Geographers analyse distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, and global scales. Economic geographers study the distribution of resources and economic activities. Political geographers are concerned with the relationship of geography to political phenomena, whereas cultural geographers study the geography of cultural phenomena. Physical geographers study variations in climate, vegetation, soil, and landforms, and their implications for human activity. Urban and transportation geographers study cities and metropolitan areas, while regional geographers study the physical, economic, political, and cultural characteristics of regions, ranging in size from a local government district to entire continents. Medical geographers study health care delivery systems, epidemiology (the study of the causes and control of epidemics), and the effect of the environment on health.

In the BSc(Hons), the emphasis is on the study of processes that create and sustain the physical environment, and on techniques for the collection and analysis of spatial information.

For further information on this plan and projects available, contact the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

The geographical sciences program focuses both on development of fundamental knowledge and skills in these fields and on their application to issues in natural resource management, impact assessment and the planning of sustainable development. Mathematical and quantitative research methods increasingly are used in geography. The ability to use computers for research purposes is mandatory.

Increasing demand for geographic data, as opposed to traditional surveying services, will mean better opportunities for geographers involved in the development and use of geographic and land information systems. Opportunities should remain concentrated in engineering, architectural, and surveying services firms. However, non-traditional areas such as urban planning and natural resource exploration and mapping also provide areas of employment growth, particularly with regard to producing maps for management of natural emergencies and updating maps with the newly available technology. Students graduating with skills in geographical sciences find career opportunities in: ' natural resource management including coastal, river and catchment systems ' protected area management ' environmental conservation ' ecotourism ' environmental consultancy ' pollution control ' research and development ' geographical information science ' mapping science