2019-2020 Course Information

Physical Geography examines the phenomena and processes of the Earth-atmosphere system that underlie human environment interactions and environmental change. Topics include: the atmosphere and fundamentals of weather and climate, water in the environment, Earth surface processes and biogeography.

Antirequisite(s):Geography 1100, 2131A/B, or the former Geography 020E.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

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.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

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.

• Course Outline

An overview of the regional geography of Canada. Topics considered may include demographics, culture, the economy, resources and environmental issues.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• 2010A section 001 Course Outline
• 2010A section 002 Course Outline
• 2010B section 001 Course Outline; pandemic version
• 2010B section 002 Course Outline; pandemic version

A detailed examination of the province as part of the Great Lakes region, with special reference to its historical development, natural resources and patterns of human and economic activity.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• 2011A Course Outline
• 2011B Course Outline; pandemic version

This course provides an introduction to the geography of Africa south of the Sahara. The course will take a systematic approach. Economic, political, social and environmental issues will be examined with a focus on contemporary patterns of change within the context of the global economy.

Extra Information:2 hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

This course adopts a geographic approach to understanding contemporary China. It examines how transformations of China’s land, people, economy, and society are recasting internal regional divisions and repositioning China in a rapidly changing world.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

• 2041A Course Outline
• 2041B Course Outline; pandemic version

A global perspective on urbanism. In each session a selected city is used to emphasize a particular urban problem, urban spatial structure or world region.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Survey of human activity in outer space, including history of spaceflight, scientific exploration, economic and military uses of space, natural resources and hazards, legal and ethical implications, and plausible future developments.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

An examination of the characteristics, origins and history of selected natural environments with particular reference to North America.

Antirequisite(s):Geography 1300A/B

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course

• Course Outline; pandemic version

This course examines the processes that underlie natural and human-induced climate change at global and regional scales and describes the resultant climates that have existed, those projected to occur in the future, and what impacts climate change has and will have on the physical and human environment.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course

• Course Outline; pandemic version

Geographical theories of local and international trade; relationships between the location of production and flows of goods, services and factors of production among countries and regions; the geographical patterns of world commerce.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Examination of tourism as a global, national and local phenomenon, with economic, social, and environmental impacts; emphasis on tourism in developing countries; hosts, guests, and tourism operators; tourism trends; mass versus alternative tourism; relationship between ‘ecotourism’ and nature protection.

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 2144F/G.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

A survey of the methods and models used to understand human responses to hazards. The course reviews the rich tradition of hazards research in geography, particularly through the lens of social science. The course will include discussions of both so-called "natural hazards" (e.g., floods, fires, earthquakes) and "technological hazards" (e.g., nuclear technology, genetically modified organisms, terrorism, war) as examples.

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 2152A/B.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• 2152F Course Outline
• 2152G Course Outline; pandemic version

Investigates the fast-changing geographies of animals in relation to global environmental change. The initial focus is on extinctions, endangerment, and broad population declines occurring among many wild animal species. The subsequent focus is on the soaring populations and conditions of life for a few species of domesticated animals.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

A survey course exploring the connections between urban environments, health, and wellbeing, including key historical developments, theories, problems, and solutions. Hands-on activities throughout will teach skills and knowledge suitable for careers in planning, urban development, public health, medicine, business, civil engineering, and municipal government.

Extra Information: 2 instructional hours, 1 lab hour.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

Principles and processes of land use planning for urban and regional development; current issues and case studies.

Antirequisite(s):Geography 3462F/G, 3461F/G

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

An introduction to the nature of geographical data and the application of quantitative and statistical techniques and computing systems to spatial analysis; models of spatial data, probability, distributions, hypothesis testing and correlations.

Antirequisite(s):Biology 2244A/B, Economics 2122A/B, Economics 2222A/B, Health Sciences 3801A/B,MOS 2242A/B, Psychology 2810, Psychology 2820E, Psychology 2830A/B, Psychology 2850A/B, Psychology 2851A/B, Social Work 2207A/B, Sociology 2205A/B, Statistical Sciences 2035, Statistical Sciences 2141A/B, Statistical Sciences 2143A/B, Statistical Sciences 2244A/B, Statistical Sciences 2858A/B, Statistical Sciences 2037A/B if taken prior to Fall 2010, former Psychology 2885 (Brescia), former Statistical Sciences 2122A/B, former Social Work 2205.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, Geography 1300A/B, Geography 1400F/G, Geography 1500F/G, Geography 2131A/B, Geography 2153A/B, Environmental Science 1021F/G; or enrolment in the Major in Physical Geography or in an Honors Earth Science Program for Professional Registration.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

Fundamental concepts, geographic information representation and spatial data entry. Basic spatial analysis and remote sensing. Practical skills developed through use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Prerequisite(s):1.0 from Geography 1100, Geography 1300A/B, Geography 1400F/G, Geography 1500F/G, Geography 2131A/B, Geography 2153A/B, Environmental Science 1021F/G; or registration in a module in Science or in Engineering, in the Major in Physical Geography, or in the Commercial Aviation Management program in MOS.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

Introduction to the principles, techniques, and geographic applications of remote sensing systems. Computer processing of remote sensing digital data. Interface of remote sensing data with geographic information systems.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 from Geography 1100, Geography 1300A/B, Geography 1400F/G, Geography 1500F/G, Geography 2131A/B, Geography 2153A/B, Environmental Science 1021F/G; or registration in a module in Science or in Engineering, in the Major in Physical Geography, or in the Commercial Aviation Management program in MOS.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Introduction to cartographic theory, map design and drafting, including practical experience with many methods of graphic representation of spatial data.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, Geography 1300A/B, Geography 1400F/G, Geography 1500F/G, Geography 2131A/B, Geography 2153A/B, Environmental Science 1021F/G; or enrolment in the Major in Physical Geography; or registration in the Commercial Aviation Management program in MOS.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Fundamentals of the physical processes underlying weather and climate; radiant energy, energy balances, clouds, atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics; principles of the "Greenhouse Effect", mid-latitude cyclones and aspects of weather forecasting, severe weather phenomenon and atmospheric optics.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, Geography 1300A/B, Geography 1400F/G, Geography 1500F/G, Geography 2131A/B, Geography 2153A/B; or 0.5 course from Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Calculus, Environmental Science or Physics at 1000-1999 level; or enrolment in the Major in Physical Geography or in an Honors Earth Science Program for Professional Registration.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Spatial distributions of plants and animals; evolutionary and environmental controls on distributions; impacts of human settlement.

Prerequisite(s): 1.0 course from Geography 1100, Geography 1300A/B, Geography 1400F/G, Geography 1500F/G, Geography 2131A/B, Geography 2153A/B, Environmental Science 1021F/G; or enrolment in the Major in Physical Geography.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 laboratory hour, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Water and sediment cycles at the earth's surface and explanation of the resultant landforms; examples of response to environmental change; selected applications to environmental management.

Prerequisite(s): 1.0 course from Geography 1100, Geography 1300A/B, Geography 1400F/G, Geography 1500F/G, Geography 2131A/B, Geography 2153A/B (taken after September 2012); or 0.5 course from Earth Sciences 1022A/B, Earth Sciences 1070A/B, Earth Sciences 1081A/B, or Environmental Science 1021F/G; or enrolment in the Major in Physical Geography or in an Honors Earth Science Program for Professional Registration.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hour, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

The consequences of physical environmental change for Indigenous communities around the globe will be examined in relation to the processes of colonialism and environmental dispossession. Topics include: identity, culture, local economies, social functioning, food security and health.

Antirequisite(s):First Nations Studies 2601F/G.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Environmental Science 1021F/G, First Nations Studies 1020E, Geography 1100, Geography 1300A/B, Geography 1400F/G, Geography 1500F/G, Geography 2131A/B, Geography 2153A/B, Environmental Science 1021F/G or First Nations Studies 1020E; Women's Studies 1020E, Health Sciences 1001A/B and Health Sciences 1002A/B; Sociology 1020, Sociology 1021E, Sociology 1025A/B, Sociology 1026F/G, Sociology 1027A/B or enrolment in the Major in Ecosystem Health or in any of the Globalization Studies modules, or permission from the Instructor.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

The forces reshaping global economic geography; fundamentals of spatial economics; principles of locational decisions; spatial interaction; and growth of spatial economic systems are examined. Examples of these concepts are taken from a variety of countries.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, Geography 1300A/B, Geography 1400F/G, Geography 1500F/G, Geography 2131A/B, Geography 2153A/B, Environmental Science 1021F/G; Economics 1021A/B, Economics 1022A/B; MOS 1021A/B, MOS 1023A/B, or enrolment in any of the Globalization Studies modules.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

This course introduces students to current issues in public health and the environment. Theory, method and case study discussions focus on the important role of geography in understanding and explaining patterns of diseases, health and health care in communities, regions and nations.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, Geography 1300A/B, Geography 1400F/G, Geography 1500F/G, Geography 2131A/B, Geography 2153A/B, Environmental Science 1021F/G; Health Sciences 1001A/B and Health Sciences 1002A/B; Sociology 1020, Sociology 1021E, 1025A/B, 1026F/G, 1027A/B or enrolment in the Major in Ecosystem Health or in any of the Global Development Studies modules, or permission of the instructor.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Growth, structure and morphology in industrial and post-industrial cities; theories of, and empirical research on, urban form and structure; land development decision making; development feasibility modelling; urban land-use policy.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, Geography 1300A/B, Geography 1400F/G, Geography 1500F/G, Geography 2131A/B, Geography 2153A/B, Environmental Science 1021F/G, or Economics 1021A/B or Economics 1022A/B, or enrolment in any of the Global Development Studies or Globalization Studies modules.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

Departmental field trips to develop student skills in field-based observation, data collection and recording, and analysis and interpretation of human and physical landscapes.

Antirequisite(s):Geography 3001F/G.

Prerequisite(s):3rd year status in any module in the Department of Geography except the minor; limited enrolment. Priority given to Specialization and Honors Specialization students.

Extra Information:Sessions and dates by arrangements. Students should be prepared to meet the necessary travel and living expenses. 0.5 course.

• Montreal Course Outline

This is an advanced community-based experiential course that combines in-class discussions with community based research. Students will train in methodologies and ethics of working with First Nations communities. Areas of research may include but not limited to ecological restoration, land claims, self-government, education, health and wellness and urban issues.

Antirequisite(s):Geography 3000Y, First Nations Studies 4023F/G.

Prerequisite(s):Permission of the Department and 3rd or 4th year status in any Specialization or Honors Specialization module in the Department of Geography.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Simple parametric and nonparametric statistical methods through multiple regression are introduced. Exploratory data analysis techniques are examined as a supplement to more traditional statistical methods. Geography specific techniques are also presented.

Antirequisite(s):All other senior level statistics courses numbered 2000 or above.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2210A/B or Biology 2244A/B or Statistical Sciences 2244A/B and enrolment in a geography program or permission from the instructor.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Topics include exploratory spatial data analysis, global and local spatial statistics, spatial autocorrelation and interpolation, spatial regression models, and geographically weighted regression. The emphasis will be on developing analytical skills with practical applications using statistical software and Geographic Information Systems.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University, Geography 2220A/B and one of Geography 2210A/B, Biology 2244A/B or Statistical Sciences 2244A/B, or other equivalent, or permission of the instructor.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours, 0.5 course (main campus) Limited enrolment.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

Methods and techniques in Geographic Information Science. Spatial data encoding from maps and geographic database implementation. Spatial interpolation and other modeling techniques. Integration of remote sensing, GIS and Visualization. Hands-on experience using ESRI, ArcGIS software.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2210A/B or Biology 2244A/B or Statistical Sciences 2244A/B and Geography 2220A/B.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Principles of integrating GIS and Decision Analysis. Selected GIS-based decision-making techniques are applied in practical sessions. A range of applications from both public and private sector organizations are covered.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2220A/B.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 practical work hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Themes to be considered may include: advanced computer analysis of digital satellite and airborne data (optical, infrared and radar), advanced image classification methods, texture analysis, change detection, automatic linear feature extraction, structural pattern recognition and remote sensing applications. Remote sensing software will be used in lab.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2230A/B.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

A survey of a range of social scientific methods for studying humans (e.g., interviews, questionnaires); with an emphasis on research designs involving human interaction. Topics include identifying research problems, questions and designs, sources of error, ethics and values in research, methods of data collection, data analysis and presentation of findings.

Prerequisite(s):Two full courses in Geography and third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

The geomorphology of rivers, including fluvial hydraulics, fluvial erosion and sediment transport, river channel morphology and dynamics, channel and floodplain sedimentation, the response of rivers to human activities and environmental change, and applications to river channel management.

Prerequisite(s):One of Geography 2310A/B, 2320A/B or 2330A/B, or at least 3rd year standing in an Environmental Science or Earth Sciences program.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

The evidence, causes, and chronology of environmental change, with emphasis on the Holocene in North America.

Prerequisite(s):One of Geography 2310A/B, 2320A/B or 2330A/B, or at least 3rd year standing in an Environmental Science or Earth Sciences program.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

This course provides students with an introduction to paleolimnology, which uses the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of lake sediments to determine past environments.

Prerequisite(s):One of Geography 2310A/B, Geography 2320A/B or Geography 2330A/B, or at least 3rd year standing in an Environmental Science or Earth Sciences program, or Biology 2483A/B, Biology 2485A/B.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course

• Course Outline

A geographic investigation of urban culture focusing on the design, use and identities of urban public spaces as evidenced through systematic observations of social life in urban public settings. Relevant concepts, theories, and field methods are applied to guide and critique the investigation.

Prerequisite(s):Two full courses in Geography and third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

A critical examination of the major themes in the geography of health and health care. The focus will be on the importance of understanding place, space and environment as they relate to health. Geographical aspects of health inequalities, access and utilization will be explored.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2430A/B or a related 2000-level course in Health Sciences, Sociology or Psychology, or permission of the instructor.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

This is a survey course regarding the links between human health and environmental hazard exposure. Issues will include the health impacts of water pollution, air pollution, solid and hazardous waste, toxic substances, pesticides and radiation. The limitations of models and methods are discussed.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

Examines struggles between conservation and economic development in a North-South context, setting the transformation of natural ecosystems and impoverishment of biodiversity in a political economic context that includes disparities in wealth, consumption, and 'ecological footprints'.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University. Two full courses in Geography or equivalent, or enrolment in the Minor in Environment and Culture, in any of the Global Development Studies modules, or permission of the instructor.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

This course investigates the political ecology of energy. Issues of politics and power, social equity, and environmental impact are examined through Canadian and international case studies. The concept of ‘energy justice’ is used both to critically assess current patterns of energy production and use and to explore more sustainable possibilities.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

Food is a basic human need and agriculture is one of the most fundamental ways that societies interact with their habitats. This course examines the diversity of world agriculture and the rise of a dominant industrial system, focusing on both the social and environmental dimensions of agrarian change.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Critical examination of current land use and development projects; students are required actively to participate in the discussions.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:3 seminar hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Basic techniques for preparing, implementing, and applying land use plans and zoning controls.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra information:3 seminar hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

This course explores the geography of housing in North American cities from an historical perspective, with a detailed investigation of the effects of land development, construction, financing, planning, public policy, demographics and lifestyle changes on the production and consumption of residential landscapes.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

The object of the course is to expose students to the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of urban form and structure. A major focus is on static development feasibility models and their application to understanding urban change. The course provides a hands-on experience for students to build financial feasibility models of urban developments.

Antirequisite(s):Business Administration 4613A/B.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2460F/G. Business Administration 2257 is strongly recommended.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

This course examines policies used in economic development to ensure growth and competitiveness of urban economies. Topics include theories of urban economic development, analytical techniques for evaluating urban economies, business recruitment and retention policies, creative economy and quality of life policies, technology policies, and place-based economic development policies.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status; At least one of Geography 1400F/G, 2210A/B, 2220A/B, 2420A/B or 2460F/G.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Consult the Department of Geography for details of course offering.

Prerequisite(s): Two full courses or equivalent in Geography. Third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information: 3 hours 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

Discussion of geographical paradigms within an historical and social context. A central concern is the relationship between the academic and professional practice of geography.

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 348a/b.

Prerequisite(s):Fourth year status, and enrolment in a Specialization, Major or Honors Specialization in the Department of Geography.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline; pandemic version

This advanced seminar focuses on effective strategies for the implementation of constructive change. Core constructs are examined and students use a variety of media to develop skill sets related to the facilitation of constructive change. A heavy premium is placed on active engagement both individually and in group activities.

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 3452A/B.

Prerequisite(s):Two courses or equivalent in Geography. Third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

This course explores the challenges and opportunities of citizens' production, access, dissemination and use of Internet-based geospatial data (the geoweb) including locational and still/video imagery. Explores issues of ethics, privacy, research design and citizen engagement via the geoweb.

Prerequisite(s):Fourth year status and Geography 2220A/B, or permission of instructor.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 laboratory hour, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

The course is a continuation of Geography 3464F/G. The object of the course is to expose students to the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of urban form and structure. A major focus is on understanding the theories, acquiring the techniques to test the theories, and critiquing the approaches employed for the empirical tests.

Antirequisite(s):MOS 4314F/G.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2210A/B, MOS 2242A/B, Statistical Sciences 2035 or equivalent and 4th year standing in any Geography or MOS modules.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

• Course Outline

A thesis on a geographical problem including the results of field work, cartographic representation, and a study of the relevant literature.

Prerequisite(s):Fourth year status, and enrolment in an Honors program with a Specialization or Major in the Department of Geography.

Extra Information:Hours by arrangement, 1.5 course.

A thesis on a geographical problem in the natural, physical or technical sciences.

Prerequisite(s):Fourth year status, and enrolment in an Honors program with a Specialization or Major in the Department of Geography.

Extra Information:Hours by arrangement, 1.5 course.