Geography
The study of geography helps us develop an understanding of the processes that shape the surface of the earth and how humans use and interact with this environment. Geography endeavours to do what few sciences attempt: to create a holistic and integrated understanding of interactive complex environmental systems.
www.geosci.usyd.edu.au
How do you study Geography?
Students can major in geography in the Bachelor of Science, Advanced Science, Marine Science, Science and Technology, and Liberal Studies courses. Geography is also offered as a major in Arts, Education and Economics degrees.
What will you study?
Geography can be studied as a discipline in its own right, although most students tend to specialise in one of its sub-branches; human geography, environmental geography, or physical geography. At the University of Sydney we have teaching and research expertise in all these three areas.
The usual pathway is for students to begin by studying the interactions between earth, environment and society. Initial content emphasizes how humans help shape the planet, and how the planet shapes human activity. This involves consideration of such issues as climate change, population growth, hazards and environmental management. Because Geography is an area of study that emphasises empirical information and data, we make extensive use of computer based resources and field observation.
In second and third year, there is a range of subject choices allowing you to tailor
your studies to your own interests. This includes units of study focusing on the
use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for environmental management, the
examination of urban systems, natural resource management, and the economic
geography of global development.
Learning and teaching strategies include the use of field trips to overseas locations and to rural and urban parts of Australia, tutorial debates about such issues as global inequality and poverty, computerbased analysis of geographic data, and on-line discussion boards and interactive education techniques. These approaches reflect the fact that, above all, Geography is a field of study in which you are encouraged to learn relevant skills that enable you to think critically and express arguments about the inter-relationships of people and planet.
Honours in Geography
Students who qualify at the end of their undergraduate course can apply to complete Honours in geography.
Field Work & Practical Work
There is an emphasis on geography as a field science at the University of Sydney. Fieldwork forms a central part of all undergraduate courses and is an important skill in the geographer’s trade.
The type of fieldwork and practical work you will undertake depends on the subject matter of the unit of study, but could include computerbased work, laboratory work, fieldtrips and the preparation of surveys.
Further Study
Currently there are about 35 PhD and Masters students in geography, undertaking a range of projects from urban water quality and sea level change to the social geography of the popular music industry and resource development in the Mekong region. Many geography graduates continue to postgraduate studies in geography and other disciplines.