Human Environment

Geography explores the complexity of, and the relations between, cultural and natural systems. It examines the ongoing radical transformation of the earth and space by human action, and focuses on the meaning that people attach to community, space, place and landscape. In addition to learning a variety of technical skills (cartography, statistical methods, and computer-based geographic information systems), students acquire a better understanding of the world (from the local community, to regional and global scales), the place of humans in it, and how to promote effective and efficient policies for managing our environment. All programs have a common core at the introductory and intermediate levels.

Honours in the Human Environment — 60 credits

Designed for students planning to go on to graduate school or a career in research in the public or private sector. Building on a strong basic core, students develop high-order skills in small advanced-level seminar and laboratory courses and work one-on-one with a faculty member to develop a research project, collect and analyse data, write up the results and present them to their peers and faculty. A high level of performance is required to enter and remain in this program.

Specialization in the Human Environment — 60 credits

Designed for students who want to specialize in applying their basic geographical and environmental knowledge in small advanced seminar and laboratory classes, while developing research, analytical and synthetic skills in an interactive and hands-on manner. These advanced courses are applied or highly specialized and integrate biophysical and social sciences. Students with strong grades have the option of doing an internship.

Major in the Human Environment — 42 credits

Provides a basic, thorough background to those who are interested in the environment, but do not necessarily wish to follow a career in research. Students acquire useful and highly transferable analytical, synthetic, research and writing skills, as well as technical skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial analysis and statistics.

Minor in the Human Environment — 30 credits

A useful complement for students interested in the environment with a Major or Specialization in a related discipline such as Political Science, Economics, Sociology/Anthropology, Education, or as a second teachable subject for those interested in teaching.

See the BA degree description for information on the core and elective requirements. For a complete list of courses: Undergraduate Calendar

Sample courses include:

World Geography, Global Environmental Issues, Geography of Global Change, The Human Environment: Place, Space, and Identity, Environmental Management, Environmental Impact Assessment, Geography and Public Policy, Geographic Information Systems, Introduction to Environmental Geology, The Natural Environment, Hydrology, The Climate System, Environmental Modelling, Representation Methods in Urban Studies, Analytical Methods in Urban Studies, Law and Regulation in Urban Planning, Urban Systems, Urban Ecology, Industrial Restructuring, Urban Planning in the Developing World

Geography, Planning and Environment Department

Are you curious about our impact on the environment? Are you concerned about our fragile planet, climate change or the impact of growing populations, industries and cities on sustainability? Do you like both natural and social sciences? Do you like to gather and analyse data, look at maps, think about solutions and learn the most cutting-edge computer graphic analytical techniques? Do you want to make a difference to the quality of our natural and built environment? If so, then Geography, Planning and Environment may be for you. The curriculum reflects balance among the theoretical, technical and applied aspects of its three components — Geography, Urban Studies and Environmental Science — and promotes environmental awareness and spatial literacy. It is our aim to produce articulate and informed graduates who are committed to improving the quality and sustainability of the natural and built environments.

Admission Requirements

Human Environment (BA - Honours/Specialization/Major/Minor) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.

Undergraduate admissions guidelines: For information on international admission, required documents, proof of language proficiency, the university admissions timetable, selection and notification process.