Course Descriptions

This course studies Earth's life-support systems and the consequences of human activity by exploring the interactions amongst the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Key themes include examining sustainable global food and energy systems, challenges to preserving global biodiversity, the interconnectedness of “human” and “natural” environments, and the impact of climate change on all aspects of life. Students will be challenged to evaluate their own worldviews related to global environmental change.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Note:This course may be used as a Science course in the Breadth Requirement for B.A., B.F.A., and BMus programs. A background in high school sciences at the 30 level is recommended. Students with credit for GEOG 125 may not receive credit for this course.

An introduction to processes and interactions in Earth's physical environment with a particular emphasis on the exchange and transformation of energy and matter within global environmental systems. Topics include global radiation and energy balances, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, the hydrological cycle and weather phenomena, the rock cycle and Earth surface processes, global biomes, and biogeochemical cycling in soils. Lab exercises examine the dynamics of Earth surface and atmospheric processes through the application of scientific principles.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 2 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): Pre-Calculus 30 or MATH 102.3
Note:Chemistry 30, Biology 30, or Physics 30 are recommended. This course may be used as an Earth Science Cognate Requirement in B.Sc. programs. This course may be used as a Science course in the Breadth Requirement for B.A., B.F.A., and BMus programs. This course may be used as a List 2 Science Elective for some B.E. programs.

Studies the Earth's life-support systems and explores the consequences of human activity. Key themes include examining global ecosystem processes, human interconnections, as well as applications of information from the Earth Sciences.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Note:A background in high school sciences at the 30-level is recommended.

This course explores the many physical, social and cultural interactions that exist between the natural environment, human health and the built environment. Using multiple scales of inquiry ranging from global to local, selected topics will include environmental management, regional and urban planning as well as human health promotion and wellbeing. The course will focus not only on factors contributing to the many current environmental challenges such as global food and water security, building healthier cities and global health inequities but also on innovative technologies and human capabilities to improve the current condition.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Note: Students with credit for GEOG 113 or 114 may not take this course for credit.

Introduces students to the landscapes, peoples and issues of the circumpolar region. Beginning with an examination of the geography, and the biological and physical systems of the Subarctic and Arctic, the course then turns attention to the aboriginal and contemporary peoples of the region. The history of the Circumpolar World is treated in a broad fashion, to provide a grounding in the events and developments that have created the region's contemporary qualities. The second part of the course surveys some of the particular issues facing the region, including climate change, and economic, political and social development. This course is ultimately intended to stimulate interest in the circumpolar world.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Note: Students with credit for NRTH 101 will not receive credit for this course.