Geographical science investigates the evolving character of the Earth's biophysical and constructed environment in the past, present and future. It is concerned with spatial processes operating in the landscape such as atmospheric circulation, landform change, vegetation dynamics, human land uses, urbanisation, and economic activity. Geographical science includes interdisciplinary analysis that uses methods and techniques from social and physical sciences to find innovative solutions to environmental problems at different spatial scales.
Geographical science at Monash covers a broad range of topics in both physical and human geography. Our graduates are well prepared for a variety of careers in, for example, environmental consultancies, policy development, local, state, and federal government, and research organisations. Additionally, transferable skills are developed which are in wide demand within the science and non-science sectors of the economy. Our teaching labs are state of the art and our units combine theory, practical work, and field experiences. The lecturers are noted experts in their fields and make the link between research and teaching.
Availability
Geographical science is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major, extended major or minor.
Outcomes
In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of their course, students successfully completing this major and extended major will be able to:
- comprehend the major areas of geographical knowledge, including climatology, hydrology, geomorphology, soil science, sustainability theory, urban geography, and principles of sustainability
- discuss means by which geographical knowledge informs approaches to managing the sustainable use of Australian environments
- exemplify how geographical knowledge relates to work in other fields of scientific research
- demonstrate knowledge of how to work with both numerical and spatial or map data, including the use of geographical information systems
- comprehend the significance of geographical variation among locations and environments to the management of human occupation and use of ecosystems and landscapes.
Minor requirements (24 points)
12 points at level 1 and 12 points at levels 2 or 3.
Students complete:
- The following unit (6 points):
- ATS1310 Extreme earth! Natural hazards and human vulnerability
- One unit (6 points) from the following:
- ATS1309 The global challenge
- EAE1022 Earth, atmosphere and environment 2
- One unit (6 points) from the following:
- EAE2011 Environmental problem solving and visualisation
- EAE2111 Introduction to climate
- EAE2322 Environmental earth sciences
- One unit (6 points) from the elective list below
Major requirements (48 points)
12 points at level 1 and at least 18 points at level 3.
Students complete:
- The requirements for the minor in geographical science (24 points)
- Four additional level 2 or level 3 units (24 points) from the elective list, with at least three units at level 3
Extended major requirements (72 points)
12 points at level 1, at least 6 points at level 2, and at least 36 points at level 3.
Students complete:
- The requirements for the major in geographical science (48 points)
- Four additional units (24 points) selected from the elective list, with at least six units at level 3 overall
Elective list
Requirements for progressing to honours
The School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment offers honours projects in a range of sub disciplines, including geographical science. Successful completion of 24 points of level 3 units within the major are required to progress to honours studies.
Refer to S3701 Bachelor of Science (Honours) for full details.
Bachelors
Single degrees
Successful completion of this area of study can be counted towards meeting the requirements for the following single degrees:*
- S2000 Bachelor of Science
- S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)
- S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours)
Students in other single bachelor's degrees may be eligible to complete the minor or major by using 24 or 48 points of their free electives.
Double degrees
Successful completion of this area of study can be counted towards meeting the requirements for the Bachelor of Science component in the following double degrees:*
- B2023 Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science
- B2016 Bachelor of Commerce Specialist and Bachelor of Science
- D3005 Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
- E3007 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
- C2003 Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Science
- L3007 Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
- S2006 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts
- S2007 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- S2004 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Computer Science
- S2003 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Global Studies
- S2005 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music
