that let researchers, generalists, and students visualize, query, and analyze various map layers created from our geospatial data holdings.
Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): Environmental Security and Sustaining Peace. Launched in March 2018, this free, eight-week course provided an in-depth introduction to the multiple roles that natural resources and the environment play in the onset, escalation, and resolution of, and recovery from, violent conflicts. It was aimed at peace and security specialists, natural resource experts, sustainable development practitioners, and advanced undergraduates and graduate students. CIESIN deputy director Marc Levy was among core faculty that include Erika Weinthal, Richard Matthew, David Jensen, and Carl Bruch. The non-credit-granting course was offered by the SDG Academy, an educational initiative of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
Thematic Guides on the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change
CIESIN’s Thematic Guides offer overviews of some of the key topics and issues that pertain to the human dimensions of global environmental change. The guides are designed to complement data-access tools such as the CIESIN Gateway by providing context and background information.
 

This page last modified: Mar 27, 2023