Course Listing

This introductory mineralogy and petrology course teaches students about the origin, properties, and classification of minerals and rocks with environmental (e.g., human health) and economic importance. Practical laboratory exercises enable students to become proficient at identifying specimens using physical and optical properties. Prerequisite: EGEO-GEOG 1040H or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for EGEO-GEOG 3000H.

Cross-listed: EGEO-2001H

An interdisciplinary enquiry into the function and idea of the land in Canadian traditions. Themes may include Aboriginal rights, settlement, sources of land law, post-colonialism, regionalism, urban/rural conflict over natural resource extraction and waste disposal, sustainability, environmental racism, energy, climate change, and representations of land and landscape in literature and the visual arts. Prerequisite: 3.0 university credits. Not open to students with credit for CAST-ERST-GEOG-INDG 2040Y.

Cross-listed: CAST-2041H, ERST-2041H, INDG-2041H

This course meets the Indigenous Course Requirement.

An interdisciplinary, multi-dimensional inquiry into the phenomenon of winter in Canada. Beginning with the notion of the land as the primary text, we explore cultural, epistemological, ethical, literary, and Indigenous representations of Canada's most formidable season. Topics include leisure, recreation and festival, seasonality and climate change. Prerequisite: 3.0 university credits. Not open to students with credit for CAST-ERST-GEOG-INDG 2040Y.

Cross-listed: CAST-2042H, ERST-2042H, INDG-2042H

This course meets the Indigenous Course Requirement.

An introduction to the practices and concepts of data analytics applied to climate science and policy. Students learn about different types of climate data, approaches for gathering and organizing data, and tools for data analysis. Approaches for effectively presenting and communicating data are covered. Prerequisite: 4.0 university credits including CLIM 1050H, GEOG 1040H, MATH 1005H, and MATH 1051H.

Cross-listed: CLIM-2050H

Covers commonly-used statistical tools in Biology, Geography, and Environmental & Resource Science. Lectures address basic statistical methods and background theory. Workshops involve computer-based assignments providing practical experience in statistical application. Prerequisite: One of GEOG 1030H, GEOG-EGEO 1040H, or GEOG 1050H; or both ERSC 1010H and 1020H; or both BIOL 1020H and 1030H; or BIOM 1000H.

Cross-listed: ERSC-2080H

Introduces the fundamentals of GIS technology and applications. The essentials of GIS structural components, spatial data models, and the analytical GIS operations on such data models are examined in detail. Experience with GIS analysis is gained through laboratory exercises. Prerequisite: One of GEOG 1030H, GEOG-EGEO 1040H, or GEOG 1050H; or both ERSC 1010H and 1020H; or both BIOL 1020H and 1030H. Elementary or intermediate-level experience with microcomputers and their operating systems is desirable.

Cross-listed: ERSC-2090H, EGEO-2090H

An introductory overview of water issues and related policies in Canada and internationally. Surveys the key interest groups and factors that shape conflicts over water protection and allocation, as well as policy responses, including infrastructure, regulatory, and economic tools that are employed by national, provincial, and local agencies. Prerequisite: ERSC 1010H and 1020H. Equivalent to WASC 2000H.

Cross-listed: WASC-2120H, ERSC-2120H

An examination of the physical causes of a variety of extreme geophysical events, risk estimation and perception, and the societal approaches adopted to adjust to natural hazards. The course concentrates on climate-related natural hazards (e.g., hurricanes, droughts, floods), but also examines other geophysical events such as earthquakes. Prerequisite: ERSC 1010H or GEOG-EGEO 1040H.

Cross-listed: ERSC-2180H, EGEO-2180H

Examines the concepts, contexts, and methods for studying recreation geography, including historical and theoretical perspectives on recreation; the demand for recreation; the supply of land, facilities, and services for recreation; and the economic, environmental, and social impacts of recreation and tourism. Prerequisite: GEOG 1030H.

Explores the lands and environments that define the Circumpolar region and identifies the key issues involving interaction between humans and their environments, examining climate change and its impacts on landscapes, biodiversity, and ecological systems. Provides a broad foundation for the study of circumpolar peoples, economies, landscapes, communities, and adaptation to climate change.

Cross-listed: ERST-2320H

Provides students with an in-depth understanding of the key issues which define the future of resources and resource use in the Circumpolar North. Focuses upon the challenges of resource management for governments and communities, and assesses the potential conflicts derived from resource use. Prerequisite: GEOG 1045H and GEOG-ERST 2320H or permission of the instructor.

Cross-listed: ERST-2330H

Environmental geology examines the interactions between society and the geologic environment. This course begins with an introduction to the fundamental geologic processes and Earth materials, and then focuses on the most pressing geological issues of today, including fossil fuel and mineral extraction, natural hazards, climate change, water resources, and waste disposal. Prerequisite: EGEO-GEOG 1040H.

Cross-listed: EGEO-2401H, ERSC-2401H

A study of the physical elements of the global climate system. Deals with global and synoptic climatic processes including the structure of the atmosphere, radiation, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, and the oceans. These concepts are applied to an introduction to the problem of climatic change and its prediction. Prerequisite: GEOG-EGEO 1040H or both ERSC 1010H and 1020H.

An interdisciplinary and comparative analysis of the impact of transformations in the world food system on contemporary agrarian societies. Prerequisite: 4.0 university credits or permission of instructor. Equivalent to IDST 2500H.

Cross-listed: GDST-2500H, ANTH-2500H, SAFS-2500H, SOCI-2500H

FFocuses on social science methods used in geographical and environmental research contexts. Methods examined include surveys, content analysis, interviews, focus groups, participatory action research, and community-based research. Prerequisite: ERSC 1010H and 1020H; or minimum of 60% in GEOG 1030H and in one of GEOG-EGEO 1040H or GEOG 1050H.

Cross-listed: ERST-2510H

Uses case studies to examine the principles and processes that control the distribution and uses of water at global, continental, and watershed scales. Prerequisite: GEOG-EGEO 1040H or both ERSC 1010H and 1020H.

Cross-listed: ERSC-2530H, WASC-2530H

Addresses a selection of sedimentary processes that create a variety of features observed at the surface of the earth. Emphasis is placed upon understanding and quantifying sediment production and transport. This knowledge is then extended to the interpretation of arid, coastal, and fluvial landforms. Prerequisite: GEOG-EGEO 1040H or both ERSC 1010H and 1020H.

Cross-listed: EGEO-2540H

Cities are dynamic and contradictory spaces. Focusing on the lived spaces of the city, the course explores the ideologies, practices, and geographical processes shaping the transformation of cities. Special attention is made to integrate urban theory with the everyday uses of urban space. Prerequisite: GEOG 1030H, ERSC 1010H, SOCI 1002H, or both ECON 1010H and 1020H.

Cross-listed: CAST-2710H, ERST-2710H

Explores the geography of Canada and its peoples and places. Examines the development of Canada's cultural landscapes and regions, and the social, economic, and political development of the Canadian nation-state. Canada's geography is explored as an east-west nation under increasing pressure from globalization and new national agendas. Prerequisite: GEOG 1030H.

Cross-listed: CAST-2810H

Introduces students to the international politics of the circumpolar region and concludes with a unique simulation of the Arctic Council at which students are challenged to develop real-life scenarios and to play the role of diplomatic and reach consensus on difficult areas of Arctic public policy. Prerequisite: GEOG 1045H or permission of the instructor.

Cross-listed: CAST-2811H

Examines the genesis of rock units and the causes and outcomes of subsequent deformation. Students are introduced to the different geologic structures and methods to describe them. Emphasis is the structural relevance to hydrogeology, mineralogy, and natural resources, as well as subsurface contamination migration. Required field trips. Prerequisite: EGEO-GEOG 2001H. Typically offered every other year.

Cross-listed: EGEO-3002H

Students learn essential field skills, including designing a field study, mapping, and measurement techniques. The geology of Central Ontario and its mining industry are examined along with the potential for environmental impacts. Most instruction takes place during required field trips with students documenting their work in technical reports. Prerequisite: EGEO-GEOG 2001H or EGEO-GEOG-ERSC 2401H or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for EGEO-ERSC-GEOG 2000H.

Cross-listed: EGEO-3003H, ERSC-3003H

Introduces the science, technology, and environmental applications of Remote Sensing of a host of environmental variables whether locally, regionally, continentally, or globally. Knowledge about the manner, process, and timing of data capture, processing, and their interpretation for specific purposes are imperatives in modern environmental assessment and monitoring. Prerequisite: GEOG-ERSC-EGEO 2090H or permission of instructor. Typically offered every other year.

Cross-listed: ERSC-3020H

A number of extreme weather events across Canada and around the world, this course acknowledges climate change as the defining existential and ecological challenge of the twenty-first century. Prerequisite: CAST-ERST-GEOG-INDG 2041H or 2042H.

Cross-listed: CAST-3041H, ERST-3041H

An examination of shifting ideas of nature and wilderness in the work of a number of contemporary Canadian artist-thinkers. Special emphasis is placed on ecological literacy, or in learning to read the land as an "ultra-primary" text. Prerequisite: 9.0 university credits including CAST-ERST-GEOG-INDG 2041H or 2042H.

Cross-listed: CAST-3042H, ERST-3042H

Provides an applied understanding of the practice of Geography with an emphasis on the development of local geographical knowledge in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Prerequisite: 9.0 university credits including GEOG 1030H; one of GEOG-EGEO 1040H or GEOG 1050H; and two of GEOG-BIOL-ERSC 2080H, GEOG-ERSC-EGEO 2090H, or GEOG-ERST 2510H.

Lectures explore the science of natural disasters, and issues relating to resilience and risk management in the contemporary world. Seminars focus on the archaeology of natural disasters, with particular emphasis on how human conceptions of the environment condition people's perceived vulnerability, and eventually their responses, to sudden environmental changes. Prerequisite: 10.0 university credits or permission of instructor. Students majoring in Environmental & Resource Studies/Science may only take one of ERSC-ANTH-GEOG 3175H or 3185H as an ERSC credit.

Cross-listed: ANTH-3175H, ERSC-3175H

Lectures and readings examine the science of climate change, outline how climate change influenced cultural development in the past, and assess how human perceptions of the environment conditioned the varying responses to climate change. Seminars focus on key methodological and/or theoretical issues, and specific case studies from the archaeological record. Prerequisite: 10.0 university credits or permission of instructor. Students majoring in Environmental & Resource Studies/Science may only take one of ERSC-ANTH-GEOG 3175H or 3185H as an ERSC credit.

Cross-listed: ANTH-3185H, ERSC-3185H

Explores Indigenous peoples and the contemporary urban environment using a four directions analytic framework and the metaphor of city as home.

Cross-listed: INDG-3201H

Explores Indigenous peoples' issues and experiences in selected urban environments in Canada and the world.

Cross-listed: INDG-3202H

Selected themes and topics examining the relationship between gender and spatial organization. Themes include the nature of domestic space; gendered use of public, private, and urban space; and the intersections between gender, sexuality, racism, and cultural difference. Prerequisite: GEOG-CAST-ERST 2710H or GEOG-CAST 2810H; or 1.0 GESO or WMST credit at the 2000 level or beyond; or permission of instructor.

Cross-listed: CAST-3220H, GESO-3220H

An overview of the fundamental theoretical and applied components of protected area management, including the history, planning, and management of parks and protected areas with a focus on Canadian federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous contexts. Lectures, case studies, seminars, and assignments engage students in the exploration of current protected area topics and issues. Prerequisite: GEOG 2310H or GEOG-CAST-ERST-INDG 2041H or 2042H or both ERST-CAST 2520H and 2525H.

Cross-listed: CAST-3330H, ERST-3330H

Develops a basic appreciation of the most important contemporary challenges surrounding governance and politics, social issues, education and knowledge systems, and global issues in the circumpolar regions of the North. It explores the complexity and inter-relatedness of governance, social policy, gender, indigeneity, and law. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Cross-listed: ERST-3390H

Focuses on the physical mechanisms of flows of energy and mass between the earth surface and the atmosphere. A discussion of the principles of energy exchange is followed by their application to near surface environments. Prerequisite: One of GEOG-BIOL-ERSC 2080H or CLIM-GEOG 2050H, and one of GEOG 2460H or GEOG-EGEO 2540H.

This course examines human influence on the climate system and future changes to the climate system, and assesses the impacts of climate change on our physical and biological world. Prerequisite: One of GEOG 2460H, 3440H, or CLIM 1050H, and one of ERSC-BIOL-GEOG 2080H or CLIM-GEOG 2050H. Equivalent to GEOG 3410H.

Cross-listed: CLIM-3470H, ERSC-3470H

Study of the movement of water through the environment with emphasis on terrestrial aspects including interception, infiltration, soil moisture, groundwater, surface runoff, and stream-flow, also covering human impact on hydrological processes. Prerequisite: 9.0 university credits including GEOG-BIOL-ERSC 2080H and one of GEOG 2460H, GEOG-EGEO 2540H, or GEOG 3440H.

Cross-listed: EGEO-3530H, WASC-3530H

Examines the morphology of rivers and river systems and relationships between process and form. Topics to be covered include erosion, transportation, and deposition of sediments; channel morphology, the drainage basin as a geomorphic unit; and human impact on river morphology. Field work. Prerequisite: GEOG-BIOL-ERSC 2080H and one of GEOG-EGEO-ERSC 2401H, GEOG-EGEO 2540H, or GEOG 3520H, or permission of instructor.

Cross-listed: WASC-3540H

Soil is at the heart of terrestrial ecosystems. A sound understanding of soil science is necessary for physical geography, environmental science, engineering, and agriculture. This course describes the mechanisms of soil formation and the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, as well as current issues in soil science. Prerequisite: 9.0 university credits including one of ERSC 2240H or GEOG-EGEO 2540H. GEOG-ERSC-BIOL 2080H is highly recommended.

Cross-listed: SAFS-3560H, ERSC-3560H, EGEO-3560H

An advanced treatment of sedimentary processes and related stratigraphic features that occur in a wide range of environmental contexts inclusive of benthic, coastal, and dryland systems. An emphasis is placed upon field and laboratory techniques for measurement, and on case studies. Prerequisite: One of GEOG-EGEO-ERSC 2401H, GEOG-EGEO 2540H, or GEOG 3520H, or permission of instructor.

Cross-listed: EGEO-3590H

Study of selected aspects of the Polar regions with considerable reference to northern Canada but with the deliberate intention of developing comparisons between it and other parts of the Polar regions. Prerequisite: GEOG 1045H; or GEOG 1030H and one of GEOG-EGEO 1040H or GEOG 1050H; or permission of instructor.

Cross-listed: CAST-3640H

Soils represent one of the most important natural resources from the point of view of sustainable agriculture and forestry, and protection of habitat. This course explores the scientific basis and management options for conservation of soil resources. Prerequisite: ERSC 2240H or ERSC-EGEO-GEOG 2401H or GEOG 3520H or both GEOG 2540H and 2560H. Recommended: ERSC-GEOG-SAFS 3560H.

Cross-listed: ERSC-3650H, SAFS-3650H

Examines the main planning principles which govern the economic, social, and physical development of cities and regions. Topics to be covered include national, provincial, regional, and municipal policies and their impact on urban and rural systems; historical development of planning in North America; and planning as a profession. Prerequisite: GEOG-CAST-ERST 2710H. Equivalent to GEOG-CAST 3710H.

Cross-listed: CAST-3711H, ERST-3711H

This interdisciplinary course is designed to explore critical and practical perspectives on urban environments. The theme of water and infrastructure networks (i.e., canals, rivers, waterfronts) guides a critical exploration of the historical and symbolic dimensions of our built environment and the eco-future of our urban spaces. Prerequisite: One of GEOG-CAST 2710H, GEOG-CAST-ERST-INDG 2040Y, 2041H, or 2042H.

Cross-listed: CAST-3720H, ERST-3720H

Explores the social structures of contemporary Western cities and communities by examining how social relations, social identities, and social inequalities are produced, and the role of space in constructing them. Geographical perspectives on gender, occupation, ethnicity, age, disability, poverty, health, and sexuality are emphasized. Prerequisite: GEOG-CAST 2710H or 2810H.

Cross-listed: CAST-3730H

Designed around a term-long research project, this course explores themes such as tourism, built heritage, and post-industrial design associated with the production of craft beer. Students learn how to examine land-use patterns, built form, and branding techniques in one locale. Emphasis is placed on in-class participation and experiential learning. Prerequisite: GEOG-ERST 2510H, GEOG-CAST 2710H, ADMN 2080H, or SAFS 1001H.

Cross-listed: ADMN-3760H, CAST-3760H, ERST-3760H, SAFS-3760H

This course explores the practice of sustainable urban planning though experiential learning. During the field work component, students meet urban planning professionals, research site-specific planning projects, and apply the tools and methods of urban planning to a project-based final research report. Prerequisite: GEOG-CAST 2710H or permission of the instructor.

Cross-listed: ERST-3790H

Studies the relationships between health, place, and space. Traditional perspectives on the spatial dimensions of diseases, health inequalities, and health care services ("medical geography") and contemporary place-based perspectives on health, care, and well-being ("health geography") are examined with specific reference to global trends, vulnerable populations, and (un)healthy environments. Prerequisite: One of GEOG-CAST 2710H or 2810H; or a minimum 60% in all required 1000- and 2000-level NURS courses; or BIOM 1000H and PHIL 2390H.

Cross-listed: NURS-3820H

Recommended for all Geography majors. Students learn the skills for writing research proposals and project design, and design and carry out research projects in various geographical specializations. Centres on a mandatory field trip during the Reading Week--a minimum of six days in the field at cost to the student. Prerequisite: 9.0 university credits including GEOG 1030H; one of GEOG-EGEO 1040H or GEOG 1050H; and two of GEOG-ERSC-BIOL 2080H, GEOG-ERSC-EGEO 2090H, or GEOG-ERST 2510H.

A placement experience with a government agency, industry, or non-governmental agency, or related laboratory or work unit, on themes and principles learned during coursework associated with the Environmental & Resource Science/Studies, Geography, or Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems programs in the School of the Environment. Students work closely with the instructor and placement host to determine deliverables that will be presented to various stakeholders as technical report(s) and/or presentation(s). Prerequisite: A minimum cumulative average of 75% and 9.0 university credits including both ERSC 1010H and 1020H, or both GEOG 1030H and 1040H, or both SAFS 1001H and 1002H.

A research course on a specific topic. Open only to Geography majors or joint-majors. Prerequisite: 9.0 university credits and a minimum average of 75% in GEOG courses. Written permission must be obtained from supervising instructor and the TSE director before registration.

A research course on a specific topic. Open only to Geography majors or joint-majors. Prerequisite: 9.0 university credits and a minimum average of 75% in GEOG courses. Written permission must be obtained from supervising instructor and the TSE director before registration.

This reading course allows students to undertake an exploration of special topics of interest to them. Only open to students in the Diploma or Option in Circumpolar Studies. Prerequisite: 3.0 credits from GEOG 1045H, GEOG-ERST 2320H, 2330H, 3390H, GEOG-CAST 3640H, ERST-INDG 3740H, INDG 3745H, 3750H, CAST 3241H or 3243H. Written permission must be obtained from the appropriate instructor and the coordinator of the program before registration.

Design, implementation, and dissemination of a major research project in human or physical geography featuring independent work under the supervision of a faculty supervisor. GEOG 4020D is a double credit in Geography. GEOG 4010Y is a single credit because the same thesis is submitted to the other program in a joint-major. Prerequisite: 14.0 university credits and a minimum average of 75%. Students must find a faculty member who is agreeable to supervise their project. Applications are available from the TSE office, and should be submitted in the academic year before enrolment in the course. Not open to students with credit for GEOG 4030Y or 4830Y.

Design, implementation, and dissemination of a major research project in human or physical geography featuring independent work under the supervision of a faculty supervisor. GEOG 4020D is a double credit in Geography. GEOG 4010Y is a single credit because the same thesis is submitted to the other program in a joint-major. Prerequisite: 14.0 university credits and a minimum average of 75%. Students must find a faculty member who is agreeable to supervise their project. Applications are available from the TSE office, and should be submitted in the academic year before enrolment in the course. Not open to students with credit for GEOG 4030Y or 4830Y.

This residential field course, based out of the Windy Pine Conference Centre, is a multi-faceted exploration of the Haliburton Highlands bioregion. Insights will be drawn from anthropology, documentary film, ecology, geography, geomorphology, history, Indigenous studies, literature, ornithology, and visual art. Prerequisite: CAST-ERST-GEOG-INDG 2041H or 2042H, and permission of the instructor.

Cross-listed: CAST-4043H, ERST-4043H

Examines the chemistry of freshwater systems. Chemical and physical processes that lead to changes in water quality are discussed. The emphasis is on the concentrations and distributions of contaminants. Topics include watershed contributions of chemicals, acidification and the carbonate system, weathering, redox chemistry, trace metals, and synthetic organic contaminants. Prerequisite: ERSC 2230H or ERSC-CHEM 2620H.

Cross-listed: ERSC-4060H, WASC-4060H, BIOL-4060H, EGEO-4060H

A capstone course for students interested in the environmental earth sciences. Introduces systems analysis, model parameterization, calibration and sensitivity. The wind tunnel is profiled as a hardware model. Students experiment with various forms of models in exploring the effects of disturbance and readjustment within selected geosystems. Prerequisite: GEOG-BIOL-ERSC 2080H and 2.0 GEOG Category B credits.

An interdisciplinary inquiry into social, political, institutional, and technical change as it relates to climate and energy policy. Themes for inquiry include policy and technology innovation and low-carbon energy transitions. Efforts are made to translate theory into practical action and intervention through community-based study. Prerequisite: One of GEOG 2460H, ERSC 2300H, ERST 2100H, 3120H, or 3250H. Equivalent to ERST 4130H.

Cross-listed: ERST-4140H

Focuses on contemporary issues facing Canadian cities in comparative perspective. It locates cities within the global circuit of capital, examines the ways in which cities are being reordered to enhance their global competitiveness and standing, and analyzes the effects of restructuring on communities and the struggles for social justice. Prerequisite: 14.0 university credits.

Cross-listed: POST-4555H, CAST-4555H

Integrated ecosystems management is the focus of this course. It deals, first, with the methodological and practical aspects of watershed assessment, planning, decision-making, and management. Then, it examines comparatively the management of watersheds in the developing world, introducing students to strategies for planning and managing watersheds through case studies. Prerequisite: 10.0 university credits including ERSC 2240H; or ERSC-BIOL 2260H; or both ERST-CAST 2520H and 2525H; or GEOG 2540H and one of 2560H or 3520H.

Cross-listed: ERSC-4640H

Students examine the fundamental concepts of scientific research, including the role of research in managing environmental issues. A range of topics will be covered through guest seminars, group discussions, and an individual research project. In the project, students evaluate the scientific literature on an emerging environmental issue of their choosing. Prerequisite: Two 3000-level ERSC or GEOG courses and a minimum average of 75% in ERSC/ERST courses or GEOG courses.

Cross-listed: ERSC-4703H, WASC-4703H

Design, implementation, and dissemination of a major research project in applied human or physical geography with an emphasis on community-based research. Requires independent or team-based research, either through a placement arranged by the Trent Community Research Centre at the request of a community group, government agency or business, or under the auspices of the Geography Program. Prerequisite: 14.0 university credits including 2.0 GEOG credits from Category A and/or B and a minimum cumulative average of 75%. Open only to students pursuing a single- or joint-major Honours degree in Geography. Not open to students with credit for GEOG 4010Y, 4020D, or 4030Y.