Geographical Sciences

Geographers interests address many of the big issues in contemporary society, such as climate change, biodiversity, land clearing, population growth and pressures, megacities, etc. To achieve this, geographers study the spatial patterns of physical (eg. climate, geomorphology, hydrology) and human (eg. settlement patterns, population dynamics) phenomena at local, regional, continental, and global scales, how those patterns change through time, and their causes and consequences. Physical geographers study patterns and processes in climate, vegetation, soil, and landforms, their interactions with each other and the implications for human activities. Human geographers study the interactions between people and their environments and the similarities and differences between places, localities and regions in various social, cultural, economic and political contexts.

The Geographical Sciences program covers three themes in Geographical Sciences (see study programs for more information and the linked diagrams illustrating possible course sequences in each of these areas).

Physical Geography (Environmental Processes and Environmental Management): This theme focuses on the study of the processes that create and sustain the physical environment (for example, climatology, geomorphology, hydrology and biogeography) and the interactions between selected environmental systems (eg. river catchments, coasts, and coral reefs) and human activities, and explores relevant management options and strategies. An understanding of these systems and relationships underpins analysis and management of natural resources and environmental systems.

Human Geography (Urban and Regional Analysis): In this theme, the focus is on developing an understanding of theories of urban form and structure, skills for urban and regional analysis, and policy making processes for urban and regional planning and governance.

Geographical Information Science (GIS): Techniques for the collection and analysis of spatial information (eg. geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing). These techniques are important in mapping, modeling and analysing natural resources and environmental systems at various time and space scales;

Thus, the program focuses both on the development of fundamental knowledge and skills and their application to issues in natural resource management, impact assessment and the analysis and planning of human settlements and sustainable development.
In the Bachelor of Arts, courses in Geographical Sciences contribute to majors in Geographical Sciences and in Planning, or to a double major in Geographical Science. In the Bachelor of Science, courses in Geographical Sciences constitute two Fields
of Study - Geographical Sciences and Geographical Information Science. Courses in Geographical Sciences may also be undertaken as electives contributing to a wide range of other degree programs.

Graduates with strengths in Geographical Sciences find career opportunities in areas such as:
 

• earth systems science
• natural resource management including coastal, river and catchment systems
• national parks and wildlife conservation
• ecotourism
• environmental planning
• environmental consultancy
• teaching and research
• geographical information science
   

Environmental Management

Environmental Management is multi-disciplinary and spans science, technology, business, management and resource economics. It provides a balance between science and management. The field of Sustainable Development is a continuing focal area for environmental management and is projected to continue to grow in national and international importance. The underlying philosophy is to reduce the effects of industry and other activities on the environment and implement ways to reduce or eliminate existing and potential environmental concerns. This means designing and incorporating environmental solutions into better cities, industries, farms, mines and tourism from the individual enterprise level through to state and national programs and policies. The field requires people able to create innovative and cost-effective projects to achieve sustainable development and to assist corporations, NGOs and governments to set and meet necessary environmental standards.

For students to gain a strong understanding of Environmental Management they will be exposed to areas of study such as biodiversity, sociology, geographic information and analysis, planning, development, agriculture, ecology and economics.  Students will learn by doing.  The Environmental Management Program provides students with a practical array of coursework options ranging from Architectural Technology to Ecological Economics.  These options take advantage of Queensland’s beautiful and diverse natural and built environments by offering an incredible portfolio of field work opportunities.        
 

On this site