You are reading the 2024/25 Academic Calendar. The 2023/24 version remains in effect until August 31, 2024 and is available here.

Geographical Sciences, Faculty of Arts

GEOS: Geographical Sciences

All GEOB and GEOS 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 designation may be used to satisfy the Faculty of Science requirements for credits in Arts. As of Summer Session 2021, all GEOB courses have been renamed GEOS [https://vancouver.calendar.ubc.ca/course-descriptions/subject/geos] with equivalent course numbers.


  1. GEOS 200 (3) Atmospheric Environments

    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: APBI 244.

  2. GEOS 204 (3) Introduction to Biometeorology

    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: APBI 244.

  3. GEOS 206 (3) Geomorphic Processes and Hazards

    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]

  4. GEOS 207 (3) Introduction to Biogeography

    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]

  5. GEOS 270 (3) Geographic Information Science

    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]

  6. GEOS 300 (3) Microscale Weather and Climate

    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]

  7. GEOS 303 (3) Tropical Ecosystems in a Changing World

    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]

  8. GEOS 304 (3) Synoptic Meteorology and Climatology

    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]

  9. GEOS 305 (3) Introduction to Hydrology

    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]

  10. GEOS 306 (3) Paleoecology: Lessons for the Anthropocene

    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]

  11. GEOS 307 (3) Biogeography and Global Change

    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]

  12. GEOS 308 (3) Quaternary and Applied Geomorphology

    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]

  13. GEOS 309 (3) Geographical Sciences Field Course

    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. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading. [0(3)-0]

  14. GEOS 370 (3) Advanced Geographic Information Science

    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]

  15. GEOS 372 (3) Cartography

    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]

  16. GEOS 373 (3) Introductory Remote Sensing

    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]

  17. GEOS 400 (3) Global Change Science

    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]

  18. GEOS 401 (3) Urban Meteorology

    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.

  19. GEOS 402 (3) Air Pollution Meteorology

    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.

  20. GEOS 403 (3) Catchment Hydrology

    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.

  21. GEOS 405 (3) Fluvial Geomorphology

    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]

  22. GEOS 406 (3) Watershed Geomorphology

    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]

  23. GEOS 407 (3) Vegetation Dynamics: Disturbance, Climate and Human Impacts

    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.

  24. GEOS 408 (3) The Changing Cryosphere

    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.

  25. GEOS 409 (3) Advanced Field Studies in Geographical Sciences

    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).

  26. GEOS 415 (3) River Restoration: Science and Society

    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]

  27. GEOS 448 (3/4) c Directed Studies in Geographical Sciences

    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.

  28. GEOS 449 (3/6) d Undergraduate Thesis

    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.

  29. GEOS 472 (3) Research in Cartography

    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]

  30. GEOS 479 (3) Research in Geographic Information Science

    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.

  31. GEOS 490 (3) Student Directed Seminar in Geographical Sciences

    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.

  32. GEOS 500 (3) Theory and Practice of Research 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.

  33. GEOS 501 (3) Processes in Geomorphology

    Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 501 or GEOB 501. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

  34. GEOS 503 (1-6) d Topics in Geomorphology and Hydrology

    Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 503 or GEOB 503. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

  35. GEOS 504 (1-6) d Topics in Climate Studies

    Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 504 or GEOB 504. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

  36. GEOS 505 (3) Permafrost

    Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 505 or GEOB 505. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

  37. GEOS 506 (3) Population Dynamics in Time and Space: Models, Data and Applications

    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.

  38. GEOS 507 (1-6) d Directed Studies in Geographical Sciences

    Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 507 or GEOB 507. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

  39. GEOS 508 (3/6) d Advanced Seminar in Geomorphology

    Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 508 or GEOB 508. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

  40. GEOS 509 (3/6) d Advanced Seminar in Climatology

    Credit will be granted for only one of GEOS 509 or GEOB 509. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

  41. GEOS 512 (3) Climate Change in the 21st Century

    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.

  42. GEOS 515 (3) Satellite Remote Sensing Applications to Oceanography and Meteorology

    A review of the many satellite-sensed data products used in both research and operational aspects of oceanography and meteorology. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.

    Equivalency: EOSC 582.


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