Course

Quantitative Methods in Geography

Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Department
Geography and the Environment
Course code
GEOG 2251
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
35
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
Winter

Overview

Course description
This course in an introduction to statistics and the use of quantitative information in geography, including data collection, management, and analysis. Analytical procedures include graphical presentation of data, descriptive statistics, application of probability and sampling theory, inferential statistics, and spatial statistics. Examples will be taken from both physical and human geography. Computers and data analysis software will be used.
Course content
  • Introduction
    • quantitative geography
    • statistics
    • types of data a levels of measurement
    • measurement and collection of data                    
  • Visualization of data
    • tables, graphs and maps
  • Descriptive statistics
    • central tendency
    • variability
  • Spatial data analysis
    • areal and point data
    • directional statistics
    • geographic centres
    • point pattern analysis
  • Probability theory and distributions
    • random variables
    • discrete probability distributions
    • continuous probability distributions
  • Sampling and populations
    • types of samples
    • sources of error
    • sampling distributions
    • geographic sampling
  • Parametric inferential statistics
    • Central Limit Theorem
    • estimation
    • hypothesis testing
    • t-tests
    • confidence intervals
    1. statistical significance
  • Nonparametric statistics
    • comparison of parametric and nonparametric tests
    • Chi-Square tests
  • Correlation
    • Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient
    • nonparametric correlation coefficients
    • spatial autocorrelation
  • Regression
    • simple linear regression model
    • goodness of fit
    • assumptions of  linear regression
    • non-linear regression models
    • multiple regression analysis
  • Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
  • Time series analysis
    • characteristics of time series
    • data homogeneity
    • smoothing
Learning activities

The course will employ a variety of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives, including some of the following:  lecture, labs, observation, analysis and interpretation of geographic data, multimedia, individual and/or team projects and small group discussions.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will provide a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria during the first week of classes.

Evaluation will include some of the following:

  • Laboratory assignments with a combined value of up to 50%.
  • Multiple choice and short answer exams with a combined value of up to 50%.
  • A term project with a value of up to 25%.

An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:

Assignments 40%
Midterm Exam   25%
Final Exam 25%
Term Project 10%
Total 100%
Learning outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, the successful student will be  able to:

  1. Explain the role of quantitative information in geographic research and applications.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of descriptive statistics and regression methods as they apply to problem solving in Geography.
  3. Perform data manipulation, statistical calculations and graphical presentation by hand, and using computer spreadsheets or statistical software (e.g. Excel, SPSS).
  4. Evaluate the roles of probability theory and sampling distributions in drawing inferences about populations based on samples.
  5. Identify when and where statistical procedures are appropriate.

 

Textbook materials

Texts will be updated periodically. Typical examples are:

  • Haan, M. and Godley, J. (2017). An Introduction to Statistics for Canadian Social Scientists.  Oxford.
  • Harris, R. and C. Jarvis (2011).  Statistics for Geography and Environmental Science. Pearson.
  • Rogerson, P.A. (2010).  Statistical Methods for Geography:  A Student's Guide.  Sage.
  • Shafer, D.S. and Z. Zhang (2012).  Beginning Statistics. Open source textbook: http://2012books.lardbucket.org/

 

Requisites

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for GEOG 2251
Athabasca University (AU) AU MGSC 2XX (3)
Camosun College (CAMO) CAMO GEOG 216 (3)
Capilano University (CAPU) CAPU GEOG 2XX (3)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) KPU GEOG 2390 (3)
Langara College (LANG) LANG GEOG 2XXX (3)
Simon Fraser University (SFU) SFU GEOG 251 (3)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU GEOG 2700 (3)
Trinity Western University (TWU) TWU GEOG 2XX (3)
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) UBCO GEOG_O 271 (3)
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) UBCV GEOG_V 2nd (3)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC STAT 240 (3)
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) UFV GEOG 252 (3)
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC GEOG 226 (1.5)
Vancouver Island University (VIU) VIU GEOG 221 (3)

Course Offerings

Fall 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
35
Currently enrolled
34
Remaining seats:
1
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. D
Room
D2012
Times:
Start Time
12:30
-
End Time
15:20
Section notes

GEOG 2251-001 is considered UT Statistics for Associate Degrees. Prerequisite is one 1100-level Geography course, or permission of instructor.

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
35
Currently enrolled
34
Remaining seats:
1
On waitlist
1
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N6105
Times:
Start Time
12:30
-
End Time
15:20
Section notes

GEOG 2251-002 is considered UT Statistics for Associate Degrees. Prerequisite is one 1100-level Geography course, or permission of instructor