COURSE CURRICULUM

The Physical Geography B.Sc. Honours program at Carleton requires a total of 20.0 credits, with 10.0 credits contributing to the Major CGPA. Students begin with foundational courses such as Global Environmental Systems or The Earth and Life Odyssey, along with Maps, Satellites and the Geospatial Revolution. Core courses include Weather and Water, The Earth’s Surface, and an introduction to quantitative research through either Introduction to Quantitative Research or Introduction to Statistical Modeling I. Hands-on learning is emphasized through Honours Field Courses and Field Methods in Physical Geography. The program offers a wide selection of advanced courses including Quantitative Geography, Geomorphology, Watershed Hydrology, Principles of Biogeography, Climate and Atmospheric Change, Aquatic Science and Management, Soil Properties, and Introduction to Remote Sensing. Students must also complete 1.5 credits from advanced courses and 2.0 credits from 4000-level GEOM or GEOG courses, which cover topics such as Environmental Impact Assessment, Cold Region Hydrology, Global Biogeochemical Cycles, and Permafrost. An Honours Research Project is required to develop independent research skills. Outside the major, students complete 10.0 credits, including experimental science electives, mathematics courses such as Elementary Calculus I, and science continuation credits. The curriculum is further enriched by courses outside the faculties of Science and Engineering and Design, as well as free electives totaling 3.0 credits. This comprehensive program prepares students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in physical geography, environmental analysis, and research techniques.