| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q: How soon can I sign up for the GIS minor?
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A: Effective Fall Semester 2003.
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Q: What are the requirements?
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A: Total of 21 Credit Hours: Geog 1 & 2 [6 hours]; 4 courses from Geog 104, 105, 106, 107, and 121 [12 hours]; 1 course from Geography Group A or B [3 hours].
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Q: Are there prerequisites?
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A: Absolutely! If you intend to obtain the GIS minor, you must complete Geog 104 and 105 before you take Geog 106, which is the prerequisite for Geog 121. Also Geog 105 is the prerequisite for Geog 107. In another word, you should take Geog 104 (offered both Fall and Spring) and Geog 105 (Fall only) as soon as possible.
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Q: How do I sign up for the GIS Minor?
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A: Just like you sign up for any Major or Minor! If you are a CCAS student, get a Major/Minor form from CCAS and bring it to Dr. Cheung (coordinator for the GIS Minor). If you are not a CCAS student, you must inquire about cross-school major/minor procedure with your undergraduate advisor at your home college/school.
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Q: I am a (non-geography) graduate student who is interested/advised to take some GIS courses. What should I take?
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A: If you do not have any GIS experience (i.e. no hands-on experience nor class-room experience with GIS softwares), you are strongly urged to take Geog 104 (Introduction to GIS). This course will provide fundamental understanding of GIS discipline and methods. Under very unusual situation, you may be allowed to take Geog 106 (Intermediate GIS). This mid-level course is fast-paced and students with non prior-knowledge of GIS will find the course difficult to follow without substantial extra effort. You(undergraduate/graduate students alike) will not be allowed to take Geog 121 unless: (1) you have take the proper prerequsites (see above); (2) you have shown Dr. Cheung evidences of previous course works in GIS (from another insitution); (3) you have professional experience in the use of GIS.
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Q: I am an undergraduate student in my last year at GWU and would like to get the GIS Minor. Somehow I skipped Geog 104 and/or Geog 106, is there anyway that I can take Geog 121.
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A: No and a huge conditional Yes! You may take a qualifying test before the second lecture of Geog 121 (Sept 10, 2003). If you miraculously pass the test, you will be allow to take Geog 121. However, the test is not considered the substitute for any of the 3 prerequisites (ie Geog 104, 105, and 106) for Geog 121.
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Q: I am well on the way to get a GIS Minor and I would really like to prepare myself for a GIS career or further study. What else should I take in addition to the 21 credit hours?
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A: Excellent question! You are strongly recommended to take all 5 courses in Geography Group C (ie Geog 104, 105, 106, 107, and 121). Furthermore, you should also consider taking an object-based programming course (eg Visual Basic/VBA/VB.Net) and a relational database management course.
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Q: I heard that the Spatial Analysis Laboratory has been upgraded. What is the latest?
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A: The good news is that the Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL) now features 10 brand new PCs equipped with ESRI ArcGIS (ArcView 8.3) with Spatial and 3D Analysts. This drastic improvement should enhance your learning experience in GIS. Check out the SAL Website!
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Q: Yeah! These all sound great. But I want to find out more about what GIS really do?
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A: There are plenty of places to look. I recommend you to start by looking at some USGS materials.
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