Please note:
To view the Summer 2026 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2026/summer.html.
Global Environmental Systems Major
Environmental issues facing society are complex and interdisciplinary in nature. The major in global environmental systems will produce graduates knowledgeable of climate change, carbon cycles and other dimensions of global environmental change, and able to support environmental decision making with an understanding of the complexity of and interplay between socio-economic and biophysical systems at the global scale. Students will have a basic understanding of modeling, geospatial, and other analytical methods and tools, and the ability to communicate the information gained thereby. Building upon a core in the social and natural sciences, students will have a solid grounding in earth systems, the global scale, and quantitative analysis. They will have the abilities to support decision-making involving multiple systems, and to communicate scientific and technical information to a variety of audiences. The GES major is designed to provide a foundation for post-graduate education in a range of environmental disciplines that use and interpret models for understanding and prediction of global environmental change.
This major takes full advantage of the expertise existing across FENV units and include the core requirements, both lower division and upper division, characteristic of all BEnv majors. It requires an interdisciplinary core of courses from the social and natural sciences and foundational knowledge of quantitative and geospatial methods. Students seeking the GES major will be required to complete more advanced methodology courses as well as six upper division courses in environmental systems, both social and biophysical, and a capstone course that brings these streams together.
Minimum Grades
The minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for continuation and graduation is 2.00.
Program Requirements
Students complete 120 units, as specified below. Additional upper division units will be required to total a minimum of 45 upper division units. Visit the program overview for a suggested course sequence.
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete all of
A geographical introduction to how humans shape our world, with attention also given to how it shapes us. Themes may include: culture, economic activities, environmental change, globalization, politics, population, resources, and urbanization. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Scott Peters Scott Peters |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An introduction to landforms, climates, soils and vegetation; their origins, distributions, interrelationships and roles in the ecosystem. Laboratory work and field trips are included. Breadth-Science.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tara Holland |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D104 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D105 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D106 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D107 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D108 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D109 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D110 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D111 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D112 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D113 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D114 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of the basic principles and processes governing the Earth's weather and climate. Topics include: radiation, greenhouse effect, clouds, precipitation, atmospheric circulation, mid-latitude cyclones, tropical storms, climate change. Prerequisite: GEOG 111. Quantitative.
An introduction to the planetary biosphere, its living organisms, and their interactions with each other and the Earth system. Prerequisite: GEOG 111.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Margaret Schmidt |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A basic overview of Geographical Information Systems and Science; GIS software, hardware, data structures and models; spatial data, operations and algorithms; practical applications and limitations. Students with credit for GEOG 354 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nicholas Hedley |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An introduction to what geographers do in applied contexts, how geographic concepts relate to applied skills, and how to communicate what geography is and why geographical approaches are useful. The course will emphasize written and oral communication skills through regular writing assignments, feedback, and direct engagement with professional geographers. Prerequisite: One of: GEOG 100, GEOG 102, GEOG 104, GEOG 111. Writing.
Introduces systems thinking in the context of environmental and sustainability challenges using system archetypes and system dynamics theory. Analytical and modeling techniques are applied to understand and project systems complexity. Emphasis is placed on using systems thinking concepts to finding solutions in a complex world. Prerequisite: One of REM 100, GEOG 100, GEOG 111, or EVSC 100. Students with credit for ENV 221 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pedro Gonzalez Espinosa |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and one of
Introduces students to the study of environmental science. Lecture material spans contributing disciplines, emphasizing integration of diverse concepts to understand environmental problems. Tutorials develop core academic skills in environmental science context. Students who have completed EVSC 200 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sarah Rosengard |
TBD | ||
| B101 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
| B102 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
| B103 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
| B104 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
| B105 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
| B106 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
| B107 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
| B108 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
| B109 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
| B110 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
| B111 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
| B112 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
| B113 |
Sarah Rosengard |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of climate change, its interaction with water availability, and how humans cope with these altered circumstances. Students who have completed GEOG 102 prior to the fall 2011 term may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mengxin Pan |
Online |
The Earth is experiencing the most dramatic environmental changes it has for thousands of years. How did we end up here? Provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the forces behind our ever-increasing environmental footprint. Highlights how ideologies and societal structures have shaped how we interact with the environment and explores the necessary changes for a more sustainable future. Breadth-Social Sciences.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kyle Wilson |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D104 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D105 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D106 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and one of
An introduction to basic quantitative techniques for the collection of geographic data. Topics include describing data, gathering samples, theoretical distributions, linking samples and populations, testing significance, and exploring spatial relationships all within practical, real-world application contexts. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Shivanand Balram |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Research methodology and associated statistical analysis techniques for students with training in the life sciences. Intended to be particularly accessible to students who are not specializing in Statistics. Prerequisite: Recommended: 30 units. Students cannot obtain credit for STAT 201 if they already have credit for - or are taking concurrently - STAT 101, 203, 205, 285, or any upper division STAT course. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jinko Graham |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
|
Tim Swartz |
Online | ||
| OP01 | TBD |
Descriptive and inferential statistics aimed at students in the social sciences. Scales of measurement. Descriptive statistics. Measures of association. Hypothesis tests and confidence intervals. Students in Sociology and Anthropology are expected to take SA 255 before this course. Intended to be particularly accessible to students who are not specializing in Statistics. Prerequisite: Recommended: 30 units including a research methods course such as SA 255, CRIM 220, POL 200W, or equivalent. Students cannot obtain credit for STAT 203 if they already have credit for - or are taking concurrently - STAT 101, 201, 205, 285, or any upper division STAT course. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Gamage Perera |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Surrey Surrey |
|
|
Tim Swartz |
Online | ||
| OP09 | TBD |
The collection, description, analysis and summary of data, including the concepts of frequency distribution, parameter estimation and hypothesis testing. Intended to be particularly accessible to students who are not specializing in Statistics. Prerequisite: Recommended: 30 units. Students cannot obtain credit for STAT 205 if they already have credit for - or are taking concurrently - STAT 101, 201, 203, 285, or any upper division STAT course.
and one of
A survey of prehistoric cultures of North and South America. The peopling of the New World, the rise of the pre-Columbian civilizations of Mexico and Peru, and the cultural adaptations by prehistoric populations to other parts of the New World. Prerequisite: Any one of the following: ARCH 100, ARCH 101, EVSC 100, GEOG 100, or REM 100. Breadth-Social Sciences.
An introduction to Indigenous land-based knowledge, this course will explore interrelationships between people to their local environments, with a focus on the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and other Indigenous peoples and environments in and around coastal British Columbia. The course will integrate knowledge of culturally important plants and animals, their habitats and ecological interrelationships.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Leigh Joseph |
TBD | ||
| B101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| B102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| B103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Introduces the nature and goals of Indigenous Studies as an academic discipline that emphasizes cultures and homelands of First Peoples. Students with credit for FNST 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chelsey Armstrong |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Chelsey Armstrong |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D104 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D105 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D106 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D107 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D108 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D109 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D110 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D111 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D112 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D113 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D114 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D115 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
|
Bryan Myles |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
| D901 |
Bryan Myles |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
| D902 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
| D903 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
| D904 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Surrey |
|
|
Viisha Souza |
Online | ||
|
Sandra Dielissen |
Online | ||
|
Sandra Dielissen |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Study of Indigenous peoples of BC and effects of historical and political processes on their livelihoods and homelands. Overview of indigeneity and connection to urbanization. Examines linguistic diversity and endangered state of BC First Nations languages; Indigenous ethnography; land rights movement; traditional cultural practices/beliefs; and social, educational and economic disparity. Prerequisite: Recommended: INDG 101. Students with credit for FNST 286 or SA 286 may not take this course for further credit.
Explores a variety of Indigenous perspectives on resource, land and water management in British Columbia. Students are encouraged to critically analyze contemporary resource management/relationship issues (ie. energy, fisheries, forestry) from reconciliation-informed perspectives. Breadth-Social Sciences.
and one of
The fundamentals of economics geography, the study of the forces that shape the arrangement of economic activity in the real world. Prerequisite: GEOG 100. Breadth-Social Sciences.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tahmid Rouf |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete all of
A survey of the climate system, with emphasis on the interactions among its components; radiation, energy and water balances; carbon cycle; climate sensitivity and feedbacks; natural and human-induced climate change. Prerequisite: GEOG 214. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rachel Chimuka |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of technical components of GIS. Topics include spatial representations, generalization and data management; computational algebra and set theory; digital surfaces and terrain models. Prerequisite: GEOG 255.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Shivanand Balram |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Biophysical Systems (choose two)
This course introduces the concept of archaeological sites as active constituents in natural Quaternary land-forming and land-altering systems. Lectures will focus on all processes which may have contributed to the present geomorphological contexts of archaeological sites and their sedimentary and pedological contents. Prerequisite: ARCH 285 or a minimum of 12 units from any program. Students with credit for ARCH 438 may not take this course for further credit.
An exploration of the processes that shape Earth's surface and the landforms that result. Prerequisite: GEOG 111 or EASC 101. Breadth-Science.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tracy Brennand |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An exploration of core geographic concepts and themes through the study of the complex commodity of wine. Biophysical, cultural, economic, and political dimensions of grape growing and wine making are examined. Experiential, place-based learning is emphasized through a field trip to a wine region such as BC's Okanagan Valley. Prerequisite: GEOG 111 and GEOG 100; 45 units.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tara Holland |
TBD | ||
| B101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Introduction to the hydrologic cycle, with an emphasis on the hydrology of British Columbia; description and analysis of the processes of water movement and storage measurements and analysis of hydrologic data. Prerequisite: GEOG 213 or 214; GEOG 251 or one of STAT 201, 203 (formerly 103), 205, or 270. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ryan Rimas |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An exploration of human response to our hazardous Earth. The dynamic causes of natural hazards such as earthquakes, hurricanes, landslides and floods will be illustrated. Students will gain an appreciation for how humans perceive, predict, and recover from hazards and how their effects may be reduced. Prerequisite: One of GEOG 100, 104 or 111 or one of EASC 101 or 104. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.
Introduction to the cycling of essential chemical elements through ecosystems. Interactions among biological, hydrological, and geological controls on the structure and function of ecosystems and the spatial-temporal scales of elemental cycling are emphasized. Environmental problems resulting from disturbance to natural equilibria in the elemental cycles are examined. Prerequisite: GEOG 215 or BISC 204 or permission of the instructor. Quantitative.
An introduction to the study of soils: physical, chemical and biological properties of soils; soil formation, description, classification, survey and use. Field and laboratory techniques of soil analysis. Prerequisite: One of GEOG 213, 214, 215, or CHEM 121. Students with credit for GEOG 318 may not take this course for further credit.
An examination of glacial processes and environments emphasizing landscapes and sediments resulting from the movement of ice, water, and sediment; application of field techniques. Prerequisite: 60 units, including GEOG 213; GEOG 313 and EASC 201 recommended. Writing.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tracy Brennand |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of recent advances in climate change science drawing upon observational and theoretical studies; application of climate models. Prerequisite: GEOG 314.
Advanced treatment of topics in soil science: soil physics, soil chemistry, soil biology, soil classification and/or forest soils. Prerequisite: GEOG 317. Students with credit for GEOG 417W may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Margaret Schmidt |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
This five-day field course is a hands-on and experiential exploration of the cultural interrelationships between plants and people through land-based and community-based learning opportunities. This course will be carried out in partnership with Indigenous community members. Prerequisite: GEOG 267.
Uses the lens of ocean resource management to introduce principles of oceanography, including ocean circulation, ocean carbon cycling, nutrients and biological productivity, oceans and the climate system, and global fisheries. Provides basic understanding of ocean resource management through case studies such as plastic pollution, ocean acidification, Arctic Ocean change, and global fisheries management. Prerequisite: EVSC 100, or GEOG 111, or REM 100, and 45 units. Students with credit for MASC 435 may not take this course for further credit.
Investigates the ecosystems and environmental challenges of coastal British Columbia. Examines the major flora and fauna, fundamental ecological principles, anthropogenic drivers of change, and the role of applied science in conservation and management. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for MASC 414 may not take this course for further credit.
Socio-economic and Political Systems (choose one)
Ethnoecology is the study of the relationships between people and their environment. It is motivated by and situated in current issues, such as food security and food sovereignty, ethics, climate change, and cultural loss and reconnection. We will explore these issues through case studies from cultures around the world and directly from ethnoecological researchers. Prerequisite: Students must have completed a minimum of 30 units. Students with credit for ARCH 329 ST-Ethnoecology may not take this course for further credit.
An exploration of core geographic concepts and themes through the study of the complex commodity of wine. Biophysical, cultural, economic, and political dimensions of grape growing and wine making are examined. Experiential, place-based learning is emphasized through a field trip to a wine region such as BC's Okanagan Valley. Prerequisite: GEOG 111 and GEOG 100; 45 units.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tara Holland |
TBD | ||
| B101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Examines the historical development, spatial organization, and social impact of market function, firm structure and operation, economic policy, and regulation and deregulation at various scales from local to global, from a geographical perspective. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.
Spaces, places, landscapes, and scales of consumption emphasizing commodity cultures, marketing, retail, ideology, subjectivity, objects, technology, and tourism. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.
An introduction to the fundamental social and human-geographical dimensions of climate change: the ideas, tools, and institutions through which human communities and institutions are responding (or not) to the challenges of a warming planet. Prerequisite: A minimum of 45 units.
What does sexuality have to do with spaces and places? This question is at the core of this course where we’ll examine how sexual norms and queerness are defined and defied through different geographies. We will learn how Black, Indigenous, and queers of colour think about and build social movements at the intersection of sexuality, space, and place. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or GSWS 100 or GSWS 101 or GSWS 102 or INDG 101 or SA 101 or HSCI 120 or CMNS 130.
Contemporary cases and conceptualizations of gentrification and related processes of urban change. Central themes include: political, economic, social, and cultural manifestations of gentrification; class, gender, and racialization; the role of development, planning, architecture, the arts, and resistance movements; and gentrification’s global geographies. Prerequisite: 45 units, including GEOG 100 or 161. Students with credit for GEOG 362 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Alice Lee |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An introduction to the major approaches and key ideas of the professions of urban governance; urban planning and urban policy. Through a focus on contemporary theory, process-based understanding, and specific issues and examples, the course examines key trends and interventions and promotes critical reflection on urban development. Prerequisite: 45 units, including GEOG 100 or 161.
An exploration of how race informs the aesthetics, politics and development of urban space. Examines racial formation in transnational urban contexts, and how cultural production and social movements are utilized to address racial inequities and envision urban futures. Prerequisite: 45 units, including GEOG 100 or 161.
Examines the reciprocal influences between humans and nature through time. Topics may include settlement, agriculture, technology, politics, urbanization, science, and conservation. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or REM 100. Students with credit for HIST 377 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Joseph Taylor |
TBD | ||
| BL01 |
Joseph Taylor |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Surveys the manner in which power relations are expressed territorially. Attention given to such topics as state sovereignty, colonialism, rights, and law. Prerequisite: At least 45 units. Students with credit for GEOG 381W may not take this course for further credit.
The world is on the move. Migrants seeking better opportunities cross paths with refugees fleeing persecution. Some are helped and welcomed, many encounter barriers and threats, while identities, including class, race, gender, sexuality, mediate their prospects. This course's geographic perspective clarifies these complexities by combining conceptual analyses with contemporary cases. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.
Geographical perspectives on gender and sexuality. This course investigates feminist theory in geography and its analysis of home, city, nation, state, global economy, colonialism, and migration. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.
Examines the historical development of the material spaces and places affected by changing capitalist dynamics and the dominant theories through which they are explained, legitimized, and criticized, from a geographical perspective. Prerequisite: GEOG 321. Students who received credit for GEOG 421 (STT), Advanced Contemporary Capitalism, may not take this course for further credit.
An exploration of our political, social, and economic systems, their ecological limitations, and related questions of inequality. It explores the histories, dynamics, logics, effects, and limitations of these systems. The evolution and effects of capitalism, specifically with respect to nonhuman natures, will be a focus. Prerequisite: GEOG 321 or GEOG 389W.
Explores the theoretical foundations in critical racial geographies. Also examines the modern history and reach of Black, subaltern, and decolonial thought in global context, with particular attention to relations of capital, race, nation-state, social reproduction, and the unfolding of contending geographies beyond the dominant world order. Prerequisite: At least 60 units, including GEOG 100.
An investigation into the major themes and arguments in the environmental histories of North America, emphasizing how different individuals and groups have used, perceived, and managed their environments over time. Prerequisite: 60 units including eight of upper division geography. Students with credit for HIST 432 or HIST 485 in 2001-3 may not take this course for further credit.
This project-based course will promote collaborative group work, where hands-on exercises allow students to gain experience in finding, processing, documenting, visualizing, analyzing, and communicating ambitious agendas for urban change, in response to pressing real-world urban challenges. Prerequisite: 75 units.
An examination of feminist, Marxist and anti-racist theories pertaining to the historical development, social construction, and interactive nature of race, class and gender relations. Prerequisite: 15 units. Students with credit for either GSWS 301 (or WS 301) or GSWS 310 (or WS 310) as Special Topics: Race, Class and Gender may not take this course for further credit.
Provides a practical introduction to the legal system governing the use and protection of the environment and planning and land use law in Canada. A central theme is the difference between the law on paper and the law in practice. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken ENV 399-3 "Special Topics in Environmental Law" in 2012 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for ENV 319 or PLAN 319 may not take this course for further credit.
Introduces students to the concepts and methods of ecological economics. Provides students with grounding in the core principles of conventional economics applied to the environment but then extends this to the integration of economics and ecology to create a new ecological-economic understanding of environmental change and sustainability. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for ENV 321 cannot take REM 321 for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Andres Cisneros-Montemayor |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D104 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D105 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
An interdisciplinary approach to transforming energy systems in pursuit of sustainable climate and society. Perspectives include thermodynamics, resource potentials, technological potentials, economic evaluation, implementation of transformative public policies, political-economy assessment of policy constraints, national and sub-national governance options, behavioural change potentials, global diplomacy, and pursuit of greater equity within and between countries. Prerequisite: 42 units. Breadth-Social Sciences.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Andrew Sudmant |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
| D104 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
Provides an overview of policy and governance approaches used to manage the natural environment from international to local levels. The history, basic concepts, and key strategies of modern environmental policy are presented and discussed. Students then analyze and critique environmental policy across scales regarding climate, forests, oceans, and urban landscapes focusing on determining the effectiveness and efficiency of different approaches to regulate and manage the environment. Prerequisite: One of REM 100, GEOG 100, GEOG 111, or EVSC 100; and 45 units. Students with credit for REM 356 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Will Niver |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D104 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Environmental Justice (choose one)
An examination of contemporary debates in Labour Geography, surveying geographical approaches to work and employment. Lectures will explore the relationships between space, place and labour market change in the context of globalization and uneven development. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or LBST 101. Students with credit for LBST 328 may not take this course for further credit.
An exploration of how food is related to cities, giving particular attention to the culture and politics of food production, distribution, and consumption. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or REM 100.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tahmid Rouf Tahmid Rouf |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
VANCOUVER |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
VANCOUVER |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
VANCOUVER |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
VANCOUVER |
An exploration of theories and geographies of conquest and liberation to analyze present-day struggles for abolition and decolonization. We will weave epistemologies from across the Americas to understand how different struggles for liberation are spatially connected amid colonialism, racial capitalism and empire. Prerequisite: At least 60 units, including GEOG 241.
Examines contemporary writings regarding Indigenous environmental logic and environmental concerns of contemporary times. Studies effects of resource extraction upon Indigenous nations, globalization, genetic modifications, health, intellectual property, spiritual beliefs, culture and society, art and language and compares these with specific Indigenous logic at the time of contact. Prerequisite: 45 units and one of INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W, or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for FNST 433 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Annie Ross |
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An introduction to the field of environmental ethics. Addresses questions such as what obligations we have to future generations and the natural world, as well as the extent of these obligations. Prerequisite: 45 units. Philosophy Majors and Minors may not take this course for credit towards their major or minor degree. Students who have taken PHIL 333-3 or ENV 399-3 "Special Topics in Environmental Ethics" prior to or in 2011 and students with credit in ENV 320W or PHIL 328-3 may not enroll in this course for further credit. Writing.
Explores diverse Indigenous perspectives on governance, resource, land and water management, intergovernmental relations and economic development in the context of contemporary settler colonialism in Canada. Skills include critical thinking, anti-colonial, economic, political and policy analyses. Prerequisite: One of REM 207, ARCH 286, or any INDG course; and 75 units. Students with credit for PLAN 407 may not take this course for further credit.