Geography deals with some of the most exciting issues on Earth. It studies the interaction between human beings and the global environment and the resulting problems and opportunities.
We, as human beings, are an intrinsic part of the global ecosystem. We are a powerful part of nature and create imbalances that can have global influence. Geography is also concerned with spatial analysis: the distribution characteristics or network structures of a wide variety of physical and human features on the Earth's surface. It is from these concerns that Geographical Information Science (GIS) has emerged.
The Department of Geography at the University of Lethbridge is a leader in the field of Geospatial Technologies. The rapid developments in the fields of Geographical Information Science (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) have transformed the science of geography. These complementary areas of study have become one of the most spectacular growth areas in research, teaching, and employment for graduates from our department. Our program offers students the opportunity to have concentrations (additional courses in a specialized area) in GIS and our university offers the only undergraduate degree in Remote Sensing (a combined degree with the department of Physics and Astronomy).
We also offer one of the most balanced majors in Geography. Students have the opportunity to study in areas such as: Human Geography, Physical Geography, Archaeology, and GIS/Remote Sensing.
The Department of Geography hosts a GIS/remote sensing lab for teaching and student projects, as well as dedicated research and graduate student areas - all containing high-end computers. The Department has licenses for a wide range of industry standard geospatial software, including a site license for ArcGIS, MapInfo, Vertical Mapper, and image analysis Software (ENVI and PCI).
The Department of Geography has a very active presence on campus through its student club. They are a vibrant club that organizes various field trips and related geographical activities on campus.
Graduates from this discipline have gone on to work in such positions as: community developer, remote sensing analyst, cartography compiler, map curator, natural resources specialist, demographer, environmental clean-up consultant, geophysics assistant, hydrologist, and facilities planner.
Students in the Faculty of Arts and Science have a number of special opportunities available including: