Faculty of Arts & Science

Do you wonder how, when and why the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains and Ocean Basins were created? Or what determines the locations of cities, lakes, deserts, jungles—just about everything on the planet? Are you worried about the use and depletion of our natural resources?

Dig into your passion in Geography.

Faculty of Arts & ScienceGeography

Geography deals with the diverse landscapes around us. It is about everything from the original formation of the earth’s surface, to the effects we have on our environment: past, present and future.

The primary focus of the program is to provide you with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills that will enable you to analyze the spatial organization and interaction of all creatures and ecological processes on the planet—and sometimes beyond it—in order to address real-world issues.

As a Geography student, you will have access to the latest hardware and software available in Geography, Economics, Environment, Agriculture, Ecology, Planning and a host of other disciplines.

The Department is particularly strong in the areas of GIS and Remote Sensing, water research and rural & urban studies—areas of spectacular growth in research, teaching and employment for our graduates.

You will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building. This facility provides the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty—your instructors—as they investigate diverse areas such as: weather and climate, water, glaciers, sediments, plants and insects.

Situated in the Oldman River Valley, the University’s location offers an excellent centre for field research, surrounded by farm and rangelands, and in easy reach of the Rockies and the city of Calgary.

Student Clubs & ActivitiesThe Geography Club has a very active presence on campus organizing activities such as canoe trips, field trips to US and Canadian locations, local hikes, social events and an informal lecture series, “Slide du Jour.”

Geography ProgramsThe Department offers a major in Geography for the 40-course Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree programs. You can also opt for a General Major in the Social Sciences or Sciences and select Geography as one of the three streams.

In all Geography degree programs above, you are also able to declare a Concentration in GIS. Alternatively, you can declare Geography as the BA or BSc major for the Combined BA/BEd or BA/BMgt programs.

Bachelor of Arts: Explores the spatial organization of human development from social, economic and political perspectives.

Bachelor of Science: Investigates Geography from Earth, Environmental and Social Science perspectives to better understand ecological changes and processes.

Geography CoursesCourse selections for the program will vary, but may include:

For more information, see your Program Planning Guide or speak to an Academic Advisor.

Honours ThesisIf your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an Under-graduate Thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree. Contact the Department for information.

What is Geography?

“I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Hester Jiskoot, conducting hands-on research on a crucial scientific issue that really matters to people, global warming. I learned valuable research and academic writing skills, and even co-authored a publication with Dr. Jiskoot in a refereed scientific journal.

Dan Juhlin

“

• Agricultural Geography• Archaeology• Biogeography• Economic Geography• Field Techniques• Geographical Information

Systems• Geomorphology & Geology

• Human Geography• Hydrology• Remote Sensing• Snow & Glacier Studies• Urban & Regional Studies • Weather & Climate• Wind Science

Skills AcquiredIn addition to developing exceptional communication skills, you will develop critical and analytical problem solving skills, research and information management skills and improve your attention to detail and patterns. You will leave the program with a strong ability to summarize research findings, excellent fieldwork and risk assessment techniques, as well as an in-depth knowledge of environmental and social issues.

Graduate StudiesResearch in Geography is traditionally undertaken by students holding a Master’s Degree (MA or MSc) or a Doctorate (PhD). Your undergraduate degree will prepare you for post-graduate studies, whether you choose to do your Master’s here at the University of Lethbridge or at another institution.

Professional DisciplinesYour degree in Geography provides an excellent foundation for Environmental Law, Management, Journalism, Education or Geology.

Related FieldsOur graduates often secure employment with local, provincial and federal government departments, or with corporations and consultants around the world.

Here are just a few of the options open to you once you’ve earned your degree:

What Are Your Future Prospects?

Our Faculty Members & Their ResearchFaculty members involve students in their research projects, using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, often collaborating with other departments, community members and employers. The Department also participates in research with all levels of government, the corporate world and a number of national and international research consortiums.

You may also have the opportunity to participate in field studies or gain employment with researchers at the Geological Survey of Canada, the City of Lethbridge and other municipalities, Iunctus Geomatics Corp, the Alberta Terrestrial Imaging Centre and Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, among others. That gives you the opportu-nity to get lots of additional hands-on experience.

Current Research & Areas of Interest:

• Academic Research• Eco-Tourism• Environmental Consulting • Environmental Education

Specialist• Environmental Impact Analyst• GIS Specialist/Technician• Hydrologist

• Location Analyst• Municipal & Resource Planning• Park Management• Remote Sensing Analyst• Renewable Resource

Management• Soil Conservation• Urban or Regional Planner

• Advanced Digital Image Processing

• Airborne Data Acquisition• Alpine & Arctic Glacier

Research• Archaeology of the Bronze &

Iron Ages• Biogeography & Ecophysiology • Climate Change • Eolian Geomorphology• Geoarchaeology Reconstruction• Global Environmental Change • Hyperspectral Remote Sensing • Magnetostratigraphy • Microclimatology

• Paleo-Environments• Paleolandscape Reconstruction • Plains Archaeology • Plant Stress Ecology• Remote Sensing & GIS • Rural Economic Development • Sand Dune Dynamics• Social Change in Canada• Socio-Economic Change

(China)• Terrain & Reflectance Modeling• Water Resources• Watershed Hydrology• Wind Science

ulethbridge.ca @ulethbridge.caJoin us online!

*This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.

Put Your Knowledge to WorkWhether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the programs outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career—whatever direction you decide to go.

Research & Independent StudiesIn addition to your regular courses, you have the opportunity to participate in Independent Studies. You’re able to contribute to departmental activities by volunteering on research projects or through employment as a Research Assistant.

If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies. There are field school opportunities available in some disciplines, as well as many opportunities to study abroad.

For current Research or Independent Studies opportunities, contact the Department directly.

Applied StudiesApplied Studies is another special opportunity offered to all Arts & Science students as a way to earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or Community Service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information on Applied Studies, visit:ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-operative Education & InternshipsThe Faculty of Arts & Science is proud to offer you the chance to participate in our award-winning Co-op Program—the only one of its kind in Alberta. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a Co-op designation on yourdegree and, most importantly, a kick-start to your career the minute you graduate.

For more information on Co-operative Education & Internships, visit:ulethbridge.ca/coop/artsci

University of Lethbridge4401 University DriveLethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 403 332 4040geography@uleth.caulethbridge.ca/geography

Academic AdvisingSU060Students’ Union Building403 329 5106artsci.advising@uleth.caulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising