GEOG Course Descriptions

Geography (2009-2010)

An introduction to geographic themes and methods of inquiry. The emphasis will be placed on practical skills including literature searches, field observation, scholarly debate and professional writing.

An introduction to human geography through a survey of some of the concepts, methods, techniques and applications of geographic analysis to the human cultural environment. Directed towards people-land and location analysis themes.

Emphasis on the natural environment as an integrated system. Selected aspects of weather -- climate, water, soils, biota, landforms along with flows of energy, water and matter and their effects on the subsystems of the natural environment.

Focus is on the compilation and cartographic display of spatially referenced data. Topics covered include geographic coordinate systems, map projections, mapping quantitative data, terrain representation, compiling data from a variety of sources, and the production of effective maps based on established principles of cartographic design.

Emphasis on concepts related to fluvial processes, river mechanics, the relationship between environmental change and river regime. Selected topics include fluvial processes and landscape formation, flow and sediment regimes, channel processes, form and behaviour, river response to natural and anthropogenic change, and river management.

An introduction to globalization of the world economy through an examination of its causes, patterns, and consequences in a variety of geographic contexts.

Examines the interface between human development and the environment in a global context. Various perspectives are explored to link environmental issues to wealth, poverty, consumption, population, and economic globalization. Case studies, with an emphasis on developing countries, are used to illustrate linkages.

This course will investigate the human dimensions of the global experience with natural hazards and associated disasters. The physical nature of a wide range of geophysical and biophysical hazards will be explored, paying particular attention to: the ways in which hazards become dangerous to humans, and the pathways by which humans can either increase or decrease their vulnerability in the face of natural hazards.

Climate change is one of the most profound environmental issues affecting society. The course is an introduction to the human dimensions of global climate change, including its scientific history, potential impacts for natural systems and human societies around the world, and the two societal responses: adaptation and greenhouse gas mitigation. Canadian climate change science, impacts and policy responses will be highlighted.

An introduction to the fundamental processes governing climate and hydrological systems and the links between them. It starts with a discussion of basic atmospheric and hydrological processes and traces the flow of energy and water between the earth's surface and the atmosphere. The water cycle is examined including evapotranspiration, precipitation, runoff and water storage in the natural reservoirs (including soil and groundwater, lakes and wetlands).

Focuses on principles of air photo interpretation and use of airphotos and high-resolution images for studies such as terrain analysis, vegetation and soil mapping, rural and urban planning, crop identification, forestry, wildlife ecology and hazard evaluation.

Explore Japan. Learn about its culture, economy, regions, environment, trade patterns, investment and development assistance.

Changing geographies of China are examined and explained. Patterns and processes of change will be systematically analyzed for topics such as the physical environment, resources, development policy, globalization, industrialization, urbanization, and regional development. Diverse cities and regions are compared and the integration of China into the global economy is explored.

Focuses on population shifts, urban developments, and regional economic development in the context of the nation and selected regions.

Geographical bases of Canada and Canadian issues. Selected problems relating to nationalism, resource development or theories of regionalism.

Covers the nature, history and growth of different types of tourism and tourist; the positive and negative impacts of tourism and alternative forms to mass tourism. The problems of and prospects for tourism are examined through a consideration of a variety of countries and regions, both developed and developing.

Contemporary patterns of urban and economic growth and urban based development. Changing trends in urban organization at the regional, national and global scale. New systems of world cities.

Remote sensing of the Earth's systems (atmosphere, land, and oceans) is introduced. The course covers the principles, physics, sensor technology, processing and applications of remote sensing in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Geographic information systems (GIS) are used as an organizing framework for discussion of data management in planning and geography. Topics include: data sources; methods of collection; database management; principles of geographic information systems; applications of geographic information systems in urban and regional analysis, monitoring and evaluation.

Study of the origin and evolution of landforms with emphasis on southern Ontario. Analysis of geomorphic processes. Study of human impact on geomorphological landscapes. The lectures will be supplemented by field trips and field work required for term projects.

Fundamental processes in physical hydrology are addressed. Components of the water balance are examined to determine the nature of their variation in time and space. Precipitation, interception, infiltration, groundwater and soil water processes, evapotranspiration, runoff and storage will be examined from a theoretical and practical viewpoint, and their linkages demonstrated by lab and fieldwork.

Principles of physical climatology with emphasis on regional and global change and variability. Topics include radiation and energy balances, general circulation patterns, synoptic development and micro-climatology.

Concepts of geodesy and surveying, Earth's gravity field and the geoid, and measurement techniques applied to geomatics are examined. Field studies include the use of the level, the total station, and GPS for doing distance and angle measurements, leveling, traversing and topographic surveying.

The course examines the ability of local communities to influence their development trajectory. The roles and potential for collaboration among public, private, and third sector partners are explored. Social, environmental, and economic goals are interconnected within a sustainable development framework.

The theory and application of multivariate statistics, with particular emphasis upon the use of the computer.

Advanced quantitative analysis in a spatial context. A selection of techniques from sampling, geostatistics, point pattern analysis and cluster detection, spatial classification, and spatial data mining.

Practical application and critical appraisal of regional analysis techniques used by planners, economic developers and consultants. Problem based approaches to understanding the strength and leverage of business and industrial sectors, projection and forecasting, employment and demographic trends, investment decision-making and cost benefit analysis.

The character, problems of, and prospects of tourism are examined through consideration of tourism in a variety of countries and regions, both developed and developing. Topics include the nature and significance of tourism; economic, environmental and social impacts of tourism; and costs and benefits of tourism to destination areas.

Implications of existing and potential recreation supplies and demands. Topics include recreational travel, site capability, economic and ecological impact models and behavioural aspects of amenity resources.

Examines the evolving form and function of Canada's dispersed and nucleated settlements. Considers the role of local economic development in stimulating change.

An examination of the major factors giving rise to distinctive styles of urban spatial organization. Focus moves from city-wide scale to subareas/sectors - inner city, housing, retailing, etc. Emphasis on understanding and planning for the dynamics of complex environments. Applied issues or problems are dealt with throughout the course.

Focuses on Canadian transportation systems and issues and is organized into three modules: links between transportation and regional economic development, urban land use - transportation interactions, and sustainable transportation. Approximately one-quarter of the course focuses on analytic techniques including network analysis, category analysis, and the gravity model. Particular attention is paid to trends in air travel and related issues.

Examines retail location at both the inter and intra-urban scales. Emphasis is placed on the underlying processes that give rise to retail structure, techniques of site selection and public sector involvement in retail location.

Reviews selected theories, methods, and terminology related to economic, behavioural, institutional and decision-making aspects of resources and environmental problems.

An introduction to the study of human behaviours related to natural and built environments. Variations in environmental cognition, thought, perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, decisions and behaviours are explored at multiple scales (from individual to societal). The importance of social and cultural contexts in environmental decision-making is traced, using examples drawn from fields such as environmental psychology, urban and regional geography, natural hazards, environmental policy, and behavioural geography.

Study abroad for academic transfer credit under an Environmental Studies Exchange Program during a fall term.

Study abroad for academic transfer credit under an Environmental Studies Exchange Program during a winter term.

Consideration of the constraints and guidelines that an application of the principles of ecology place on the planning and management of resources within urban spaces and the implications for urban design. The theory and history of this subject will be discussed together with urban ecomanagement, the management of waste, urban open space and parks, rehabilitated sites, and environmentally sensitive areas.

Advanced image processing techniques of digital remote sensing measurements (e.g. radar systems, optical and infrared systems) from ground, aircraft and satellite instrument systems. Techniques are applied to the study of physical and human environments.

Study abroad for academic transfer credit under an Environmental Studies Exchange Program during a fall term.

Study abroad for academic transfer credit under an Environmental Studies Exchange Program during a winter term.

This course is organized into modules, each of which addresses a common type of GIS analysis. Topics covered include digital terrain models, spatial analysis, cell-based modelling and network analysis. In addition, the course explores automation procedures using models and scripts.

This course focuses on design and development of a GIS database. It addresses theoretical issues regarding data models used in GIS and data modeling techniques used in designing spatial databases. It considers the processing required to input data from a variety of sources and clean and edit a multi-theme database and introduces students to creation and use of internet map services.

Field research course in which a specific area will be analyzed from a geographic point of view. Individual or group analysis of specific field problems.

Introduces skills for conducting human geography research and the basic principles and methods of analysis. These skills include problem identification, research design, research ethics, and the assembly and interpretation of evidence.

Introduces skills for conducting research in physical geography. Selected techniques used in climatology, hydrology, geomorphology and/or biogeography research will be demonstrated and the principles behind the techniques will be explained. Students get hands on experience in research design, field and laboratory techniques, data assembly and the interpretation of data.

This course examines the role of soil in the environment, its importance as a natural resource in agricultural and forest productivity, and the effects on soil resources as a result of different management practices. It is divided into three sections: 1) introduction to soil composition, formation, and physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil; 2) soil degradation and management approaches to rehabilitation; 3) soil pollution and the role of soil in maintaining environmental integrity.

Basic concepts on the distribution, hydrology, geochemistry, formation and ecology of wetlands with an emphasis on temperate and subarctic systems. The uses and management of wetlands are considered with the view of wetlands as functional ecosystems.

An interdisciplinary course that explores ecological processes that are linked to physical hydrology. Particular focus is on the storage and movement of water, solutes and nutrients within selected ecosystems and the ecological impacts of human activities on the ecohydrological system.

A field and lecture course including the radiation and energy balances of various surfaces, the principles of turbulent energy exchange, and the biotic response to the energy environment. These concepts will be illustrated through the collection and examination of field data. The student will be responsible for presentation of a seminar on an assigned topic as well as presentation of the results of research incorporating data collected at the University of Waterloo weather station.

Understanding the implications of globalization for the local and regional economy through examining technological change, multinational corporations, employment and institutions. Course work focuses on analysis of the restructuring of specific industries in the southern Ontario region.

This course will introduce participants to a variety of topics and research methods through presentations made by active researchers from Canada and abroad.

Examines international development theories and practice, emphasizing the interactions between social, economic, political and environmental dimensions at the micro- and macro-scales. Selected case studies illustrate divergent outcomes of development and the contested process that development represents.

Examines the global nature of food systems from production to consumption, including both industrial and alternative models. Specific themes covered in the course include technological change in agriculture, corporate concentration, international agricultural trade, food aid, fair trade, and organic production in the Global North and South.

Detailed analysis of a selected region with major emphasis upon a field examination of the region (several weeks duration). Offering dependent upon faculty availability and student enrolment. For additional information on duration, itinerary and travel costs of course offerings, contact the Geography Undergraduate Advisor.

Detailed analysis of a selected region with major emphasis upon a field examination of the region (several weeks duration). Offering dependent upon faculty availability and student enrolment. For additional information on duration, itinerary and travel costs of course offerings, contact the Geography Undergraduate Advisor.

Detailed analysis of a selected region with major emphasis upon a field examination of the region (several weeks duration). Offering dependent upon faculty availability and student enrolment. For additional information on duration, itinerary and travel costs of course offerings, contact the Geography Undergraduate Advisor.

A seminar course on the environmental sources and causes of disease and illness, the concepts of health, e.g. medical, scientific, economic, political, etc., the health services and facilities and related technologies and the role and responsibilities of (urban and regional) planners in the creation of a more healthful environment.

Selected analysis of processes, problems and planning issues associated with the internal growth and spatial reorganization of Canadian metropolitan areas. Three or four topics are chosen for detailed investigation. These will vary from year to year.

Concepts and techniques of resources management and institutional analysis are applied to the study of a current resource or environmental management issue.

Urban stormwater runoff affects the water quality, water quantity, habitat and biological resources, public health and aesthetic appearance of urban waterways. This course reviews the physical and chemical processes, environmental assessment techniques and best management practices related to stormwater management in the urban systems.

Renewable and non-renewable energy supply systems are compared using economic and environmental measures. Consumption trends and conservation options are considered at the local and global level. Projects are used to demonstrate the economic and environmental challenges in the design of a sustainable energy system.

Digital image analysis for resource mapping and evaluation using remote sensing data. Topics range from initial data selection to final map production and assessment. Using commercial image analysis software, students will analyse data for a selected area and produce a portfolio of results. In addition, they will undertake a literature review on a selected topic and present highlights of the review at an end-of-term mini-conference.

These courses allow for additions to the program on a short-term basis, and for the development of future permanent courses.

Individual study of specific topics not covered in other courses. Students must not register for this course until a faculty member has agreed to supervise the study and the student has developed a brief outline to be filed with the Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies.

Students work in small groups to develop GIS applications addressing selected planning, environmental management or research problems. Emphasis is on conceptual design of the selected application and implementation of a prototype solution using internet map services, GIS macro languages or other programming tools. [Formerly: GEOG/PLAN 457]

Built around a set of key issues in the management of Geographic Information Systems. Focuses on middle management concerns and covers topics including GIS needs assessment, benchmarking, the law and spatial data, spatial data warehousing, multi-user GIS modelling and GIS application development. Uses of GIS in both public and private sector organizations are covered. [Formerly: GEOG/PLAN 555]

Preparatory work and first draft of thesis.

Completion of thesis.