Course Descriptions

In 1854, Dr. Snow used basic mapping techniques to identify the source of the deadly cholera outbreak in London. Since then, various spatial analysis techniques have been developed to solve a wide range of location-based problems. This course takes students beyond the art and science of mapping people and places to develop skills in identifying and quantifying relationships amongst those phenomena. Topics include pattern analysis techniques such as hot-spot analysis, considerations for designing spatially-oriented research, spatial regression, and spatial interpolation. Students will develop their understanding of these techniques and relevant software (R/Python) through assignments and a term-long project. This course builds on the skills developed in statistics and mapping courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): GEOG 222.3 and GEOG 302.3

The science, art, and practice of mapmaking. Maps of different styles and types will be created along with an understanding of the principles of spatial communication. Maps for policy, planning, history, and scientific inquiry will be created. Students will demonstrate competency in cartography, visual, and writing communication.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): One of GEOG 302, GEOG 322, or GEOG 323; or permission of the instructor.
Note: Students with credit for GEOG 320 will not receive credit for this course. This course was labelled GEOG 320 until 2016.

This course explores local water security and the “ripple” effects on societies. Students will reflect individually on how water insecurity may threaten or reinforce positive peace, particularly at the local level. The course will consist of an introduction to variations in water resources and uses over space and time, followed by an exploration of local water security, an understanding of the different ways in which we use and value water, consequences of water insecurity, the role of intersectionality in water (in)security, and examples of how to reduce local water insecurity. The course will be interactive, consisting of presentations by the lecturer and students, readings, discussions, assignments, group work, and field trips.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): GEOG 120.3, GEOG 125.3 or GEOG 130.3; and 6 cu senior Arts and Science courses; and permission of the instructor. Students must have completed a minimum of 30 credit units and have a cumulative weighted average of at least 65% to participate in this course.
Note: This course is held in Costa Rica and is part of the international experiential learning opportunities in the College of Arts and Science. Students with credit for GEOG 498.3 Local Water Security may not take this course for credit.

Deals with advanced remote sensing techniques including satellite imagery calibration, spectral data transformation and land use cover classification, and detection of environmental change. The course consists of three interrelated components: lectures, laboratory exercises and group projects.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 1 Seminar/Discussion hours and 2 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): GEOG 323.

Examines the physical principles governing hydrological processes. Topics covered include precipitation, interception, snow accumulation, snowmelt, evaporation, infiltration, groundwater movement, flood and drought frequency analysis and stream flow. Lectures and tutorials with hydrology instrumentation will be supplemented by problem solving assignments and an essay.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 2 Tutorial hours
Prerequisite(s): One of MATH 110, MATH 123, MATH 125, or MATH 176; one of EVSC 210 or PHYS 115 or GE 124; GEOG 225.

This course provides students with an introduction to drivers of environmental health centred on Indigenous wellbeing and community health in Canada. Through a combination of classroom learning and field work in a local First Nation community we will introduce students to the environment and health challenges facing Indigenous peoples in Canada and community responses to these challenges. Students will work in teams with community members to study a critical health issue identified by our partner community. The research results will be presented to the class and before the community in the form of a written report, an oral presentation, and a brief personal video.

Prerequisite(s): GEOG 364.3 or permission of the instructor.

A 4-month cooperative work term for students in the Cooperative Education Option in the Environment & Society and Hydrology programs.

Prerequisite(s): GEOG 373.

A 4-month cooperative work term for students in the Cooperative Education Option in the Environment & Society and Hydrology programs.

Prerequisite(s): GEOG 472.

Students will work on a problem-based, experiential learning project under the supervision of a faculty member. An oral presentation and written thesis submitted at the end of the project will be evaluated by the faculty member. Research and field methods are an essential part of any environmental scientist’s toolkit. This course is designed to allow students to apply their theoretical and technical knowledge to an environmental science research project. The student will employ a combination of field and/or laboratory skills, as well as qualitative and/or quantitative research methods in developing a research proposal, a thesis, and an oral presentation.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 2 Tutorial hours
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): One of GEOG 325, GEOG 328, GEOG 335, GEOG 351 or GEOG 427; and GEOG 390.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): GEOG 302.

Students will work on a problem-based, experiential learning project under the supervision of a faculty member. An oral presentation and written thesis submitted at the end of the project will be evaluated by the faculty member. Research and field methods are an essential part of any environmental social scientist’s toolkit. This course is designed to allow students to apply their theoretical and technical knowledge to an environmental social science research project. The student will employ a combination of data collection skills, as well as qualitative and/or quantitative research methods in developing a research proposal, a thesis, and an oral presentation.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): One of GEOG 340.3, GEOG 364.3, GEOG 379.3, GEOG 381.3, GEOG 385.3, GEOG 386.3, GEOG 464.3, PLAN 329.3, PLAN 341.3, PLAN 343.3, PLAN 346.3, PLAN 350.3, PLAN 390.3, PLAN 441.3, PLAN 445.3 or PLAN 446.3.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): GEOG 302.3

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours