Geography
GEOG 1200 - Society and Space F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course introduces key concepts in contemporary Human Geography. The course applies a spatial perspective in exploring a wide ranging series of processes and issues in society. Topics include population growth and migration, models and challenges of urban and rural development, interpretation of cultural landscapes and selected issues relating to social welfare. (Also offered through Distance Education format.)
GEOG 1220 - Human Impact on the Environment F,W (3-0) [0.50]
A global overview of the changing relationships among society, technology and the environment. This course emphasizes the major stages of human use of resources and the environmental consequences of global changes in production systems. It contrasts Third and First World experiences, focusing on core-periphery relationships. (Also offered through Distance Education format.)
GEOG 1300 - Introduction to the Biophysical Environment F,W (3-2) [0.50]
An introduction to Physical Geography. The principles and processes governing climate-landform-soil-vegetation systems and interrelationships. Natural and human-induced changes to environmental systems. Laboratories will address techniques of measurement, representation and analysis of environmental systems through maps, air photographs, remote sensing and field observations. (Also offered through Distance Education format.)
GEOG 1350 - Earth: Hazards and Global Change F,W (3-0) [0.50]
An introduction to the principles and processes governing climate-landform-soil-vegetation systems. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships between human and environmental systems through the examination of natural hazards and global climate change.
GEOG 2000 - Geomorphology F (3-2) [0.50]
This is an introduction to geomorphology emphasizing weathering, slope and fluvial processes within drainage basins, and glacial and periglacial processes. Field and laboratory techniques will be applied.
GEOG 2030 - Political Ecology & Geography F (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines the changing world political map and relations between society and ecology from the perspective of intra- and inter-state structures and processes. Territorial restructuring, international law, environmental movements, localization and globalization are considered. Particular attention is paid to ecological and development processes and strategies in various parts of the world.
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GEOG 2110 - Climate and the Biophysical Environment W (3-1) [0.50]
The interrelationships between the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere to produce distinct physical landscapes (climates, soils, vegetation). Emphasis on the role of climate and the flows of energy, water, and biogeochemicals.
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GEOG 2210 - Environment and Resources W (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines the interrelationships between people and biophysical processes. The main themes are: 1) characteristics of natural resources and processes through which they are developed and used and 2) human response to environmental conditions, including natural hazards and global change. Contemporary Canadian case studies will be presented at the regional and national scales. (Also offered through Distance Education format.)
GEOG 2230 - Economic Geography F (3-0) [0.50]
An introduction to the spatial distribution of economic activity. The course examines patterns, processes and problems in extractive activities, manufacturing, marketing and the service sector, including the transportation of commodities and people. The principles of economic location are applied to regional economic analysis and development.
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GEOG 2260 - Applied Human Geography W (3-2) [0.50]
This course introduces students to the geographical research process, guiding them through key methodological issues and techniques in human geography. The lab component of the course focuses on data collection using secondary documents, surveys, interviews, and participant observation, as well as both quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Lab assignments and class illustrations draw on a range of topics in human geography.
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GEOG 2420 - The Earth From Space F (2-3) [0.50]
This course provides an introduction to the principles and techniques of air photo and satellite image interpretation. Topics include stereoscopic viewing, parallax, flightline planning, and mapping from air photos. Lab exercises focus on specific applications in natural habitats and in rural and urban settings.
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GEOG 2460 - Analysis in Geography F (3-2) [0.50]
The application of modern techniques to geographic study. The interpretation of geographic phenomena by objective methods. Major honours students in Geography must complete this course by the end of semester 4.
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GEOG 2480 - Mapping and GIS F,W (3-2) [0.50]
An introduction to the theory and techniques of manipulating and displaying spatial data in a GIS (Geographic Information System). Mapping concepts such as scale, co-ordinate systems, map projections, symbolization and vector data encoding are introduced. Major honours students in Geography must complete this course by the end of semester 4.
GEOG 2510 - Canada: A Regional Synthesis W (3-0) [0.50]
This course is designed to provide a better understanding of the nature and basis of Canadian regionalism. The first section of the course stresses the biophysical base and the inequality of the natural resource endowment. The historical geographic approach and the systematic overviews of contemporary Canada stress respectively the development and nature of the Canadian space-economy. The final section on regions, regionalism and nationalism provides an overview of the heartland-hinterland dichotomy and centrifugal and centripetal forces operative in the nation.
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GEOG 3000 - Fluvial Processes F (3-2) [0.50]
This course examines processes and landforms associated with rivers. Particular emphasis is placed on the interaction between water and sediment movement and channel morphology. Case studies of human impact on river systems are presented.
GEOG 3020 - Global Environmental Change F (3-1) [0.50]
Major global environmental issues examined include climate change, deforestation, desertification and global fisheries. This course is interdisciplinary, exploring the interactions of bio-physical processes with human socio-economic dynamics, including policy initiatives. Particular attention is given to global climate change, its causes, its nature and extent, its implications for ecosystems and societies, and its governance implications. (Also offered through Distance Education format.)
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GEOG 3050 - Development and the City W (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines different theoretical and policy perspectives of urbanization and urban development, as well as social, economic and environmental living conditions in cities of the global 'south'. It refers to concrete examples of cities in their national and international context, paying due attention to diversity and the fluidity of urban-rural boundaries. Specific urban development issues, including migration, housing, employment, health and environment are also addressed.
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GEOG 3090 - Gender and Environment F (3-0) [0.50]
This course introduces feminist scholarship and perspectives to explore men and women's experiences with both the natural and built environment. The course draws on case studies from developing and developed countries to demonstrate the importance of gender difference in understanding human interactions with the environment. Students will observe gendered use, access, knowledge, responsibility and control in rural and urban landscapes.
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GEOG 3110 - Biotic and Natural Resources F (2-2) [0.50]
This course focuses on the ecological basis for resource management, evaluates a number of current ecological theories and addresses their implications for resource management.
GEOG 3210 - Management of the Biophysical Environment F (3-0) [0.50]
This course provides an examination of resource management, focusing on public and private decision-making processes and considers techniques for evaluating resources, including Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) and risk analysis. Emphasis is on the economic, social and environmental implications of resource development and use. Contemporary Canadian case studies will be presented at appropriate scales. (Also offered through Distance Education format).
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GEOG 3320 - Agriculture and Society F (3-0) [0.50]
This course adopts a geographical perspective in exploring the structure and functioning of agriculture and food systems in contemporary society. Particular attention is paid to the interaction of farms with the social, economic, institutional and environmental forces that combine to shape local types and regional patterns of agricultural activity. The concept of sustainability is used as an integrating theme for the consideration of selected issues.
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GEOG 3420 - Remote Sensing of the Environment W (2-3) [0.50]
This course explores the nature and acquisition of remotely sensed imagery, and provides students with the technical expertise required to process and interpret this type of digital data. The application of digital image processing techniques to analyzing geographic problems is stressed, and its integration in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environmental is demonstrated.
GEOG 3480 - GIS and Spatial Analysis F,W (3-2) [0.50]
This course focuses on the use of raster and vector-based geographic information systems to analyze spatial data. Topics include map digitizing, data query and overlay, spatial interpolation, multi-criteria evaluation, least cost pathway determination and digital elevation models. This course requires some familiarity with numerical methods and computer operations.
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GEOG 3490 - Tourism and Environment W (3-0) [0.50]
An integrative perspective on tourism, addressing diverse interactions between people and tourist resources. Emphasis is on experiences derived from the use of resources, the environmental, economic and cultural impacts of tourism, and approaches to managing these impacts. (Also offered through Distance Education format.)
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GEOG 3600 - Geography of a Selected Region U (3-0) [0.50]
The study of an area which will include topics in physical, economic, social and historical aspects of geography.
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GEOG 3610 - Environmental Hydrology W (3-1) [0.50]
An introductory course in hydrology, the study of water in the environment. Emphasis is placed on understanding and modeling the hydrologic cycle. Topics include hydrologic processes, water resources, and case studies of freshwater systems.
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GEOG 3620 - Desert Environments F (2-2) [0.50]
This course investigates the interrelationships among various biophysical processes that control weathering rates, sediment transport and landform/landscape development in arid environments. Topics will include: the concept of desertification, use and misuse of surface and ground water, salinization and the effect of human disturbance on landscape development. (Offered in even numbered years.)
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GEOG 4110 - Environmental Systems Analysis F (3-1) [0.50]
An integrated systems approach to solving issues of environmental evaluation, impact and development. Focus will be on the biophysical components of the environment.
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GEOG 4150 - Sedimentary Processes W (3-2) [0.50]
This course examines the basic properties and flow characteristics of fluids that control the entrainment and transport of sediment by air and water. Bedform development in fluvial, coastal and aeolian environments are also discussed in relation to fluid flow mechanics. Lectures are complemented by weekly labs using the wind tunnel, flume and wave tank.
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GEOG 4200 - Seminar in Urban Geography W (3-0) [0.50]
Many of the traditional features of cities are changing in light of powerful forces of globalization. The course examines spatial patterns and processes of economic restructuring, social dynamics and political change in Canadian and non-Canadian cities. Students discuss and interpret evolving urban forms from a geographical perspective.
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GEOG 4210 - Environmental Governance F (3-1) [0.50]
This course provides an opportunity for advanced studies in resource and environmental governance. A central aim is developing an understanding of principles, practices and emerging issues relating to environmental governance.
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GEOG 4220 - Local Environmental Management W (3-0) [0.50]
This course explores local environmental management from two perspectives: state-driven (where local government agencies or forums created by governments are used) and non-state driven (where local actors come together in new governance arrangements to undertake environmental management). Through comparing and contrasting these broad perspectives in an experiential learning setting, the course builds understanding of a key trend in environmental governance.
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GEOG 4230 - Environmental Impact Assessment W (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines environmental impact assessment (EIA) from philosophical, methodological and institutional perspectives. The evolution of EIA in Canada will be the focus. Case studies illustrating major issues and applications will be presented at a variety of geographical scales. The preparation and presentation of a research project is an integral component.
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GEOG 4250 - Coastal Processes F (3-2) [0.50]
This course examines the geomorphic processes and associated landforms found in the coastal zone. Initially the focus is on developing an understanding of the major controls on coastal erosion and sediment transport, including waves, nearshore currents and water level fluctuations. This is followed by the study of features and processes in selected coastal environments such as beaches, barrier islands and spits, coastal sand dunes and bluff coasts. In each case applications to problems of coastal management are introduced.
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GEOG 4390 - Seminar in Rural Geography F (3-0) [0.50]
This course surveys themes and issues in contemporary rural geography. Specific attention is given to the processes of restructuring and change in rural systems in Canada and other developed economies. Themes include transformations in the use of rural land, the new rural economy, restructuring in service delivery, and the sustainability of rural communities and systems.
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GEOG 4480 - Applied Geographic Information Systems W (3-2) [0.50]
This course adopts a project-oriented approach to the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in spatial analysis. Students will have the opportunity to design and implement a research project using GIS techniques to investigate a problem in any area of Geography.
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GEOG 4690 - Geography Field Research F (3-6) [1.00]
This course provides an opportunity for senior students to develop skills in the design, implementation and presentation of a field research project. The course involves a field trip of about 10-14 days, either in Canada or abroad. This component of the course takes place between the end of the summer session and the start of classes in the fall semester. Classes during the fall semester focus on the analysis and interpretation of data and incorporate student research seminars. Information on the location and cost of the field research course is available from the department in the winter semester prior to each fall offering.
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GEOG 4880 - Contemporary Geographic Thought W (3-0) [0.50]
A critical overview of the evolution and current status of Geography. Particular emphasis will be given to the variety of approaches and convergence and divergence within the discipline. The interaction between human and physical geographers and their approaches to issues and the subject will be analyzed.
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GEOG 4990 - Independent Study in Geography U (3-0) [0.50]
The independent study option is designed to provide senior undergraduate students with an opportunity to pursue library or field research under faculty supervision and to prepare a research report. Formal agreement between the student and the faculty supervisor is required, as is approval of the department chair.
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