Geography and the Environment (Associate Degree)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-04-02 | - |
| 2024-09-02 | - |
| 2025-01-02 | - |
Program Overview
The Associate of Arts Degree in Geography and the Environment at Douglas College equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the interrelationship between natural and human environments. Through coursework in social sciences, physical sciences, and environmental studies, graduates gain the knowledge and skills to address contemporary challenges like climate change and sustainable development. The program offers a blend of theoretical and practical learning, preparing students for careers in geography, environmental consulting, urban planning, and other related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Associate of Arts Degree in Geography and the Environment program at Douglas College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the interrelationship between natural and human environments. The program combines coursework in the social sciences, physical sciences, and environmental studies to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to address contemporary challenges such as climate change, natural hazards, resource management, and sustainable development.
Objectives:
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Analyze and interpret spatial data to understand the distribution and patterns of human and environmental phenomena.
- Develop and implement field research projects to collect and analyze data on the natural and human environment.
- Apply geographic concepts and theories to real-world problems and issues.
- Communicate geographic information effectively through written, oral, and visual presentations.
Program Description:
The Geography and the Environment program consists of 60 University Transfer (UT) credits, including 18 credits in geography, 6 credits in English, 6 credits in Humanities, 6 credits in Social Sciences, 6 credits in Arts, 18 credits in second-year Arts electives, 3 credits in Lab Science, 3 credits in Math, Statistics or Computing Science, 3 credits in Math, Statistics or Science, and 9 credits in other University Transfer electives.
Outline:
Course Schedule:
The Geography and the Environment program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis, and can be completed in two years. The program consists of the following courses:
- First Year:
- English (6 credits)
- Humanities (6 credits)
- Social Sciences (6 credits)
- Arts (6 credits)
- Geography (6 credits)
- Lab Science (3 credits)
- Math, Statistics or Computing Science (3 credits)
- Second Year:
- Arts (18 credits)
- Geography (12 credits)
- Math, Statistics or Science (3 credits)
- Other University Transfer electives (9 credits)
Individual Modules:
The Geography and the Environment program includes the following individual modules:
- Physical Geography: This module focuses on the physical processes that shape the Earth's surface, including geology, meteorology, hydrology, and geomorphology.
- Human Geography: This module focuses on the human use of the environment, including population geography, economic geography, cultural geography, and political geography.
- Environmental Studies: This module focuses on the relationship between humans and the environment, including environmental science, environmental policy, and sustainability.
- Geospatial Technologies: This module focuses on the use of geospatial technologies, such as GIS and remote sensing, to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data.
Assessment:
Students in the Geography and the Environment program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams: Exams are used to assess student knowledge and understanding of course material.
- Essays: Essays are used to assess student ability to analyze and interpret information, and to communicate their ideas in writing.
- Presentations: Presentations are used to assess student ability to communicate geographic information effectively.
- Fieldwork: Fieldwork is used to assess student ability to apply geographic concepts and theories to real-world problems.
Teaching:
The Geography and the Environment program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified faculty members. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group projects, and field trips.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the Geography and the Environment program are prepared for a variety of careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Some potential career paths include:
- Geographer
- Environmental Consultant
- Urban Planner
- GIS Analyst
- Cartographer
- Research Analyst
- Teacher
- Policy Analyst
- Journalist
Opportunities:
The Geography and the Environment program also provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships, co-ops, and research projects.
