Program Description The Department of Geography offers programs leading to BA and BSc degrees at the honours and pass levels and participates in a number of combined major programs. Geographers study the distribution of physical and human phenomena over the Earth's surface and the interrelationships of humans and the natural environment. Their work ranges from description and mapping, through scientific analysis and explanation, to forecasting and planning for the future.
The discipline of geography has a broad scope and combines elements of both the social and natural sciences. Two principal divisions of the subject exist-human geography and physical geography-linked by a common background, a mutual concern for humans and the environment and a body of related theory and methodology.
Geography majors at Brock may choose from the following degree programs: BA Human Geography, BSc Physical Geography, BA Geography and BSc Geography. The first two are relatively specialized, while the last two strike a balance between the physical and human sides of the discipline. Within each program students may be admitted to the honours degree program at any time. An honours degree program provides students with an opportunity for a more intensive examination of issues in the discipline. These programs are described in detail in subsequent sections.
The Department of Geography also participates in four-year Co-op programs leading to a BA or BSc Honours degree. In addition, the Department offers four-year Honours programs leading to either a BA or BSc degree in Geography with a Concentration in Geomatics. This program combines Brock courses with those offered by Niagara College.
The Geography Co-op programs combine academic and work terms over a four year period. Students spend the first two years in an academic setting where their exposure to courses in the core areas of Geography provides the necessary background for their first work placement. In addition to the current fees for courses in academic study terms, Geography Co-op students are assessed an annual administrative fee.
Each four-month co-operative education work term must be registered. Once students are registered in a co-op work term, they are expected to fulfill their commitment. If the placement accepted is for more than one four-month work term, students are committed to complete all terms. Students may not withdraw from or terminate a work term without permission from the Director, Co-op Program Office.
The Geography Co-op program designation will be awarded to those students who have successfully completed a minimum of twelve months of Co-op work experience.
