Geography is an interdisciplinary bridge between the human and physical sciences, studying human­–environment interactions. The Geography program offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts. The BSc in physical geography examines the natural environment and the interaction of climate, soils, vegetation and landforms, while the BA in human geography focuses on cultural, social, economic and rural environments. Degrees emphasize the geography of the North and contemporary geographic technologies.

This degree provides students with comprehensive training in the study of human geography, emphasizing the cultural, social, economic, and political connections between people and their environments. We offer courses that give students the conceptual and methodological means to make sense of the places and spaces they occupy and to understand how these relate to the rest of the world. Particular emphasis is on issues of community development, social justice, environmental equity, and population health in northern environments as a starting point for understanding the dynamics of place-making in a global context.

Four of the following:

The minimum requirement for the completion of a Bachelor of Arts with a Joint Major in Geography and Political Science is 120 credit hours.

GEOG 101-3		Planet Earth
or GEOG 102-3		Earth from Above
POLS 100-3		Contemporary Political Issues
POLS 200-3		Canadian Government and Politics
POLS 202-3		Canada in Comparative Perspective
POLS 230-3		International Relations
POLS 270-3		Political Philosophy: Antiquity to Early Modernity

Major in Public Administration and Community Development

The Public Administration and Community Development major gives students the skills required to function within a range of groups, organizations, and offices. Graduates are able to interact with appropriate professionals, receive their input and reports, and collate a wide range of information and material in service of their group/organization/office. Skills in analysis and synthesis are complemented by an ability to work cooperatively and effectively, and an ability to communicate clearly through written, oral, and graphic media.

The Public Administration and Community Development major requires completion of 120 credit hours, 48 of which must be at the upper division. At the lower division, students must take the seven required courses and a minimum of one course from each of the seven categories. At the upper division, students must take the four required courses and a minimum of one course from each of the seven categories. To complete the 120 credit hours, students must take 45 credit hours of electives, of which 15 credit hours must be at the upper division.

 Areas of Specialization

It is possible for students to organize their course choices (areas and electives) to achieve an Area of Specialization of coursework. For the PACD major, completion of a specialization requires eight courses (24 credit hours) from one of the following:

• Local Public Administration
• Aboriginal Community Development
• Planning

Area of Specialization in Local Public Administration

*Students choosing this Area of Specialization should be aware that UNBC also offers a Public Administration Certificate through the Department of Political Science, as well as a First Nations Public Administration Certificate through the Department of First Nations Studies.

Lower-Division course choices

 Four of the following:

This degree focuses on geography as an earth science, with introductions to biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics, followed by upper-level courses in climatology, hydrology, geomorphology, soils and weathering, and geomatics. This combination enables the understanding of the interactions between the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, aided by the use of statistical techniques, mapping, remote sensing and geographic information systems. Courses develop applied field and technical skills for associated career paths.

Undergraduate students are required to take a minimum of 13 Geography courses (37 credit hours). Of these courses, a minimum of six must be upper division. Students are required to take a minimum of 24 credit hours of elective science courses, of which 15 credit hours must be upper division. Additional electives, as necessary, are required to ensure the completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours.

The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Science with a major in Geography is 120 credit hours.

BIOL 104-3     and BIOL 124-1		Introductory Biology II Introductory Biology II Laboratory
CHEM 100-3		General Chemistry I
CHEM 101-3		General Chemistry II
CHEM 120-1		General Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 121-1		General Chemistry Lab II
GEOG 101-3		Planet Earth
GEOG 102-3		Earth from Above
GEOG 111-1		Earth and Environment
MATH 100-3		Calculus I
or MATH 152-3		Calculus for Non-majors
PHYS 100-4		Introduction to Physics I
or PHYS 110-4		Introductory Physics I: Mechanics

ENSC 201-3		Weather and Climate
FSTY 205-3		Introduction to Soil Science
GEOG 200-3		British Columbia: People and Places
GEOG 204-3		Introduction to GIS
or GEOG 205-3		Cartography and Geomatics
GEOG 210-3		Introduction to Earth Science
GEOG 211-3		Natural Hazards: Human and Environmental Dimensions
GEOG 250-3		Introduction to Geospatial Analysis
or ENSC 250-2		Introduction to Environmental Data Analysis
STAT 240-3		Basic Statistics

GEOG 300-3		Intermediate GIS
GEOG 310-3		Hydrology
GEOG 311-3		Drainage Basin Geomorphology
GEOG 315-3		Earth's Critical Zone
GEOG 357-3		Introduction to Remote Sensing

Two of the following:

ENSC 307-3		Introduction to Geochemistry
ENSC 312-3		Biometeorology
ENSC 325-3		Soil Physical Processes and the Environment
FSTY 425-3		Soil Formation and Classification
or FSTY 415-3		Forest Soils
or FSTY 425-3		Soil Formation and Classification
GEOG 333-3		Geography Field School

400 Level

Three of the following:

GEOG 405-3		Fluvial Geomorphology
GEOG 411-3		Quaternary and Surficial Geology
GEOG 413-3		Advanced GIS
GEOG 416-3		Mountains
GEOG 430-(3-6)		Undergraduate Thesis
GEOG 450-3		Advanced Geospatial Analysis
GEOG 457-3		Advanced Remote Sensing
GEOG 498-(1-3)		Special Topics
GEOG 499-(3-6)		Independent Studies

Elective Requirement

Nine credit hours of Science electives at any level and 15 credit hours of Science electives at the 300 or 400 level. 

Elective Science Courses

Geography:

The following courses are allowed:

GEOG 204-3		Introduction to GIS
GEOG 205-3		Cartography and Geomatics
GEOG 250-3		Introduction to Spatial Analysis
GEOG 333-3		Geography Field School
GEOG 405-3		Fluvial Geomorphology
GEOG 411-3		Quaternary Surficial Geology
GEOG 413-3		Advanced GIS
GEOG 416-3		Mountains
GEOG 450-3		Advanced Geospatial Analysis
GEOG 457-3		Advanced Remote Sensing

Elective and Academic Breadth

Electives at any level in any subject sufficient to ensure completion of a minimum of 120 credit hour including any additional credits necessary to meet the Academic Breadth requirement of the University (see Academic Regulation 15).

A BSc Honours in Physical Geography provides students with the opportunity to complete independent research. It is encouraged for students who are considering a postgraduate degree. In addition to the BSc Physical Geography degree requirements, Honours students must complete an undergraduate thesis chosen from GEOG 430-6 (Undergraduate Thesis), or NRES 430-6 (Undergraduate Thesis). The undergraduate thesis must be conducted under the supervision of a faculty member.

The minimum requirement for a BSc Honours degree in Geography is 126 credit hours. Students are responsible to find their own undergraduate thesis research supervisor. However, faculty members are under no obligation to supervise Honours students. To be admitted to the Honours degree program, students must have completed 60 credit hours and obtained a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.33. Attaining the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission into the Honours program, which is at the discretion of the Geography Program (contact the Program Chair for details). Maintenance of a Cumulative GPA of 3.33 is required to remain in the Honours program.

In order to increase the breadth and utility of their degree, and to demonstrate an interest in a particular sub-discipline, students are encouraged to complete an Area of Specialization (normally 12 credit hours) during their degree, which can be chosen from the following list:
 

Courses used to fulfill the requirements for the BSc Geography major (excluding the science electives) cannot be used to fulfill the requirement of the selected Area of Specialization. Students who are considering an Area of Specialization are strongly encouraged to talk to an advisor early in their second year in order to ensure that the pre-requisites are met for upper-division courses.

Air

A specialization in Air provides a deeper understanding of atmospheric processes near Earth's surface that govern the development of weather systems, regulate climate, and are implicit in environmental challenges such as climate change and air pollution.

Choose four of the following:

ENSC 312-3	Biometeorology
ENSC 408-3	Storms
ENSC 412-3	Air Pollution
ENSC 425-3	Climate Change and Global Warming
ENSC 450-3	Environmental and Geophysical Data Analysis
ENSC 454-3	Snow and Ice

Water

Water and water resources represent an important component of physical geography. The Water specialization provides students with courses that develop key competencies in water science.

Choose four of the following:

BIOL 302-3	Limnology
ENGR 451-3	Groundwater Hydrology
ENSC 202-3	Aquatic Systems
ENSC 450-3	Environmental and Geophysical Data Analysis
ENSC 454-3	Snow and Ice
GEOG 405-3	Fluvial Geomorphology

Earth

The Earth specialization provides foundational knowledge about the Earth’s materials, processes and resources, and examines key challenges such as energy and resource availability, geological hazards, and environmental sustainability.

Choose four of the following:

ENSC 307-3	Introduction to Geochemistry
ENSC 325-3	Soil Physical Processes and the Environment
GEOG 333-3	Geography Field School
GEOG 405-3	Fluvial Geomorphology
GEOG 411-3	Quaternary and Surficial Geology
GEOG 416-3	Mountains

Soil Science

The Soil Science specialization focuses on the physical, chemical and biological processes which regulate the formation, maintenance, and restoration of the Earth’s range of soils.

Choose four of the following:

ENGR 451-3	Groundwater Hydrology
ENSC 325-3	Soil Physical Processes and the Environment
ENSC 404-3	Waste Management
ENSC 435-3	Soil Biological Processes and the Environment
ENSC 452-3	Reclamation and Remediation of Disturbed Environments
FSTY 415-3	Forest Soils
FSTY 425-3	Soil Formation and Classification
GEOG 411-3	Quaternary and Surficial Geology

Ecogeography

The Ecogeography specialization combines elements of physical geography with a selection of theory- and methods-based ecology courses.

BIOL 201-3	Ecology
BIOL 325-3	Ecological Analysis
Choose two of the following:
BIOL 333-3	Field School
BIOL 404-3	Plant Ecology
BIOL 410-3	Population and Community Ecology
BIOL 411-3	Conservation Biology

Geospatial Science

A specialization in Geospatial Science provides students with theoretical and practical skills necessary to analyze and visualize large geospatial datasets, and to solve geophysical problems with code-based solutions.

Choose four of the following:

ENPL 303-3	Spatial Planning with Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
ENSC 450-3	Environmental and Geophysical Data Analysis
GEOG 250-3	Introduction to Geospatial Analysis*
GEOG 413-3	Advanced GIS
GEOG 450-3	Advanced Geospatial Analysis
GEOG 457-3	Advanced Remote Sensing

*Students who choose GEOG 250-3 to meet the requirements of this specialization must take ENSC 250-2 to meet the requirements for the BSc Major.

The Earth Sciences minor provides depth in areas of earth science that support natural resource management. Students are required to complete 18 credit hours (12 of which must be at the 300- or 400-level) chosen from the following lists, with at least one course from each of the first three groups. Students may use a maximum of two upper-division courses (6 credit hours) used to fulfill the requirements for a major or another minor. Students must ensure that all prerequisites are fulfilled prior to registering in any course.

NOTE: Some upper-division courses may be taught in alternate years; students should consider this when planning their course sequences.

Hydrology

ENGR 451-3	Groundwater Hydrology
ENSC 202-3	Introduction to Aquatic Systems
ENSC 454-3	Snow and Ice
GEOG 310-3	Hydrology

Geomorphology

GEOG 311-3	Drainage Basin Geomorphology
GEOG 405-3	Fluvial Geomorphology
GEOG 411-3	Quaternary and Surficial Geology
GEOG 416-3	Mountains

Soil Science

ENSC 325-3	Soil Physical Processes and the Environment
ENSC 435-3	Soil Biological Processes and the Environment
FSTY 415-3	Forest Soil Management
FSTY 425-3	Soil Formation and Classification

Other

ENSC 307-3	Introduction to Geochemistry
ENSC 425-3	Climate Change and Global Warming
GEOG 315-3	Earth’s Critical Zone
GEOG 357-3	Introduction to Remote Sensing
GEOG 413-3	Advanced GIS
GEOG 457-3	Advanced Remote Sensing

A minor in Geomorphology is appropriate for students who wish to obtain a level of competence in the history of Earth's landscapes, surface processes and environmental change. The minor consists of key courses which, when taken together, provide a degree of proficiency in a field that is actively sought after by environmental consulting firms and government agencies.

A maximum of two courses (six credit hours) used to fulfill program requirements for a major or another minor may also be used to fulfill requirements for a minor in Geomorphology.

The minimum requirement for the completion of the minor in Geomorphology is 18 credit hours.

GEOG 210-3		Geomorphology
GEOG 311-3		Drainage Basin Geomorphology

Four of the following:

FSTY 205-3		Introduction to Soil Science
or FSTY 425-3		Soil Formation and Classification
GEOG 300-3		Intermediate GIS
or GEOG 413-3		Advanced GIS
or GEOG 357-3		Introduction to Remote Sensing
GEOG 310-3		Hydrology
GEOG 315-3		Earth’s Critical Zone
GEOG 405-3		Fluvial Geomorphology
GEOG 411-3		Quaternary and Surficial Geology

Minor in GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

The aim of the minor in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is to provide a high level of competence in GIS and Computer Science technologies. Students with a minor in GIS gain experience in geographic data processing and analysis and are well-positioned for GIS-related careers.

Four required Geography courses and one Computer Science course form the core of the minor. CPSC 110-3 (Introduction to Computer Systems and Programming) and CPSC 344-3 (Data Communications and Networking) are aimed at those not majoring in Computer Science.

A maximum of two courses (6 credit hours) at or above the 200 level used to fulfill program requirements for a major or another minor may also be used to fulfill requirements for a minor in GIS.

The minimum requirement for the completion of the minor in GIS is 21 credit hours, of which at least 12 credit hours must be upper-division credits. Students must ensure that all prerequisites are fulfilled prior to taking courses at the 300 and 400 levels.

CPSC 100-4		Computer Programming I
or CPSC 110-3		Introduction to Computer Systems and Programming
or GEOG 250-3		Introduction to Geospatial Analysis
GEOG 204-3		Introduction to GIS
GEOG 205-3		Cartography and Geomatics
GEOG 300-3		Intermediate GIS
GEOG 357-3		Introduction to Remote Sensing

Two courses from the following list:

CPSC 324-3		Introduction to Database Systems
CPSC 344-3		Data Communications and Networking
or COMM 353-3		Business Data Communications and Networking
or CPSC 444-3		Computer Networks
ENPL 303-3		Spatial Planning with Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
GEOG 413-3		Advanced GIS
GEOG 450-3		Advanced Geospatial Analysis
GEOG 457-3		Advanced Remote Sensing

A minor in Physical Geography is appropriate for students who seek a broad-based exposure to earth and environmental sciences. Prospective teachers, human geographers, and government agency and environmental consulting employees find the study of Earth's processes and the natural environment beneficial to their future careers. The minor consists of a group of courses which, when taken together, provide a degree of proficiency in Physical Geography.

A maximum of two courses (6 credit hours) used to fulfill program requirements for a major or another minor may also be used to fulfill requirements for a minor in Physical Geography.

The minimum requirement for the completion of the minor in Physical Geography is 18 credit hours.

ENSC 201-3		Weather and Climate
FSTY 205-3		Introduction to Soil Science
GEOG 210-3		Introduction to Earth Science

Three of the following:

ENSC 312-3		Biometeorology
or ENSC 408-3		Storms
GEOG 300-3		Intermediate GIS
or GEOG 413-3		Advanced GIS
or GEOG 357-3		Introduction to Remote Sensing
GEOG 310-3		Hydrology
or GEOG 405-3		Fluvial Geomorphology
GEOG 311-3		Drainage Basin Geomorphology
GEOG 315-3		Earth’s Critical Zone
GEOG 411-3		Quaternary and Surficial Geology

Minor in Human Geography

The minor in Human Geography is designed to provide students with the following:
 

A maximum of two courses (6 credit hours) at or above the 200 level used to fulfill program requirements for a major or another minor may also be used to fulfill requirements for a minor in Human Geography.

The minimum requirement for completion of a minor in Human Geography is 18 credit hours, including 12 upper division credit hours.

Two of the following:

GEOG 101-3		Planet Earth
GEOG 102-3		Earth from Above
GEOG 200-3		British Columbia: People and Places
GEOG 202-3		Resources, Economies and Sustainability
GEOG 203-3		Canada: Places, Cultures and Identities
GEOG 204-3		Introduction to GIS
GEOG 206-3		Social Geography
GEOG 209-3		Migration and Development
GEOG 211-3		Natural Hazards: Human and Environmental Dimensions
GEOG 220-3		World Regions: Latin America and the Caribbean
GEOG 224-3		World Regions: Inuit Nunangut
GEOG 225-3		Global Environmental Change
GEOG 298-3		Special Topics

Three of the following:

GEOG 301-3		Cultural Geography
GEOG 305-3		Political Ecology: Environmental Knowledge and Decision-Making
GEOG 306-3		Critical Development Geographies
GEOG 307-3		Changing Arctic: Human and Environmental Systems
GEOG 308-3		Health Geography
GEOG 324-3		Community-Based Research
GEOG 333-3		Geography Field School

One of the following:

GEOG 401-3		Tenure, Conflict, and Resource Geography
GEOG 403-3		Indigenous Geographies of Climate Resilience
GEOG 416-3		Mountains
GEOG 420-3		Environmental Justice
GEOG 424-3		Northern Communities
GEOG 426-3		Geographies of Culture, Rights and Power

See Calendar entry under Environmental Studies.