Geography is a dynamic discipline that is increasingly being recognised as an integral part of developing holistic approaches to contemporary society and environment problems. The advent of products such as Google Earth and the rapid uptake of spatial technology in many facets of day-to-day life have also put geography on the public agenda. In essence, geographers study Earth's diversity, its resources, and humankind's survival on the planet. This involves analysing the associations of things and events that give special character to particular places; the interconnections between different areas; and the working of complex systems through time. Geography is the only academic discipline in which an integrative perspective focusing on spatial relationships and processes is a fundamental concern. Geography takes an integrative approach to environmental problems and their solution, including the study of economic, cultural and social goals and processes that determine strategies of resource use and ecosystem management.
Students undertaking the minor in Geography have the opportunity to explore some of the theoretical and practical perspectives geography offers. The minor in Geography will equip students with a good grounding in aspects of the discipline and will complement a wide range of majors offered across different colleges at the ANU. The minor also allows students taking the major in Geography to tailor a program that will further develop their particular interests in the discipline.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate current geographic approaches to investigating a range of environment and sustainability issues and management strategies in international and Australian contexts.
- Integrate knowledge relevant to geographical science and policy across disciplines.
- Apply a range of written, oral and visual communication skills to effectively convey and discuss information about geographical science and policy in multidisciplinary contexts.
- Engage with current environment and sustainability policy debates, recognising the socio-political and cultural contexts in which they occur.
Other Information
What courses should you take in first year?
This minor does not require any specific 1000-level courses however some later year (2000-3000 level) courses might have prerequisites. Please check individual course entries for details.
Academic or enrolment advice:
Students can seek further advice from the academic contact for this minor (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This minor requires the completion of 24 units, of which:
12 units must come from the completion of physical geography courses from the following list:
ENVS2004 Climate and its Applications (6 units)
ENVS2020 Water Science (6 units)
ENVS3004 Land and Catchment Management (6 units)
ENVS3005 Water Management (6 units)
ENVS3008 Fire in the Environment (6 units)
ENVS3013 Climate Change: Past, Present and Future (6 units)
ENVS3020 Climate Change Science & Policy (6 units)
ENVS3029 Palaeo-Environmental Reconstruction (6 units)
ENVS3902 Environmental Chemistry and Systems (6 units)
12 units must come from completion of human geography courses from the following list:
DEMO2001 Understanding Population Change (6 units)
DEMO2002 Population Analysis (6 units)
ENVS1001 Environment and Society: Geography of Sustainability (6 units)
ENVS2005 Island Sustainable Development: Fiji Field School (6 units)
ENVS2007 Economics for the Environment (6 units)
ENVS2011 Human Ecology (6 units)
ENVS2012 Sustainable Urban Systems (6 units)
ENVS2013 Society and Environmental Change (6 units)
ENVS2015 GIS and Spatial Analysis (6 units)
ENVS2017 Vietnam Field School (6 units)
ENVS2025 Indigenous Cultural and Natural Resource Management (6 units)
ENVS3007 Participatory Resource Management: Working with Communities and Stakeholders (6 units)
ENVS3045 Social Applications of GIS (6 units)
INDG3001 First Nations Peoples, the State and Public Policy in Australia (6 units)
PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalizing World (6 units)
PASI3013 Environment and Development in the Pacific (6 units)
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