1000 level Courses
First year students at Western have a choice of four half courses distributed over the Fall and Winter Terms that include a lab or tutorial component that allows hands-on skills development. Successful completion of a full course equivalent allows entry into Geography and Environment Programs.
Students with interests in the human or social dimensions of Geography, or in urban development, are likely to select Geography 1400F/G or Geography 1500F/G. Those with an interest in the science of the natural environment, or who are planning to do a BSc Honors Specialization in Geography and Environment, are likely to select Geography 1200A/B, Geography 1300A/B, or Geography 1500F/G.
Late Entry Options
It is also possible to enter Geography and Environment Programs through Second Year Courses:
- Geography 2131A/B The Natural Environment
- Geography 2132A/B Digital Earth
- Geography 2133A/B Climate Change
- Geography 2152F/G Geography of Hazards
- Geography 2153A/B Environment, Economy and Society
1200A The Climate Emergency
An introduction to the science and politics of climate change. The course pivots on the great gap between the urgency and magnitude of changes that climate scientists are imploring, and enduring ‘business-as-usual’ approaches. Struggles for action are considered in light of highly unequal responsibility and vulnerability.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
1300B Introduction to the Physical Environment
Introduction to the phenomena and processes of the Earth-atmosphere system that underlie human environment interactions and environmental change: the physical geography of Earth. Topics include: the atmosphere and fundamentals of weather and climate, water in the environment, Earth surface processes, biogeography, and human appropriation and modification of earth-atmosphere systems.
Antirequisite(s): Geography 1100, Geography 2131A/B.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
1400G Introduction to the Human Environment
This course introduces students to the central problems, concepts, methods and applications of human geography. It pays particular attention to the ways humans interact with the world; for example, population growth, use of natural resources, culturally-based activities, urbanization and settlements, agricultural activities, and industrialization.
Antirequisite(s): Geography 1100.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
1500F Environment and Development Challenges
Examines environmental change over long periods of earth history, considering both physical processes and human impacts. An integrative approach provides a basis for understanding some of the world's most pressing environment and development challenges, such as biodiversity loss, desertification, climate change, energy consumption, and persistent hunger and malnourishment.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
