The program focuses on the fundamental interactions between life (including human societies) and the Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere. Students build on a broad base in the basic sciences by completing at least two of five upper-year 'concentrations' in biogeography, climatology, geographic information science, geomorphology or hydrology. With appropriately selected electives, this degree forms a suitable basis for completing the academic requirements for registration as a professional geoscientist, which is legally required of all people practicing geoscience in Canada. Students should also consider geoscience related electives in other departments.

Program details

Geography is divided into three fields: physical, human, and technical. The Department offers a wide range of courses leading to a B.Sc. degree in physical geography or a B.A. degree in human geography. Technical courses are incorporated into both the B.A. and B.Sc. degrees. Students wishing to pursue a B.Sc. degree can choose concentrations in any of the major subdisciplines: biogeography, climatology, or geomorphology. For those students whose interests lie in Physical Geography, the B.Sc. is the most appropriate, although students may also choose the B.A. program with the emphasis on environmental studies. The decision depends on students' high school preparation in science. For those students whose interests lie in Environmental, Cultural-Historical, Urban, Economic or Regional Geography, the B.A. program is most appropriate. This is the least structured program and provides flexibility in considering career options. Note 1: The B.Sc. program can be structured to fulfill many of the requirements for accreditation as a professional geoscientist (PGEO) in B.C. Note 2: Students considering a career in meteorology, especially with the Atmospheric Environment Service, should consult the section on Atmospheric Science.

Skills

Over the course of a four-year degree, this program could help you build the following skills: