Courses

A study of the ecological relationships of marine life in several major habitat types. Emphasis is on productivity, food webs, nutrient cycling, and community ecology. Ecosystem parameters are investigated through field and laboratory studies. Part of coursework takes place in the Lower Mainland, Gulf Islands, and/or Vancouver Island.

A field course focusing on the systematics and ecology of tropical coral reef organisms. Plants, animals, and physical factors of a fringing coral reef are examined through snorkeling excursions and laboratory studies. One species is chosen for a detailed research project. Includes field course work in Hawaii.

This field placement course gives students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to a real-world work environment. The course is an efficient way to hone students’ practical skills in spatial information science (SIS) and analysis within the realms of geography, environmental science, and/or geographic information systems (GIS) helping them gain valuable work experience by learning new skills, gaining new perspectives in integrating SIS, exploring the SIS work environment, and networking with the experts in this field. This practicum is offered as a tripartite arrangement that includes: the student, the University’s course instructor/program coordinator, and the approved practicum supervisor in a reputable government department, business, or non-profit/non-governmental organization.

This field placement course gives students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to a real-world work environment. The course is an efficient way to hone students’ practical skills in spatial information science (SIS) and analysis within the realms of geography, environmental science, and/or geographic information systems (GIS) helping them gain valuable work experience by learning new skills, gaining new perspectives in integrating SIS, exploring the SIS work environment, and networking with the experts in this field. This practicum is offered as a tripartite arrangement that includes: the student, the University’s course instructor/program coordinator, and the approved practicum supervisor in a reputable government department, business, or non-profit/non-governmental organization.

Geography is an integrative spatial science that attempts to explain and predict the spatial distributions and variation of human activity and physical features on the Earth's surface. Geographers and Environmental scientists greatly benefit from the use of quantitative and computational analyses to help answer where, why and what-to-do questions. Geographers might explore such questions as: what type of municipal transportation policy might best achieve more equitable access for urban residents to city services and facilities? Environmental scientists might ask: what sort of land use decisions are required to balance sustainable economic development with protection of wetlands in a fragile ecosystem? Students are invited into understanding and using statistical analysis as a means to develop a quantitative and computational inquiry.

In special cases, with the instructor's consent, students may pursue an independent but guided reading and research course in a specialized area of geography of interest to students.

In special cases, with the instructor's consent, students may pursue an independent but guided reading and research course in a specialized area of geography of interest to students.

This experiential and interdisciplinary course fosters interaction with diverse physical and human environments. It provides exposure to the region's history, religions, politics, and socio- economic realities that shape the communication and cultures of Central America, and introduces students to cross-cultural communication.

This experiential and interdisciplinary course fosters interaction with diverse physical and human environments. It provides exposure to the region's history, religions, politics, and socio- economic realities that shape the communication and cultures of East Africa and introduces students to cross-cultural communication.