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home  faculties FASS academic
programmes First
Degree
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Undergraduate Degree Programmes
in Geography
Although it is a diverse and wide
discipline covering both physical and human aspects,
there are three common areas of concern in the
study of geography. Firstly, it is concerned with
spatial analysis and the search for spatial patterns.
Secondly, geography is about regions and regionalisation.
And finally, it is concerned with the interrelationships
and interactions that exist between the physical
processes, ecological systems and the human, social
and cultural environment. This diversity requires
students in geography to have a wide knowledge
of their cultural and natural environments; to
display a range of descriptive, analytical, quantitative
and practical skills; and to be able to examine,
organise and synthesise data at different levels
and scales of analysis.
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The various courses in the undergraduate
study programmes on offer have thus been structured and
designed in the above awareness. The package of courses
has been chosen to meet specific needs, covering the 'core'
and a number of options from:
- Physical Geography;
- Human Geography;
- Regional Geography;
- Systematic Geography; and
- Techniques & Skills in Geography.
An integral part of the geographical training is a two-week
field camp in the Third Year of study. The main aim of
the fieldwork is to provide students with the physical
exposure to undertaking research, especially in geography:
from research design to data acquisition (in the field),
data analysis and report writing.
During the first year, geography is offered as
one of the basic courses in the form of Introduction to
Physical Geography and Introduction to Human Geography.
All students who wish to major or minor in geography must
take both the courses.
The basic courses introduce the students
to the different major fields of geography - physical,
human, and techniques. Students should obtain good grades
in these basic courses for consideration to major or minor
in Geography.
The major and minor programmes in geography
begin in the second year. For students who major in geography,
the second year courses are aimed at broadening and strengthening
their foundation in, and increasing their knowledge of
the subject, through courses which deal with advanced conceptual
and theoretical aspects of physical and human geography,
and by introducing them to the basic techniques and skills
in geography. For those who minor in geography, the courses
in the second year should provide them with a satisfactory
knowledge in the various fields of geography, and a greater
appreciation of the spirit and purpose of geography education
and training. The third and the fourth years expose the
students to advanced areas of geography. Among others,
the courses help to provide opportunities for specialisation
in the different fields of geography, especially for students
who wish to further their studies in the discipline. As
an indication of our endeavour to ensure that our students
are in touch with modern development and technology, the
department will introduce various computer courses, especially
in the field of Geographic Information Systems.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Programme
The primary aim of the geography programme
in the Bachelor of Arts Degree Programme is to equip the
students with satisfactory levels of knowledge and understanding
of the physical and human environment and issues related
to current developments in the environment. Students will
be guided and directed to be more aware of phenomena which
exist and take place in both environments; processes of
development, interaction, relationships and change, and
their spatial distribution. The students will be exposed
to the five main fields of geography as listed above.
Courses in the various sub-fields are
divided into core courses, which must be followed by all
geography major students, and optional courses. However,
due to the small number of students, they will, instead,
be offered a course package which is relevant and adequate
to stimulate and expand the intellectual development of
the students, while meeting the degree requirements. Among
the highlights of their learning and training in geography,
is their compulsory participation and active involvement
in two-weeks of fieldwork activities, as outlined earlier.
Students under this programme will take a total of 66 units
of geography courses from the second to the fourth year
of study.
The Bachelor of Arts Education Degree Programme
The objective of the geography component
in the BA Education programme is to provide the students
with knowledge, understanding and expertise in the teaching
of geography at the secondary school level.
The first year will be devoted to the
basic courses with a balanced exposure to the elements
of physical and human geography and techniques in geography.
For those taking geography as their major subject, the
Second Year will provide a firm foundation in basic geographical
skills and the understanding of the advanced conceptual
and
theoretical aspects of physical and human
geography. An exposure to more advanced areas in geography
will be available at the third and fourth year levels.
Fieldwork will be an integral part of the geography curriculum.
Students under this programme will take
a total of 41 to 42 units of geography courses from the
second to fourth years of study.
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