Environmental Geography

For students with a Science background from Cegep or High school, the program allows greater concentration on the biogeophysical environment, while maintaining a strong grounding in human interventions, policy and management.

Environmental geography is the branch of geography that describes the spatial aspects of interactions between humans and the natural world. It requires an understanding of the dynamics of climatology, hydrology, biogeography, geology and geomorphology, as well as the ways in which human societies conceptualize the environment. Environmental geography represents a critically important set of analytical tools for assessing the impact of human presence on the environment by measuring the result of human activity on natural landforms and cycles. This program draws on courses within physical geography, including a distinctive strand of courses dealing with environmental issues, resources and management. Teaching and learning methods are diverse, ranging from lectures and tutorials through to a variety of practical work in cartography, GIS, remote sensing and statistics.

Major in Environmental Geography — 45 credits

Designed for students with a strong interest in the environment and geography who do not intend to pursue a research career or go on to graduate school.

Minor in Environmental Geography — 24 credits

Designed primarily for students interested in a broad understanding of the environment who are following complementary Science degrees in Biology, Ecology or in Environmental Engineering.

See the BSc 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

Environmental Geography (BSc - 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.