Geography Courses
GEOG 1100 Introduction to Human Geography (3 credits)
Have you ever wondered at the diversity of sights and images you have seen in your travels? Have you ever wondered why rural landscapes differ so much across the world while urban landscapes can seem so similar? These and many other questions are examined by human geographers. Geography 1100 is the first course to take in order to begin this exploration. This course is an introduction to the major traditions, themes and theories of human geography. Special emphasis is placed on the concepts, methods and data used by human geographers. It includes comparative and historical analyses of cultural landscapes, studies of the origin and diffusion of cultural phenomena, and an introduction to the concept of human/environment interactions.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall, Winter, occasionally Summer
GEOG 1110 Weather and Climate (4 credits)
Why do certain places have particular kinds of weather? How do forecasters predict the weather? Is global warming really happening? These questions are among those addressed in this interactive and hands-on introduction to meteorology, climatology and biogeography. In Geography 1110, energy concepts and radiation laws are used to examine atmospheric processes and patterns. Concepts examined include atmospheric and oceanic circulation, weather elements and patterns, severe weather, climate patterns, and past and future climate change. Plant and animal distribution patterns and their causes are also studied, along with human impacts on the atmosphere and biosphere.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 2 hours per week; Lab: 3 hours per week
Offered: Fall, Winter, occasionally Summer
GEOG 1120 Introduction to Earth Sciences (4 credits)
Have you wondered how mountains form or why earthquakes and volcanoes occur where they do? Have you ever picked up a rock and wondered where it came from? Geography 1120 addresses these questions with both theoretical and interactive hands-on instruction in the origins of the Earth’s land surface and its modification by tectonic and surface processes. Topics include: minerals and rocks, geological time, weathering and soils, and the processes and landforms associated with fluvial, glacial, coastal and desert systems. Human impacts on each of these systems are also examined.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 2 hours per week; Lab: 3 hours per week
Offered: Fall, Winter, occasionally Summer
Note: Students may transfer only one of GEOG 1120 or GEOL 1120 to SFU EASC 101
GEOG 1130 Human Impact on the Environment (3 credits)
“Save the rainforest.” “Cars are destroying the quality of our air.” “We must learn to consume less and recycle more.” Daily we are bombarded with news about “environmental crisis.” Is our world spiralling into environmental disaster? Have environmental transformations been a constant component of the Earth? Are today’s changes something different? These and other questions are a central concern of geography. This course is an introduction to the tradition in geography that studies the relationship between human activities and the physical environment. The central focus of this course is on human beings as agents of environmental change and consumers of global resources.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall or Winter
GEOG 1160 The Geography of British Columbia (3 credits)
British Columbia is one of the most diverse and richly endowed provinces in Canada, but how much do you know about your province? Do you know that BC's physical and human resources have always been part of a "Pacific Rim" region? Why are coastal BC winters so mild and wet while the interior is so cold and dry? Why has the southwest corner of the province developed so differently than the rest of BC? Learn more about your province in Geography 1160, an introduction to the regional geography of British Columbia. This course will include a general study of the physical environment and historical/settlement patterns. We will also examine issues such as economic development, resource conservation, urbanization, social and demographic transformations, and life in remote rural areas. BC's present and future role in Canada's development will also be considered.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall, Winter, occasionally Summer
GEOG 1170 Introductory Cartography (3 credits)
Would you like to create a map using just a compass? Are you interested in learning how to interpret a topographic map or aerial photograph for geography or environmental studies classes? Do you need to know how to design effective maps to communicate spatial information? This course introduces a range of topics in the field of cartography, the art, science and technology of map making. Topics include map projections, elementary field surveying, interpretation of aerial photography and satellite imagery, cartographic methods and design, thematic mapping, and an introduction to computer mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 2; Lab: 2
Offered: TBA
GEOG 1180 The Geography of Canada (3 credits)
Canada is the second largest country in the world, but how much do you really know about it? Why, with a landscape so richly endowed in natural and human resources, do we always seem to be experiencing political, social and economic turmoil? What exactly might it mean to be "Canadian"? These questions, and others, are explored in Geography 1180. Through an introduction to the regional geography of Canada we will attempt to broaden your understanding of both the diversity of Canada and the issues facing the country. Using the concepts and methods of regional geography, this course examines Canada as both a world region and as a nation made up of a set of distinct regions.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall, Winter, occasionally Summer
GEOG 1190 Selected Regions (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the geography of a selected region of the world, using the concepts and methods of regional geography. It will provide students with the opportunity to apply the tools of geographical analysis to the study of part of the world as a distinctive world region. The physical characteristics of the region will be described and the history of its occupation of the region will be documented. The region will also be placed within the framework of the varied regions that constitute the modern world.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: None
Offered: TBA
GEOG 2210 Climatology (3 credits)
This study of physical and dynamic climatologic processes and principles follows from Geography 1110. Atmospheric energy, moisture and momentum constitute the framework in which observed elements such as temperature, humidity and wind are employed to exemplify climatologic and meteorologic principles. Environmental issues involving human impacts such as air pollution, urban heat islands, global warming and ozone depletion are also examined.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: GEOG 1110
Lecture: 2; Lab: 2
Offered: Fall or Winter
GEOG 2212 Economic Geography (3 credits)
Wander through a shopping mall, walk down a main street, or drive through the city. Why are only certain stores present in the mall? Why do the types of businesses vary as you move along the street? These and other questions are addressed in Geography 2212. Whether you are interested in business, planning or just curious, this course will clarify the reasons behind the current pattern of economic activity. This course is an introduction to the theories, concepts, methods and data used by geographers to analyze the location of economic activities, the spatial organization of economic systems and the human use of the earth’s resources. Topics studied include agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, retailing, urban structure, spatial diffusion and economic development.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: GEOG 1100
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall or Winter
GEOG 2213 Social Geography (3 credits)
Why is the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver often characterized as one of the “worst” neighbourhoods in Canada? Why do men tend to have longer journeys to work than women? Does SkyTrain actually have an impact on the location of criminal activities? These and other questions about the spatial patterns of human occupation and exploitation of the earth’s surface are addressed in this course on Social Geography. Concentrating on the modern Western city, such topics as urbanization, poverty, housing, gender, crime and racism will be studied in their geographical context.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: GEOG 1100
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall or Winter
GEOG 2220 Geomorphology (3 credits)
This course follows Geography 1120 with a more detailed examination of the geomorphic processes shaping the Earth’s surface and the resulting landforms. This course considers questions such as: What is the effect of damming a river? How has glaciation created the landscape we live in? How does human activity affect slope stability? How are caves formed? Why is this area vulnerable to earthquakes? Landforms and processes are analyzed at various temporal and spatial scales, and in terms of the theories and principles which may account for their development. Field trips investigate the geomorphology of the local area.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: GEOG 1120 or GEOL 1120
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall or Winter
GEOG 2230 Biogeography (3 credits)
Have you wondered how so many different living organisms developed? Are you curious about what factors limit their growth and spread or what human activity is affecting biodiversity? Biogeography examines the geographic distribution of plants and animals and the causes of these patterns. It focuses on the physical and biological factors that control community distribution and development from both an historical perspective and an ecological one. In this course we examine a variety of climatic, tectonic, soil, biological and anthropogenic controls on patterns of life. Several of the laboratory assignments include field work in the local area.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: GEOG 1110 (GEOG 1120 recommended but not required)
Lecture: 2; Lab: 2
Offered: TBA
GEOG 2251 Quantitative Methods in Geography (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the use of quantitative information in geography, including data collection, management, and analysis. Analytical procedures will include graphical presentation of data, descriptive statistics, application of probability and sampling theory and inferential statistics. Examples will be taken from both physical and human geography. Computers and data-analysis software will be used.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: One 1100-level Geography course and C grade or better Foundations of Math 11 (or equivalent), or permission of instructor
Lecture: 4
Offered: TBA
GEOG 2270 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3 credits)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a set of powerful computerized tools designed to work with digital data referenced by geographic coordinates to store, retrieve, analyze and display geographically referenced information. With a GIS an analyst can explore complex geographic relationships and discover patterns that were previously undetectable through conventional methods. GIS analysis has become important in many industries and provides students with employable skills in several fields of study. This hands-on course examines the components and functions of GIS, the characteristics of spatial data, and spatial analysis and display. Students will be introduced to GIS theory, which will be reinforced with hands-on lab exercises.
Prerequisite: GEOG 1100 or GEOG 1110 or GEOG 1120 or GEOG 1130 or GEOG 1160 or GEOG 1180 or GEOG 1190
Lecture: 2; Lab: 2
Offered: Winter
GEOG 3311 Introduction to Hydrology (3 credits)
This course involves the study of hydrologic cycle, its dynamics and component parts, but with emphasis on the terrestrial phase. Field and lab work will involve measurement techniques and the analysis of hydrologic data. Emphasis will also be placed on a description of Canada's water resources and their management.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite: GEOG/GEOL 1120, GEOG 1110
Lecture: 4
Offered: TBA