GENS 1401 (3.00)
The Physical Environment
Exclusion: GEOG 1401
This course provides an introduction to the general principles of Physical Geography and the Environment, emphasizing the physical world at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. This course introduces the four fundamental spheres of Physical Geography: the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. It examines basic processes in the physical environment such as the seasons, layers of the atmosphere, the earth's energy budget and interactions with atmospheric processes. It also investigates weather and its interplay within the hydrological cycle, the fundamentals of climatology, the three basic rock types, tectonic activity and weathering of the earth's surface. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1.5 Hours)
GENS 1991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Geography and Environment
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for GENS 1991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
GENS 2411 (3.00)
Geomorphology
Prereq: GENS 1401; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOS 2401; GEOG 2411
This course is an introduction to geomorphology, the science that explores the processes that shape the Earth's surface. Its first half deals with the large-scale relief features of the Earth and how they are shaped by the processes of weathering, erosion, and sedimentary deposition. The second half introduces landforms/landscapes that exist in glacial, fluvial, coastal, and desert environments. It also explores the geomorphic agents which control the formation and evolution of these landforms/landscapes. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
GENS 2421 (3.00)
Weather and Climate
Prereq: GENS 1401; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 2421
This course highlights elements of weather and climate including the composition and thermal structure of the atmosphere, radiation and energy balances, global circulation, air masses, fronts and atmospheric disturbances, and climates of the world. It places special emphasis on recent climatic changes in the environment. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
GENS 2431 (3.00)
Data Analysis
Prereq: Either GENV 1201 or GENS 1401; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 2711
This course develops basic skills in data collection, analysis, and presentation. It introduces basic statistical and hypothesis testing procedures, along with relevant software. (Format: Lecture/Laboratory 3 Hours) [Note 1: Students may count for credit towards a degree a maximum of 6 credits from BIOL 2701, GENS 2431, MATH 2311, and PSYC 2001.]
GENS 2441 (3.00)
Geographic Information Systems
Prereq: Second-year standing and GENS 2431 or MATH 2311; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 2721, 3711
This course surveys several aspects of traditional cartography, examines one or more Geographic Information Systems, and explores the role of maps in conveying geographic information. (Format: Lecture/Laboratory 3 Hours)
GENS 2991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Geography and Environment
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for GENS 2991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
GENS 3401 (3.00)
Research Methods in Environmental Science
Prereq: GENS 2431 and third-year standing; permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3401, 3701; GENV 3701
This course begins with a critical examination of current research techniques. Students then design, implement, complete, and evaluate a field research project in environmental science. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Multi-Day Field Camp) [Note 1: This course requires attendance at an off-campus field camp and students will be liable for some field trip costs.]
GENS 3411 (3.00)
Coastal Geomorphology
Prereq: GENS 2431, 2411; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3411; GEOS 3111
This course introduces coastal geomorphology by emphasizing current theories of coastal processes set in a context of natural systems. Topics include waves and currents, sediment transport, evolution of coastal features, and coastal management. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
GENS 3421 (3.00)
Biogeography
Prereq: GENS 2431, 2421; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3421
This course explores the links between the geomorphology and climatology of a region and the plant-animal environments through a biogeographical approach to ecological studies. It focuses on the geography of plants including environmental controls of plant distributions and the functional and historical aspects of plant communities. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours) [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with BIOL 3421 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.]
GENS 3451 (3.00)
Earth System Science
Prereq: GENS 1401, GENS 2421; any 6 credits from BIOL 1001, BIOL 1501, BIOC 1001, CHEM 1001, PHYS 1041, PHYS 1051; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: ENVS 3001
This course integrates atmospheric, oceanographic, geological and biological concepts with a historical perspective to introduce the major processes that have shaped Earth's environment. The course examines climatic processes on geological time scales, the evolution of organisms, the cycling of elements, and the feedbacks between these processes.(Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENS 3461 (3.00)
Oceanography
Prereq: GENS 1401, GENS 2421; 6 credits from BIOL 1001, 1501, BIOC 1001, CHEM 1001, PHYS1041, PHYS 1051; or permission of the Department
This course introduces the interdisciplinary field of Oceanography, covering many of the fundamental biological, chemical, geological, and physical processes in the ocean. Topics include the physical and chemical properties of seawater, oceanic box models and climate models, controls on the vertical and horizontal distribution of elements in the sea, controls on primary production, and the climate record in ocean sediments. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
GENS 3991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Geography and Environment
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for GENS 3991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
GENS 4421 (3.00)
Seminar in Environmental Science
Prereq: This course is restricted to students in their final year of a Major or Honours in Environmental Science
Exclusion: ENVS 4901
This course examines current issues in environmental science. Students prepare case studies of specific problem areas in environmental science and present these in a seminar format. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
GENS 4701 (3.00)
Advanced Field Course
Prereq: GENV 3701 or GENS 3401; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 4701
This is an extended field course to be completed outside the September-May academic year in which students complete a supervised original research project at an off-campus location. (Format: Field Course) [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as GENV 4701 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.]
GENS 4950 (6.00)
Independent Study in Geography and Environment
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. (Format: Independent Study) [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for GENS 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
GENS 4951 (3.00)
Independent Study in Geography and Environment
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. (Format: Independent Study) [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for GENS 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
GENS 4990 (6.00)
Honours Thesis
This course comprises independent research and study under the direction of a supervisor approved by the department. (Format: Independent Study/Thesis) [Note 1: Permission of the Department is required.]
GENS 4991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Geography and Environment
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for GENS 4991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
GENV 1201 (3.00)
The Human Environment
Exclusion: GEOG 1201
This course is an introduction to the study of the human population and the spatial dimensions of environmental change. It examines how people interact with the environment and the core forces which shape these interactions, including population, culture, technology, and geography. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 1991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Geography and Environment
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for GENV 1991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
GENV 2001 (3.00)
Contemporary Environmental Studies
Exclusion: ENST 1001
This course reviews how different disciplines are brought to bear on the study of environmental issues. Some of the topics considered in this survey include the role of environmental philosophy and activism, interactions between science and environmental politics, environmental or ecological economics, and sustainable development. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 2101 (3.00)
Natural Resources Management
Exclusion: GEOG 2101
This course introduces key concepts and issues in natural resources management. It examines resource sectors of importance to the Canadian economy, including forestry, fisheries, wildlife, energy, mining, water, and agriculture. The course emphasizes understanding the varied influences that environmental, socio-economic, and political factors have on patterns of resource utilization and resource management decision-making. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 2201 (3.00)
Geography of Economic Activity
Exclusion: GEOG 2201
This course examines the changing spatial organization of the world industrial map since 1945 by comparing British and North American de-industrialization with the rapid growth of some sectors of newly industrialized countries, including the effects of new production technology, changes in industrial organization and transnational corporations and new regional trading blocs on those changing patterns are discussed. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 2221 (3.00)
The Developing World
Exclusion: GEOG 2221
This course surveys the changing geography of the developing world. It examines the decline in traditional land systems and resource use, surveys current economic development strategies, and reviews the role of international aid and non-governmental organizations in these strategies. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 2311 (3.00)
Introduction to Cutural Geography
Exclusion: GEOG 2311
This course surveys the main themes and approaches of cultural geographers. It evaluates concepts such as cultural area, ecology and landscape in the context of North American and European settlement patterns. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 2991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Geography and Environment
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for GENV 2991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
GENV 3101 (3.00)
Environment and Development
Prereq: GENV 2001 or 2101; and 2221; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3101
This course examines current thinking on the relationship between environment and development. Topics may include: sustainable development, rural land use change, tropical deforestation and forest management, indigenous environmental knowledge, and community-based conservation. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 3201 (3.00)
Canadian Environmental Policy
Prereq: GENV 2001, GENV 2221 or ECON 1001; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3201
This course studies the politics and policies of environmental problem-solving within the Canadian context. It examines key features of the Canadian political system - its parlimentary structure, robust federalism among others - in light of the nation's evolving environmental policy. It pays particular attention to the role of stakeholder dynamics and alternative regulatory tools and strategies (e.g., pollution taxes, best available technology, etc.). (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 3211 (3.00)
Transportation Geography
Prereq: GENV 1201, 2201; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3211
This course investigates the impact of changing transport and communication technologies on spatial organization. Topics may include: the transportation-infrastructure problem and proposed solutions from a geographic perspective; an analysis of the land use-transportation system in North American cities; its social and environmental impacts; the analysis of travel behaviour; and the geographical implications of various policy and planning alternatives. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 3301 (3.00)
Historical Geography of North America
Prereq: Third-year standing and either GENV 1201 or 3 credits from the HIST 1600 series; GENV 2311; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3301
This course surveys the role of pre-twentieth century historical processes in shaping past and present North American landscapes. Students identify and analyze significant writings in the evolution of historical geography. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 3321 (3.00)
Geography of Japan
Prereq: Third-year standing, and at least one of GENV 1201, 2311, HIST 1611; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3321
This course examines Japan's geography since 1860, emphasizing the importance of international trade and new technologies and their roles in forming new geographic relationships for Japan with other parts of East Asia and with the West. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 3511 (3.00)
Rural and Small Town Canada
Prereq: GENV 1201; one of GENV 2101, 2201, 2311; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3511
This course examines land use patterns as well as the environmental, social, economic and political structures of Canadian rural areas and small towns. It uses an integrated approach to resolving rural and small town development issues. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 3531 (3.00)
The Planning Process
Prereq: GENV 1201 and one of GENV 2101, 2201, 2311; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3531
This course examines community responses to the necessity and challenge of growth. Discussion focuses on the contributions of planning to the process of development and to the outcomes and opportunities which parallel this process. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 3701 (3.00)
Research Methods in Human Geography And Environment
Prereq: GENS 2431 and third-year standing; permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3701
This course presents a critical examination of current research techniques. Students design, implement, complete and evaluate a field research project in Human Geography and Environment. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Multi-Day Field Camp) [Note 1: This course requires attendance at an off-campus field camp and students must cover some field trip costs.]
GENV 3811 (3.00)
Geography of Urbanization
Prereq: Third-year standing plus GENV 1201 and 2311; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3811
This course investigates the evolution of the modern city through historic phases of mercantile, industrial, corporate, and post-industrial growth. It highlights urbanization processes in the development of urban economies, urban society, the social geography of cities, political reform, urban planning, and the creation of new urban forms in the late twentieth century post-industrial economy. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 3991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Geography and Environment
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for GENV 3991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
GENV 4101 (3.00)
Seminar in Environmental Issues
Prereq: GENV 1201, 2001; GENS 1401; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 4101
This course examines the current state of scientific knowledge related to various contemporary environmental issues and the public policy implications of these issues. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
GENV 4111 (3.00)
International Environmental Affairs
Prereq: GENV 3201 or GEOG 3201; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 4101
This course explores international environmental problems and their solutions. It examines climate change, biodiversity, conservation, international marine pollution, and the relationship between trade and environment, among other topics, giving particular consideration to the roles of science, civil society, and international governance. (Format: Lecture/Seminar 3 Hours)
GENV 4201 (3.00)
Canadian Environmental Planning and Management
Prereq: GENV 3201 or GEOG 3201; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 4101
This course examines the theory, methods, regulatory frameworks and social implications of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), providing a basis for deciding whether and how to proceed with a proposed resource development project so as to prevent or minimize environmental degradation. Students consider the overall Canadian environmental planning and management process with an emphasis on recent Canadian case studies. (Format: Lecture/Seminar 3 Hours)
GENV 4211 (3.00)
Resource Communities and the Multinational Corporation
Prereq: GEOG 2101 and 2201, or GENV 2101 and 2201; or permission of the Department
This course explores the economic geography of resource industries with a focus on the role that large corporations play in shaping the fortunes of communities where they operate. Its conceptual themes include staples theory, industrial restructuring, the 'greening' (or greenwashing) of economic activity, and the use and abuse of environmental science by corporate interests. These issues are grounded in examinations of regional resource sectors, including forestry and fishing, as well as international case studies. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
GENV 4301 (3.00)
Seminar in Area Studies
Prereq: Any two of GENV 2201, 2311, 3201, 3211 or 3301; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 4301
This course studies a selected world region through a combination of directed readings, seminar presentations, and individual research. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
GENV 4311 (3.00)
Seminar in Canadian Regionalism
Prereq: GENV 3201 or 3301; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 4311
This course explores Canadian regionalism through a combination of directed readings, presentations, and individual research. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
GENV 4321 (3.00)
Seminar in Cultural and Landscape Study
Prereq: GENV 2311 and 3301 or 3811; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 4321
This course explores contemporary cultural geography and cultural landscape study through directed readings, presentations and individual research. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
GENV 4521 (3.00)
Seminar in Community Planning Research
Prereq: GENS 2431 and GENV 3531; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 4521
This course applies community planning theory and techniques to an actual case developed in concert with a local community. Students clarify client objectives, develop a research and analysis program, conduct fieldwork, analyze data, prepare recommendations, and present results to the client. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
GENV 4701 (3.00)
Advanced Field Course
Prereq: GENV 3701 or GENS 3401; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 4701
This is an extended field course to be completed outside the September-May academic year in which students complete a supervised original research project at an off-campus location. (Format: Field Course) [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as GENS 4701 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.]
GENV 4711 (3.00)
Perspectives on Mapping and G.I.S.
Prereq: GENS 2441 and third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 4711
This course investigates how cartography has been used to codify space, place and territory over the past millennium. The course considers agency and motive in historical and contemporary cartography, including G.I.S., paying particular attention to a critique of scientific method and the mapping of modernity. It also examines alternative map spaces and other media and, using a combination of directed readings and practical project work, students develop critical perspectives on our use of various forms of cartographic representation. (Format: Lecture/Laboratory 3 Hours)
GENV 4811 (3.00)
Gender, Culture and the City
Prereq: GENV 3811; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 4811
This course examines the relationship between socially constructed gender relations and the nature and form of urban areas. Students consider how social and cultural categories and historical processes shape the production of urban space, and how we in turn are shaped by it. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
GENV 4821 (3.00)
Seminar in Urban Issues
Prereq: GENV 3811 and any two of GENV 2201, 2311, or 3211; permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 4821
This course explores a selected contemporary urban issue focusing in any given year on topics such as the political geography of the Canadian urban movement, the urban dynamics of key world cities, cities in the developing world, and cities and the 'new' economy. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
GENV 4950 (6.00)
Independent Study in Geography and Environment
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. (Format: Independent Study) [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for GENV 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
GENV 4951 (3.00)
Independent Study in Geography and Environment
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. (Format: Independent Study) [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for GENV 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
GENV 4953 (3.00)
Independent Study in Geography and Environment
GENV 4990 (6.00)
Honours Thesis
This course comprises independent research and study under the direction of a supervisor approved by the Department. (Format: Independent Study/Thesis) [Note 1: Permission of the Department is required.]
GENV 4991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Geography and Environment
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for GENV 4991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
GENV 4993 (3.00)
Special Topic in Geography and Environment
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for GENV 4991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]