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.

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.

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.

This course introduces the main concepts in environmental economics and applies them to public policy analysis. Students will learn about markets, prices and the role of information in the economy, and will then learn about market failures that specifically affect the environment. The second half of the course introduces the key techniques in public policy analysis (an inherently interdisciplinary undertaking), including the process of developing, implementing, and assessing public policy.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, problems, and techniques of urban, suburban, rural, and regional land use planning. It focuses on the elements and make-up of the comprehensive plan, the politics of planning, and the assessment of economic, social and environmental plans.

This course focuses on the origin, physical environment, and structure of urban settlements; the growth and processes of urbanization; and the impact of globalization on urban centres. It investigates societal issues common to urban environments including; poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, criminality, environmental degradation and deterioration of the built environment. It also provides an overview of urban renewal and planning processes.

This course introduces students to the globalization of the world economy. It provides theoretical and practical foundation for exploring the global economy in an era of technological advancements, restructuring economies, and geopolitical realignments. It focuses on economic development of developed and developing countries of the world, and examine the impacts and critical problems associated with economic growth, development, and distribution and how to address the problems.

This course examines the human and physical geography of Africa. Attention is given to the regional distribution of natural features and resources, population and settlements, economic activities and development, and globalization and its impact on this vast continent.

This course examines the physical and human geography of the Pacific Rim. It gives particular attention to regional distribution of natural features and resources, population and settlements, economic activities and development, as well as globalization and its impact on this region.

An introduction to key concepts and issues in natural resources management. The course examines major resource-based industries, including agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, energy, and recreation. It also emphasizes understanding the varied influences that environmental, socio-economic, and political factors have on the spatial distribution of resource utilization and resource management.