Associated Graduate Faculty
Philip D. Keddie BA Manitoba, MA Wisconsin, PhD Waterloo - Retired
Houston C. Saunderson BA Queen's (Belfast), MA, PhD Toronto - Professor, Wilfrid Laurier University

    

Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants should meet the minimum requirements of a four-year honours degree with a 73% ('B') average during the final two years of study. Prospective students should write to the graduate co-ordinator to obtain additional information on admission procedures and an application form. Students are generally admitted in September and applications should be completed by March for consideration for admission and funding.

Degree Requirements
   Students may undertake an MA or an MSc program in geography by thesis or by research project (the non-thesis option).
Students taking the thesis option are required to complete an acceptable thesis and the Research Methods course. In addition, students must take four courses (2.0 credits), three of which must be from the Department of Geography, and these must include courses from at least two of the biophysical processes, rural studies and resource assessment course groupings (see Courses section below). For the MA degree, students must complete at least two courses from the rural studies and the resource assessment groupings combined. For the MSc degree, students must complete at least two courses in biophysical processes, one of which may be outside the department, as approved by the student's advisory committee.
   Students taking the non-thesis option must complete the Research Methods course and the Research Project course. In addition, six other courses (3.0 credits) are required, at least four of which must be from the Department of Geography, and these must include courses from at least two of the biophysical processes, rural studies and resource assessment course groupings. MA students must complete at least two courses from the rural studies and the resource assessment groupings combined. MSc students must complete at least two courses in biophysical processes, one of which may be outside the Department, as approved by the student's advisory committee.

• Biophysical Processes encompasses the analysis of geomorphic and biotic phenomena and processes.
• Rural Studies embraces the spatial organization of human activity in the rural milieu.
• Resource Assessment centres on the evaluation of constraints, opportunities and impacts in the human use of biophysical systems.

Degree Requirements
All students in the PhD program are required to complete the Human-Environment Systems Analysis course during their first semester of study. The advisory committee may prescribe additional courses to help the student prepare for the qualifying examination and thesis research. All students in the PhD program must complete a qualifying examination by the end of the fourth semester of study, and submit a satisfactory research proposal by the end of the fifth semester. The qualifying examination has written and oral components and evaluates the student's knowledge of the broader scholarly field as well as the specific theoretical and empirical content of the intended research area. The broader scholarly field must embrace the resource assessment area of specialization and at least one other specialization. Submission and defence of an acceptable thesis on an approved topic complete the requirements of the PhD.

Collaborative International Development Studies MA/MSc Program
   The Department of Geography participates in the MA/MSc program in Collaborative International Development Studies (CIDS). Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. Students selecting the thesis option are expected to complete an acceptable thesis, the five 'core' courses in CIDS, the Research Methods course offered by the Department of Geography, and one other geography course (0.5 credits) approved by the student's advisory committee. Students selecting the non-thesis option are expected to complete the five 'core' courses in CIDS, the Research Methods course and Research Project course in the Department of Geography, and two other geography courses (1.0 credits) approved by the student's advisory committee. Please consult the International Development Studies listing for a detailed description of the MA/MSc collaborative program.

Rural Studies PhD Program
   The Department of Geography participates in the PhD program in rural studies in the field of sustainable rural communities. Those faculty members whose research and teaching expertise includes aspects of rural studies may serve as advisers for PhD students.

Biophysical Processes

4506500 Sedimentary Processes in Geomorphology (0.5) W

An integrated study of fluid flow and sedimentary processes in water and air, setting key elements of sediment erosion, transport and deposition within a global context.

4506330 Biotic Processes and Biophysical Systems (0.5) F

Investigation of biotic processes influencing the composition, structure and distribution of plant and animal communities and of approaches to biophysical systems analysis, focusing on environmental system interaction at the landscape scale.

Rural Studies

4506200 Land Use and Agricultural Systems (0.5)F or W

Rural land uses and processes, particularly agricultural systems, their dynamics and interactions with the resource base and competing activities. Theoretical models and analytical methods related to applied questions in agricultural decision making and land use planning.

4506270 Rural Community Systems (0.5) W

Characterization and delineation of rural community systems in Canada with attention to the impact of processes of centralization and diffusion on rural economy, society and settlement. Credit may not be obtained for both 4506270 and 9506020.

Resource Assessment

4506281 Environmental Resource Evaluation (0.5) F

Analysis, evaluation and management of environmental resources. Emphasis is on biophysical and socio-economic concepts and methods which offer a more comprehensive and integrative basis for environmental decisions.

4506340 Human-Environment Systems Analysis (0.5) F

A critical review of philosophies, concepts and analytical methods for analysis and management of systems involving the interaction of environmental processes and human spatial activity.

9506310*Environmental Impact Assessment (0.5)

9506320*Water Resource Management (0.5)

International Development Studies

4506400 Urbanization and Development (0.5) (alternate years)

Analysis of the evolution of urban form and pattern in the developing world within the context of the global urban system. Examines national urban systems and implications for dispersed development and rural change.

4506450 Political Identities, Territory and Territoriality

(0.5) (alternate years)

Group identities at various scales in relation to concepts of territory and territoriality, and their changing impact on the world's political map.

General

4506060 Special Topics in Geography (0.5) F or W

A course on some specific topic not covered by the regular graduate courses for which there are both available faculty and sufficient interest among students.

4506090 Research Methods (0.5) F and W

A review of philosophies and research methods in geography. The development and presentation of a context paper and proposal for the thesis or research project.

4506180 Research Project in Geography (1.0) F,W or S

The preparation and presentation of a report on the research project approved in 4506090.

 

* These two courses are offered in the University School of Rural Planning and Development and may be counted for geography credit.