All GEOB_V and GEOS_V courses carry Science credit and therefore may not be used by B.Sc. students to satisfy the Faculty of Science requirements for credits in Arts. Only Geography courses carrying the GEOG_V designation may be used to satisfy the Faculty of Science requirements for credits in Arts. As of Summer Session 2021, all GEOB_V courses have been renamed GEOS_V [https://vancouver.calendar.ubc.ca/course-descriptions/subject/geos] with equivalent course numbers.
Energy and water in the Earth-Atmosphere system, global climates and climate change, ecosystem properties and processes, human impacts. Please consult the Faculty of Science Credit Exclusion Lists: https://vancouver.calendar.ubc.ca/faculties-colleges-and-schools/facult…. [3-2*-0]
Physical processes acting at the Earth's surface; water cycle; landforms; human impacts. Please consult the Faculty of Science Credit Exclusion Lists: https://vancouver.calendar.ubc.ca/faculties-colleges-and-schools/facult…. [3-2*-0]
Physical principles underlying weather and climates. Thermal, moisture and wind climates from the scale of plants and animals to the globe. Daily weather systems and climate change. Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS (or GEOB) 200, GEOS (or GEOB) 204, or APBI 244. Recommended pre-requisites: one of GEOS 102, GEOB 102, or second-year standing in science. [3-2*-0] Equivalency: APBI244
Basic principles and processes of climatology. Energy and water balance concepts. Weather systems and climate change, microclimate of soils, crops, forests, and animals. Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS (or GEOB) 200, GEOS (or GEOB) 204, or APBI 244. [3-2-0] Equivalency: APBI244
Earth surface processes shaping the landscape; identification of hazards and hazardous areas associated with these processes; introduction to techniques for measurement and analysis at various spatial and time scales; field trips are required. Recommended pre-requisites: one of GEOB 103, GEOS 103, EOSC 110, PHYS 101, PHYS 106, PHYS 107, PHYS 117, PHYS 131, PHYS 157, SCIE 001. [3-2*-0]
Geographical ecology emphasizing contemporary species distributions at local to global spatial scales, population and community dynamics, and human impacts. Labs emphasize collecting data (sometimes outdoors) and interpreting results. Recommended pre-requisites: one of GEOB 102, GEOS 102. [3-2*-0]
Computer-based graphical methods of data input and analysis. Emphasis on data visualization techniques such as cartographic modelling and exploratory data analysis. [2-2-0]
Meteorology and climatology at the micro-, local, and meso-scales. Interactions between land surfaces and atmosphere. Basics of atmospheric turbulence and transfer processes. Microclimates on scales of a leaf to those of a large valley. Recommended pre-requisites: one of GEOB 200, GEOS 200, GEOB 204, GEOS 204, ATSC 201. [3-0-0]
Biogeography and ecology of tropical systems, including patterns of species diversity, forest dynamics, plant-animal interactions, carbon and nutrient cycling. Impacts of global environmental change and conservation strategies for tropical ecosystems. Recommended pre-requisites: one of GEOB 207, GEOS 207, BIOL 230, FRST 201. [3-0-0]
Analysis of meteorological fields, diagnostic analysis of synoptic weather systems, applications of synoptic meteorology. Requires participation in weekly weather map discussion. Recommended pre-requisites: one of GEOB 200, GEOS 200, ATSC 201. [2-2-0]
Principles of hydrology at site, watershed, and larger regional scales. Introduction to techniques of measurement and analysis. Emphasizes surface water hydrology of western North America. Recommended pre-requisites: one of GEOB 200, GEOS 200, GEOB 204, GEOS 204, APBI 244, ATSC 201, and one of PHYS 100-level or CHEM 123. [3-2*-0]
Paleoecology of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly during the Quaternary, application of historical context to inform contemporary Anthropocene policy and management dilemmas, and including a foundation in relevant ecosystem and ecological concepts. Recommended pre-requisites: either (a) one of GEOB 102, GEOS 102, GEOB 200, GEOS 200, GEOB 204, GEOS 204, GEOB 207, GEOS 207, GEOG 211, BIOL 230 or (b) EOSC 340. [3-0-0]
Biogeographic concepts in understanding responses in ecosystems to environmental change at global, regional, and local scales. Conservation issues such as the loss of biodiversity and endangered species. Recommended pre-requisites: one of BIOL 230, GEOB 207, GEOS 207, FRST 201. [3-2*-0]
Quaternary landscape development emphasizing the history of glaciation with special reference to western North America; applications of geomorphology in resource development and land management; interpretation of Quaternary materials. Recommended pre-requisites: one of EOSC 320, EOSC 330, GEOB 206, GEOS 206. [3-2*-0]
Field sampling, instrumentation, surveying, mapping techniques, and data analysis; mandatory multi-day field camp in May or June. Special fees and liability insurance are required. Recommended pre-requisites: one of BIOL 230, GEOB 207, GEOS 207 and one of GEOB 200, GEOS 200, GEOB 204, GEOS 204. [0-3-0] This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Theoretical and practical aspects of Geographic Information Systems, including cartographic modelling, digital terrain models, management issues, and spatial interpolation. Recommended pre-requisites: Third-year standing in ENSC, GEOG, ENST, URST, or GEOS (or GEOB) specializations, with some introductory knowledge of GIS. [2-2-0]
Cartographic methods: development of cartography; projections; data ordering, compilation and symbolization; cartographic design, map reproduction. Recommended pre-requisites: one of GEOB 102, GEOS 102, GEOB 103, GEOS 103. [2-2-0]
Aerial photography; measurement from aerial photographs; photo-interpretation in geographic analysis; remote sensing of the earth's surface and atmosphere. Recommended pre-requisites: one of GEOB 270, GEOS 270, or third-year standing in ENSC or GEOS (or GEOB) specializations. [3-2*-0]
Processes controlling the planetary cycles of elements like carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, the human perturbation of these biogeochemical cycles, and the consequences for the atmosphere, terrestrial ecosystems, and aquatic ecosystems.Recommended pre-requisites: either (a) SCIE 001 or b) BIOL 121 and one of CHEM 110, CHEM 111, CHEM 120, CHEM 121, CHEM 141. Fourth-year standing is also required. [3-0-1]
The impact of urbanization upon atmospheric processes and climates. The energy and water balances of cities. Meteorological effects (urban heat island, precipitation modification, etc.) and their significance. Models of the urban atmosphere. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: One of GEOB 204, GEOS 204, GEOB 300, GEOS 300, AGRO 244, APBI 244.
The nature of atmospheric pollutants. The ability of the atmosphere to disperse, transform, and remove pollutants. Air pollution dispersion models. Air quality monitoring, criteria, and standards. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: One of GEOB 200, GEOS 200, GEOB 300, GEOS 300.
Hydrometeorology; runoff processes; streamwater chemistry in relation to runoff processes; effects of climate variations and land cover change on streamflow regimes; models of catchment hydrology. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: One of GEOB 200, GEOS 200, GEOB 204, GEOS 204 and one of GEOB 305, GEOS 305, FRST 385 and one of STAT 200, FRST 231, BIOL 300.
Introduction to open channel flow and sediment transport. River morphology and channel types. Palaeohydrology. The development of channel networks. Recommended pre-requisites: one of EOSC 320, EOSC 330, GEOB 206, GEOS 206. [2-3-0]
Hillslope and stream channel processes and their rates of operation. Analysis and modelling geomorphic processes and associated hazards at the watershed scale. Applications in geoscience and engineering. Recommended pre-requisites: one of GEOB 206, GEOS 206, EOSC 330. [2-2-0]
Investigation of vegetation dynamics integrating theory and research to address contemporary issues of global environmental change. Students will conduct fieldwork and learn to analyze data and interpret results. [2-3-0] Prerequisite: One of BIOL 230, GEOB 207, GEOS 207, FRST 201.
Formation of ice masses and their evolution including snowpacks, glaciers, and ice sheets. Relationships between ice and climate including records of climate change, glacier dynamics and ice-related hazards. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: One of PHYS 101, PHYS 106, PHYS 107, PHYS 117, PHYS 131, PHYS 157, SCIE 001 and one of GEOB 206, GEOS 206, GEOB 305, GEOS 305, GEOB 308, GEOS 308.
Advanced research design, field sampling methods, instrumentation, surveying, mapping techniques, data analysis and management; self-directed field-based research. [2-2-0] Prerequisite: One of GEOB 309, GEOS 309. Third-year standing in Geographical Sciences, Environmental Sciences or Major in Geography (Environmental and Sustainability).
Projects designed to give students research development and design experience. Projects are provided by research faculty in Science and Engineering and from local industry. Recommended pre-requisites: one of GEOB 206, GEOS 206, GEOB 305, GEOS 305, GEOB 405, GEOS 405, GEOB 406, GEOS 406, EOSC 325, EOSC 329, EOSC 330. [3-0-0]
For fourth-year students in Geography to permit investigation of a topic to be agreed upon by a member of the faculty and the student. Permission of the department head and of a supervisory faculty member is required. Credit will be granted for only one of GEOB 448, GEOS 448 or GEOG 448. The credit value for this course will be determined in consultation with the student prior to the registration.
Original research on an approved topic, developed under the guidance of a faculty member. Open to 4th year students in Geographical Sciences with appropriate background courses related to the research topic, and permission of the directing faculty member. The 3-credit option is only available to students who complete GEOS 449 in tandem with GEOS 409.
Use of cartography in primary research applications. Discussion of contemporary topics in cognitive, social, and technical cartography and data visualization. Recommended pre-requisites: one of GEOB 270, GEOS 270, GEOB 372, GEOS 372. [3-2*-0]
Students use GIS in primary research applications in conservation biology, crime analysis, and health geography; theoretical and practical aspects considered in a hands-on environment. [2-2-0] Prerequisite: One of GEOB 370, GEOS 370.
Self-directed, collaborative studies in physical geography, in a group-learning environment, initiated and coordinated by senior undergraduate students with the supervision of a faculty advisor. Course structure, enrolment, and delivery methods will comply with the Handbook for Student Directed Seminars. This course carries science credit. Credit will be granted for only one of GEOB 490, GEOS 490 and GEOG 442. Prerequisite: Third-year standing in Geographical Sciences.
Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 500 or GEOB 500. Restricted to M.A.GEOG, M.Sc. GEOG, or PhD GEOG. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 501 or GEOB 501. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 503 or GEOB 503. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 504 or GEOB 504. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 505 or GEOB 505. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Mathematical models are fundamental for describing and predicting population dynamics in time and space. Emphasis on implementation of theoretical and applied population models of plants and animals. Recommended: Undergraduate coursework in ecology and experience using statistical software (contact instructor for more information). This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 507 or GEOB 507. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 508 or GEOB 508. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 509 or GEOB 509. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Historical, methodological, and policy dimensions of climate change in the 21st century. Application of natural and social science literature to climate science, impacts on ecosystems and societies, and response options. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
A review of the many satellite-sensed data products used in both research and operational aspects of oceanography and meteorology. Equivalency: EOSC582 This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Pass/Fail. Restricted to MSc in Geography students. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.