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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 and Environment, or in urban development, are likely to select Geography and Environment 1400F/G or Geography and Environment 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 and Environment 1200A/B, Geography and Environment 1300A/B, or Geography and Environment 1500F/G.
Late Entry Options
It is also possible to enter Geography and Environment Programs through Second Year Courses:
- Geography and Environment 2131A/B The Natural Environment
- Geography and Environment 2132A/B Digital Earth
- Geography and Environment 2133A/B Connecting for Climate Change Action
- Geography and Environment 2152F/G Geography of Hazards
- Geography and Environment 2153A/B Environment, Economy and Society
- Geography and Environment 2160A/B Healthy Cities
- Geography and Environment 2162A/B Planning Sustainable Cities
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.
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.
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.
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.