Geography

Geography provides students with skills and conceptual frameworks needed to understand the processes that shape the world around us. Particular attention is given to understanding the spatial and temporal scales of landscapes, their history and their biota. Because Geography is a field-based discipline, the major enables students to gain hands-on research experience. Practical laboratory classes, field trips, and group project work are found at all levels of study in the majorIn their third year students complete a ‘capstone’ subject dealing with the history and philosophy of Geography and may also take field based subjects subjects involving significant, original, field-based research under the guidance of teaching staff. The major provides opportunities for students to develop critical intellectual skills, transferable professional skills, a sense of public responsibility and higher research degree capacities. Completion of the major will allow student s to enter careers or research in the following areas: research, teaching, environmental sciences, resource management, environmental consultancies, industry and government.

Geography Major Graduates should demonstrate:

• a sound understanding of the major disciplinary areas that comprise Physical Geography and a deep practical and theoretical understanding of at least one specialist area;
• familiarity with the natural processes that control the formation and maintenance of the earth’s natural systems. These understandings will be enhanced by a deep appreciation of the impacts of humans on landforms and associated biotas;
• analytical skills appropriate to a range of field and laboratory techniques that enable graduates to address significant ecological and environmental problems at a range of scales from the cellular to the global;
• skills in the planning, safety and budget-setting for field-work as well as more disciplinary specific techniques such as sampling, mapping, remote sensing, classifications and field identifications;
• capacity to work and study in small groups and to communicate their results verbally and by written assignments including field diaries, laboratory reports and other modes;
• understanding that while scientific techniques and knowledge are fundamental to understanding the natural world, the implementation of solutions to environmental problems requires an understanding of science within the context of current politics, planning and societall diversity.

Completion of 50 points of study at Level 3.

Level 3 Core Subject

Plus choose subjects from either Option 1 (37.5 points) or Option 2 (37.5 points)

Option 1

One subject with a fieldwork component selected from

Plus two of

Option 2

Plus one of

This major is available to new generation Bachelor of Science students (B-SCI). It is also available to Bachelor of Science students (except BA/BSc and BASc students) who commenced prior to 2008. The published structure of this major includes subjects available in the current year. Pre-2008 Bachelor of Science students who completed one or more Level 3 science subjects towards this major prior to 2010 should contact the Science Student Centre for advice on appropriate subjects to complete this major.