What’s new in 2017-2018
• Curriculum • Tentative schedule 2017/18 • New courses • Field School • Success Maps
• Looking Forward • Blue Box • ACAG 2017
• Looking beyond • Grad school • College • Finding work
• Research Opportunities • Faculty profiles • Available projects
Full Time Faculty • • • • • • • • •
Dr. Danika van Proosdij (PhD Guelph) – Department Chair Dr. Hugh Millward (PhD Western Ont.) Dr. Philip Giles (PhD Calgary) – Honours coordinator, sabbatical Dr. Jason Grek-Martin (PhD Queens) - sabbatical Dr. Cristian Suteanu (PhD Bucharest) –cross appointed GEOG/ENVS, sabbatical Dr. Cathy Conrad (PhD Wilfred Laurier) –BES coordinator Dr. Mat Novak (PhD Western) Dr. Kevin Hamden (PhD …..) – 8 month sessional Dr. Amy Siciliano (PhD Toronto) – 4 month sessional
Part Time Faculty • • • • • • • •
Angela Day Emma Poslums Greg Baker Dr. Hilario Calderon David Hopper Dr. Peter Bush Adam Fancy Kyle McKenzie
Adjunct Faculty • • • • • • •
Dr. Thomas Bouman Dr. Peter Bush Dr. Michael Fox Dr. Jamie Spinney Dr. Ryan Gibson Dr. Karen Harper Dr. Jamie Spinney
Full Time Staff • Cassie MacDonald - secretary GEOG/ENVS/School of Env • Greg Baker – Research Instrument Technician - Geomatics • Will Flanagan – Cartographer & Lab Technician
School of the Environment • Hub for environmental education, research and outreach at SMU BA
BSc
BES
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Environmental Studies
Geography
Geography
Environmental Science
• Learn to apply knowledge from many academic disciplines to solve complex problems related to sustainability of the global environment in the face of human development.
What is the difference between Geography and Environmental Studies? Not Much! – it all depends on the lens through which you view the environment Geography = Science that studies the relationships among natural systems, geographical areas, society, cultural activities and the interdependence of all of these over space and time
BES offers a broad-based approach to tackling environmental issues and in developing creative solutions to environmental challenges – incorporates economics, natural science, philosophy, literature, culture, among others
LEARNING OUTCOMES •
Geographical literacy in knowing specific names and locations of both human and physical environments depending on the nature of the courses they take;
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An understanding of physical processes shaping the surface of the earth;
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An understanding of the human factors impacting that surface;
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Awareness of the interrelationships of the physical processes and the human factors in creating a landscape;
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Ability to integrate and synthesize spatial information;
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Competence in various geographical technologies and skills: map reading, cartography, GIS, remote sensing, statistical applications;
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In-depth exposure and understanding of a sub-discipline of geography broadly expressed as either human geography or physical geography;
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Ability to problem solve through critical and analytical thought and the use of geographical tools. For honours students the expectation here is much greater than for majors.
Curriculum: Tentative Courses Fall 2017 Degree required courses:
4000 level options:
Profs on leave: Dr. Conrad New FT faculty: Dr. Min-Jung Kwak & Dr. Gauthier
• GEOG 2306:Geospatial techniques (potentially online)
• GEOG 4432: Urban Planning (Novak) (A)
• GEOG 2333: Biogeography (Group B – required BES)
• GEOG 4443: Natural Hazards (Suteanu)(B)
All courses (excluding intro): • GEOG 2313: Geomorphology (Group B geog) (Giles)
• GEOG 4406: Capstone seminar (Grek-Martin) • GEOG 4826: Special Topics in Geography (D)
• GEOG 2332: Global Cities (Novak) (A) • GEOG 2341: Economic Geography (new hire) (A) • GEOG 2349: Cultural Geography (Grek-Martin) (A) • GEOG 3004: Geography Practicum (van Proosdij) (D) • GEOG 3100: Geography Field School (Giles) (D) • GEOG 3321: Economic Globalization (new hire)(A) • GEOG 3340: Geography of Nova Scotia (Millward) (D) • GEOG 3386: Geographical Information Systems (van P.) (C)
Honours required courses: • GEOG 3326: Statistical methods (Suteanu) (C) • GEOG 4526: Honours thesis • GEOG 4406: Capstone Seminar (Grek-Martin)
NEW COURSE: GEOG 3004 Practicum This course will provide a forum for students to explore how geography and environmental studies is practiced and applied beyond the classroom. It is based on the principle of experiential learning while examining how our discipline is applied in the real world. In addition to class discussions and guest lectures, practicum hours outside the classroom will be required with non-profit, for-profit, private sector or government agencies.
Pre-requisites: Registered major or honours students in GEOG, BES or GEOL/GEOG combined program, and GEOG 2356
NEW COURSE: GEOG 3321 Economic Globalization The course concerns the identification of key factors, and a discussion of their influence, in the geographical distribution and location of manufacturing industries. Both location theory and case studies are used to analyze the location of these industries. Examples include iron and steel, motor vehicles, and oil refining.
Pre-requisites: one of GEOG 2312, 2341 or 2349
SPECIAL TOPICS: GEOG 4826 Ecosystem & Natural Areas Management The course focuses on the scientific foundation for ecosystem management, its social, biological and ecological aspects, examining the structure, function, diversity and integrity of ecosystems, and their representation in ecoregional frameworks as units for management of resources. Types of management systems, policy processes and the role of natural areas and protected systems in sustaining ecological integrity are examined, including consideration of habitats and habitat diversity and fragmentation in natural areas.
Pre-requisites: GEOG 2333 or ENVS 2300 and at least 24 credit hours
Curriculum: Tentative Courses Winter 2018 Degree required courses:
4000 level options:
• GEOG 2386: Introduction to Mapping and GIS (C ) • GEOG 2356: Inquiry & explanation in Geography (D) • GEOG 3304: Environmental Management (required BES – Suteanu)
All courses (excluding intro):
Profs on leave: Dr. Conrad New FT faculty: TBA & Dr. Gauthier
• GEOG 4432: Social Geog of the city (Millward) (A) • GEOG 4449: Tourist Geographies (Grek-Martin) (A)
• GEOG 2312: Urban Geography (A) (Novak)
• GEOG 2315: The Oceans (D) (TBA) • GEOG 2343: Weather & Climate (B) (TBA) • GEOG 3321: Applied Geomorphology (B) (van P.)
• GEOG 3320: Geography of the North (D) (Gauthier) • GEOG 3356: Remote Sensing of the Environment (Giles) (C ) • GEOG 3416: Qualitative Research Methods (C) (new hire) • GEOG 3433: Fluvial Geomorphology (B) (Giles)
Honours required courses: GEOG 4526: Honours thesis
NEW COURSE GEOG 3213: Applied Geomorphology (Group B) This course emphasizes geomorphological processes that are of societal significance, including habitat loss and hazards such as flooding, landslides, slope failure and coastal erosion. Approaches to mitigating and adapting to natural and human induced geomorphic changes will be explored using global case studies and examples
Pre-requisites: GEOG 2333 or GEOG 2313
NEW COURSE GEOG : Geography of the North (Group D) The North has become increasingly important in the globalized world. Students will identify and explore the Provincial North, the Territorial North and international northern regions. Perspectives on major geographical challenges in the North as explored, such as the interactions of growing demand for natural resources, migration and mobility, globalization and the influences of climate change.
Pre-requisites: 24 credit hours
Strategies for Course Selection • Prioritize taking GEOG 2306, 2356 and 2386 as soon as possible within your degree • You cannot take a course that has been renumbered and maybe renamed if the content is the same! A list of those courses is available and we are working with the registrar to minimize confusion.
• Look ahead to 4000 level courses that you wish to take and make sure that you plan your degree to meet the prerequisite requirements – see you academic advisor at least once per year. • If you are even considering graduate school or a post graduate training program, look up the requirements before 4th
year (e.g. may require honours or certain number of courses in a teachable subject) • Your graduation requirements are based on the year that you entered the program. You will not need to satisfy new requirements but some of these new courses may be taken as replacements for existing requirements if needed. • Be patient and make SURE to have regular contact with your academic advisor.
Curriculum: Field School Bay of Fundy 2016 3
video
2
1
- Aug 27-Sept 6; mode of travel: van; accommodations: barracks, camping
Curriculum: Field School Magdalen Islands 2017 (Aug 28-Sept 6)
Principal instructor: Dr. Philip Giles Other faculty members on trip: Dr. Jason Grek Martin, Dr. Hugh Millward
Students will explore aspects of the physical, environmental, social, cultural and economic geographies of the islands All information is tentative and subject to change
Curriculum: Field School Magdalen Islands 2017 Tentative schedule: • Orientation day – Fri Aug 25 (or Aug 26 or 27, TBD) • Travel to islands: Aug 28 • On islands: Aug 29-Sept. 3 • Return to Halifax: Sept 4 • Fall term classes start: Sept. 6 • Once weekly class periods through term
Cost per student (TENTATIVE): $600 Cost will be minimized as much as possible A non-refundable deposit of $100 will be required mid March
Cost includes: Cost does NOT include: • Share of vehicle rental and gas • Tuition fees for 3 credit hr course • Return ferry fares & bridge tolls • Food & other personal expenses • Entrance fees • Accommodation (provisionally in a hostel; 2 people in shared room, with shared cooking facilities) All information is tentative and subject to change
Curriculum: Field School Magdalen Islands 2017 Evaluation scheme will include: • Field-based group research project under the supervision of a faculty member, presented as a written report and in an oral presentation; • Orientation and pre-trip assessment; some pre-trip summer reading and preparation will be required;
• Trip diary • Reports on selected focus questions • Post-trip reflection paper Pre-requisite: GEOG 1100 and GEOG 1200, and 24 credit hours, plus permission of the Departmental Chairperson
Notification of interest is critical to facilitate planning – but it is not a binding commitment Max of 15 students in the course Fill out notification of interest form for more information All information is tentative and subject to change
Curriculum: Arts with Impact • Series of videos of profs and recent alumni articulating value of Arts Degree (smuarts.ca)
Curriculum: Success Maps
http://www.smu.ca/academics/success-maps/welcome.html
Strategies for Success: Think outside the box & broaden your horizons • Consider taking a semester abroad – lots of resources and funding
available to help
http://www.smu.ca/international/ studying-or-working-abroad.html
Jenna Miller, Honours BA GEOG in Norway
Strategies for Success: Think outside the box & broaden your horizons • Consider taking a semester abroad – lots of resources and funding available to help • Consider co-op to get paid work experience • Volunteer • Something tweak your interest in class? Talk to the prof! • Access supports on campus such as Writing Center, Career services and Counselling services • Support and gather support from your peers
LOOKING FORWARD Blue Box Series • Opportunity to ‘recycle’ presentations given at other conferences/forums • Goal = forum for students (grad & undergrad) and faculty to discuss current research & share ideas • All talks are in B207 at 4 pm (note March 16 will be in GEOG 4412 class as guest)
Date and Time
Presenter
Thurs Feb 16 Dr. Karen Harper – adjunct prof, GES
Topic Challenges and innovative approaches to studying vegetation patterns across transitions in heterogeneous landscapes
Thurs Mar 16 Dr. Rob Summerby-Murray – President, SMU Industrial smoke, construction of the urban, and heritage
Conferences: Hosted by:
Student Opportunities for Volunteering, Attending, Competing, Networking
Atlantic Association of Geographers Annual Meeting – Fall 2017
LOOKING BEYOND – Choosing Your Path If you don’t know what you’re doing yet, graduation can definitely be daunting to think about. “As a soon-to-be-graduate, I'm a little terrified that I don't know what's coming next” (student Boston Univ)
TIPS:
• Confront the future & make a plan • Talk to peers and profs • Keep things in perspective – each person is an individual and their path may be different • Eat well, stay healthy & practice stress management
SMU Career Counselling & Assessments
“Career counselling can help you figure out who you are, what you want, where you’re going, and how your academic studies fit in with your plan” http://www.smu.ca/campus-life/career-counselling.html Source: Meghan McClusky, Real World May 4, 2014
LOOKING BEYOND– Additionnel Training
Send an updated CV or Resume to Cassie (
[email protected]) to keep on file
College Advanced Certificate
Grad School
Internships or Volunteer
• Opportunities are endless, look beyond your geographical boundaries and comfort zone • Visit career services or counselling to take time to figure out what is right for YOU. Start NOW
Recognize graduates & Keep in Touch
Looking Beyond: Graduate Studies • Professional (applied) vs Research-based programs • Funding is often available for research-based programs • In Canada always enter Master’s first (no direct entry to PhD) • Applications vary depending on program • Statement of interest, letters of reference, transcripts • Typically require an Honour’s Degree (and B+ standing)
• Start planning early • Talk to a faculty member for advice!
LOOKING BEYOND– MA in Geography • Two year program (full-time) • Application deadline: February 1, 2017 – Apply online through the FGSR website • Requirements: – Honours degree in geography (or cognate field) – Cumulative GPA of 3.00 (‘B’) minimum • Funding Sources: – FGSR Grad Awards, TA positions, Supervisor’s grants, external funding sources (SSHRC, NSERC, NS I&R Grad Awards, etc.) See Dr. Mat Novak, MA coordinator
LOOKING BEYOND– MSc Applied Science in Geography • Two year program (full-time) with coop option • Application deadline: February 1, 2017 – Apply online through the FGSR website • Requirements: – BSc honours in geography, environmental science (or cognate field) – Cumulative GPA of 3.00 (‘B’) minimum
• Funding Sources: – FGSR Grad Awards, TA positions, Supervisor’s grants, external funding sources (SSHRC, NSERC, NS I&R Grad Awards, etc.) = $16,000 base level funding per year
After graduation… finding work Selected quotes from “Make the most of hidden BA skills to land that first job” (Julie Labrie, The Globe and Mail, Dec. 1, 2011) Ms. Labrie’s credential: vice-president of BlueSky Personnel Solutions, a company that helps employers find personnel to fill positions. • … employers generally don’t put a lot of emphasis on what kind of bachelor’s degree you have, as long as you have one. • … graduating with a degree usually means you are trained in a particular way of thinking – being logical, analytical and methodical. Hiring managers look for these general skills as they can be applied to any work environment. • … focus on selling how the skills you’ve acquired from your degree can translate in the workplace. •
Highlight your ability to think independently and critically.
•
Demonstrate how your spatial and abstract thinking allows you to conceptualize strategic ideas.
RESEARCH • Research opportunities exist at both undergraduate and graduate levels • Paid and unpaid positions typically available • Excellent way to get hands on experience in your discipline & area of interest – future connections & job opportunities • Often honours required for graduate school
Jason Grek-Martin Primary Areas of Interest: Cultural and Historical Geographies - Place-making
Geographies of Tourism - Dark Tourism - Heritage Tourism - Pop Culture Tourism
Geographies of Nature - Parks & Protected Areas
Ruins of Fort James, a former slave fort located on Kunta Kinte Island, The Gambia (West Africa)
CURRENT RESEARCH – Dr. Cathy Conrad • Clandestine (illegal) migration from West Africa to the EU. • Community-based water monitoring and management in Canada and in SubSaharan Africa. • Food and water security in marginalized communities.
• Perceptions of climate and climate refugees.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES – • I am currently seeking students who are interested in studying; researching; learning about clandestine/irregular migration from West Africa to the EU. This could be for either undergraduate honours thesis work, directed studies or graduate level research.
CURRENT RESEARCH – Cristian Suteanu NEW APPROACHES TO PATTERNS IN THE ENVIRONMENT. Applications: Study of earthquake Landslide space-time patterns modeling Wind energy Wind speed & direction variability patterns Earthquake series in Central Italy 2016-2017
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES – Honours project positions 1. Study of earthquake space-time patterns
MA Geography positions 1. Environmental variability & natural hazard perception 2. Wind energy uncertainty challenges
Research Assistant position spring/summer 2017 2. Study of wind velocity patterns
Characterizing wind velocity patterns Not afraid to learn. Not afraid of numbers. Familiarity with software able to handle data (Excel; Matlab an asset). Possibly continued with honours thesis
CURRENT RESEARCH – Hugh MILLWARD 1. Locations & purposes of urban walking 2. Travel to school: mode choices related to school siting 3. School & neighbourhood features related to student achievement
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES – Hugh MILLWARD
Possibly a BA Honours Project in 2017-18
CURRENT RESEARCH – Philip Giles • Geomorphology: landforms and landscapes • Applications of satellite remotely-sensed images • Geomorphometry and analysis of digital elevation models (DEMs) Emerald Lake alluvial fan, B.C.
Photo credit: C. Bentley
My research interests are broadly oriented to describing, explaining, and understanding the characteristics, development, and controls of physical features and patterns in various geomorphic domains on Earth’s surface, such as: • • • •
Alluvial fans (top) Coastal sand dunes (bottom) Drainage networks Glaciers Pointe de l’Est, Magdalen Islands
CURRENT RESEARCH – Mathew Novak • Inner-city redevelopment strategies • Social media/E-commerce adoption among independent businesses • Condominium developments in Halifax • New Urbanism: Form and Function • Coffee culture in the drive-through era
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES – • Condominium dwellers • What brings them downtown?
• GIS analysis of urban forms and functions • What works? What doesn’t? Why?
• Hipster culture in urban areas • Can gentrification be a good thing? • What does local really mean?
CURRENT RESEARCH – Danika van Proosdij Investigation of the interactions & feedback between bio-physical coastal processes & human activities
Coastal Restoration •
Sediment Dynamics • • •
Empirical field data collection Applied research & modelling Collaboration with BIO, Dal & Queens Engineering
• •
Climate change adaptation & ecosystem services Temperate & tropical coastal systems Ecosystem Based Adaptation
Vulnerability & Adaptive Capacity of Coastal Communities to Climate Change • • •
Modelling using GIS Community Ecosystem Based Adaptation Canada, Caribbean, Indian Ocean
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES – • Range of research opportunities at Honours and Masters (MSc. or MA) • Salt marshes as ecosystem engineers - Ecomorphodynamics • Effective design of managed realignment projects to optimize ecosystem function & adaptive capacity for climate change adaptation • Application of UAVs for restoration design and monitoring
CURRENT RESEARCH – David Gauthier
•Vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in semi-arid environments, Canada and Chile •Ecosystem management and protected areas, North America
CURRENT RESEARCH – Dr. Amy Siciliano • The Politics of Public Space: Place Émilie Gamelin on Montreal’s 375th Anniversary • How does the conception, design and management of public space both support and disrupt public policies of urban boosterism?
• Housing Renewal and the Environment • How is energy efficiency reshaping multi-unit apartment renewal policies, and what are the effects on low income residents?
• Policed People: Uneven geographies of social infrastructure • How are key social infrastructures (policing and surveillance) shaping experiences of racial and gendered inequity in the city?
CURRENT RESEARCH – Kevin Hamdan I am interested in understanding soil processes in different wetland types (forested vs. non-forested wetlands) in Atlantic Canada. My current research focuses on understanding the role of forested wetlands in the carbon cycle.
Organic Soil Profile
Research question: How soil carbon content, greenhouse gas emissions, decomposition rate, and nutrient supply vary between forested and non-forested wetlands?
Expertise: Soil Science Climate Change Forest Ecology Biogeochemical Cycling Spatial Analysis
Recent Projects: • The Role of Forested Wetlands in Carbon Storage and Sequestration in Nova Scotia. • Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning of Forested Wetlands across Atlantic Canada.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES – Kevin Hamdan Honours Thesis I am looking for undergraduate research students (Geography Honours Thesis, Environmental Studies Honour Thesis, or Environmental Science Honour Thesis). Research Assistant I am looking for a full time research assistant starting from April till August 2017.
What will you gain? Field and laboratory research skills related to: • Collecting soil samples • Preparing soil samples for analysis • Determining soil physical and chemical properties • Data statistical analysis, summary, and presentation • Writing technical and scientific reports
If you are interested in research related to soil science and wetlands that could be linked to climate change and/or conservation, please contact:
[email protected]
Organic Soil Profile
CURRENT RESEARCH – « Thomas Bouman » Tree species effects on soil and water quality
Response of woody plants to global environmental changes Comparison of forests in Cape Breton County and Saarland, Germany
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES – Ecosystem reconnaissance in urban forest belts of Cole Harbour
CURRENT RESEARCH – Karen Harper Plant biogeographer, adjunct professor, instructor Main interests: spatial pattern of plant communities, forest edges, structural diversity
Current projects Structural diversity across transitions in heterogeneous landscapes in Nova Scotia and Brazil Dynamics, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of forested wetlands across Atlantic Canada
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES – Karen Harper I would like to hire adventureous and motivated students for a study on plant diversity in forested wetlands in the Maritimes. I am currently recruiting students to apply for the NSERC USRA Scholarship, although I may also be looking for co-op or other students later. I would prefer to hire a third-year student who would collect data as part of an honours thesis next year. If interested, contact
[email protected]
NSERC Undergraduate Research Award
• Excellent opportunity for research experience, honours and future graduate work • Faculty member must hold NSERC research funding • Student GPA > 3.9 – competitive process and decision based on grades • NSERC USRA only available for Canadian students however the Dean’s Award is open to International students.
QUESTIONS & FEEDBACK • • • •
Email Dr. D
[email protected] Grab Dr. D for a ‘Walk and Talk” Drop a note with Cassie Arrange a meeting with faculty
