Major - Geography

To be read in conjunction with the program of study requirements for the

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Arts and Science
• Bachelor of Design and Technology Innovation
• Bachelor of Applied Geographical Information Systems

• Aims
• Learning outcomes
• Program of study 
  

Aims

The geography major provides students with a broad-based foundation in geography and allied areas. These studies also aim to develop a range of skills, including the capacity to:  

• apply relevant geographical principles to problem solving as well as to understanding of everyday issues
• employ the diverse research techniques used in geographical fields
• interpret and present information about geography in appropriate ways, including communicating effectively with a variety of audiences in written, visual, and spoken form 
• retrieve, critically analyse, and evaluate information relevant to geography and apply this knowledge to solve problems and add to knowledge
• appreciate the multidisciplinary power of geography and engage positively with people and ideas beyond the discipline 
• appreciate the role of geography in society and the ethical issues associated with it
• work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills 
• work cooperatively and productively within a team.  

The program of studies provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study in geography or another science or non-science related discipline, or for a career in a geography related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes 

On completion of their degree with a major in Geography, graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate a coherent geographical understanding of trends, processes and impacts that shape Australian and other environments and/or societies at different spatial and temporal scales
• demonstrate an understanding of geography as an academic discipline, including awareness of its concepts, history and principal subfields, whilst acknowledging the contested, provisional and situated nature of geographical understanding
• apply geographical thought creatively, critically and appropriately to specific spaces, places and/or environments
• recognise, evaluate and synthesise various views, arguments and sources of knowledge pertinent to solving environmental and social problems
• resolve geographical questions by ethical means, applying evidence-based knowledge and appropriate research techniques, including those associated with field work
• communicate geographical perspectives and knowledge effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriately selected written, oral and visual means
• contribute effectively as a member or leader of diverse teams working in geographical or multidisciplinary contexts
• reflect on and direct their intellectual and professional development as geographers.

Program of study

Major - Geography

Core - Year 1 topics

13.5 units comprising:

GEOG1001 Environment and Society (4.5 units) 
GEOG1002 Human Geography: Geographies of Oppression (4.5 units) 
STEM1002 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (4.5 units)

Option - Year 1 topics

At least one of:

MATH1701 Mathematics Fundamentals A (4.5 units)   
MATH1121 Mathematics 1A (4.5 units) 
STAT1122 Biostatistics (4.5 units)

Core - Year 2 topics

18 units comprising:

GEOG2050 Population Dynamics (4.5 units)
GEOG2142 Environment, Economy and Culture (4.5 units)
GEOG3112 Geographies of Migration (4.5 units)
STEM2001 Remote Sensing for all Disciplines (4.5 units)

Core - Year 3 topics

18 units comprising:

ENVS3742 Emerging Issues in Australian Environmental Management (4.5 units)
GEOG3040 Environmental Impact Assessment (4.5 units)       
GEOG3761 Caring As Country: Indigenous Environmental Management (4.5 units)
STEM2004 Advanced Geographical Information Systems (4.5 units)

Recommended Science Electives

ENVS2712 Environmental Change and Human Health (4.5 units)
ENVS3742 Emerging Issues in Australian Environmental Management (4.5 units)  
GEOG2712 Asian Regional Development (4.5 units)
GEOG3133 Adapting to Climate Change (4.5 units)
STEM2003 Airborne Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry (4.5 units)
STEM3003 Modelling in Space and Time, Geostatistics and GIS (4.5 units)

Recommended Electives

HIST1803 'The Lucky Country'? A Brief History of Australia (4.5 units)
INDG1000 Indigenous Studies: An Introduction (4.5 units)
INDG2004 Reconciliation and Indigenous Knowledges (4.5 units)
INTR1101 Discovering Asia (4.5 units) 
INTR1102 Modern Asia since 1945 (4.5 units)  
INTR1006 International Relations: An Introduction (4.5 units) 
INTR2003 The Asia-Pacific in the 20th Century (4.5 units) 
INTR2100 Reimagining the Global South (4.5 units) 
POLI2020 Australian Indigenous Politics (4.5 units) 
TOUR2101 Place, Culture and Tourism (4.5 units) 
TOUR2102 Introduction to Tourism Research (4.5 units)