This guide is designed to support your academic journey by providing essential resources and tools for studying geography and environmental sciences. Whether you're exploring physical landscapes, human-environment interactions, or sustainable practices, you'll find a wealth of information to enhance your research and learning experience.
Research in Human Geography involves examining the intricate relationships between human societies and their environments. Scholars in this field investigate topics such as urban planning, social justice, cultural landscapes, and economic development. Research projects may include analyzing demographic trends, studying migration patterns, exploring the impacts of globalization, and assessing sustainable development practices. Human geographers often employ qualitative methods like interviews and ethnographies, as well as quantitative techniques such as spatial analysis and GIS (Geographic Information Systems).
Research in Physical Geography focuses on understanding the natural processes and physical features of the Earth. This area includes studies on climate change, geomorphology, hydrology, and biogeography. Researchers might conduct fieldwork to collect data on weather patterns, soil composition, or water quality. They also use remote sensing technology and GIS to map and analyze physical landscapes. Projects in Physical Geography often involve modeling environmental changes, assessing natural hazards, and investigating ecosystem dynamics to inform conservation efforts and resource management.
At Kwantlen Polytechnic University, we recognize the importance of both First Nations traditional knowledges and Western scientific methods in the study of geography. First Nations traditional knowledges offer profound insights into environmental stewardship, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of all living things. These knowledges are passed down through generations via stories, ceremonies, and direct engagement with the land. Western methods, including systematic observation, data collection, and spatial analysis, provide valuable tools for understanding and modeling environmental processes.
Acknowledging these diverse perspectives enriches our approach to geographical research and fosters a more inclusive and holistic understanding of the world.
Read more about Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being
