Program description
Physical Geography examines the natural and physical systems of the Earth including the atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere (ice and snow), hydrosphere (water) and lithosphere (land surface). Physical geographers also look at the connections between these systems, how they change over time, and the implications of these changes. Atmospheric science covers topics such as climate change, storms (including tornadoes), weather systems and other atmospheric phenomena. Biogeography is the study of the biosphere, and examines the geographic nature of plants, animals, and ecosystems. Hydrology is the study of the Earth’s water in its many forms including ice, snow, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Lastly, geomorphology examines the nature of the Earth’s land surface features such as mountains and river.
Program options
Degree options
B.Sc. Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography – 4 years
B.Sc. Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography Co-op – 4 years
B.Sc. (Hons.) Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography (Honours) – 4 years
B.Sc. (Hons.) Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography (Honours) Co-op – 4 years
Interesting courses and unique opportunities
Interesting courses
- Selected Issues: Severe Thunderstorms - Storm Chasing & Field Techniques
- Selected Issues: Sea Ice in the Arctic Marine System
- Introduction to Climate Change and Its Causes
A number of undergraduate students were awarded NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA), allowing them to participate in the 2010 Arctic cruise of Canada’s research icebreaker, the CCGS Amundsen (for some it was part of their Cooperative Education Option).
Professional opportunities
- Atmosphere & Hydrological Sciences
- Geomatics
- General Physical Geography
- Arctic System Science (climate and environmental change)
Admission requirements & prerequisites
Direct entry option
Direct entry is not an option for this program. Please review the advanced entry option section for more information.
Note: Direct Entry option available for students beginning in September 2013
Advanced entry option
24 credit hours in U1 (or an approved bachelors program)
This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
High school prerequisites
High school prerequisites: Pre-Calculus Math 40S (min. 60%), Physics 40S
Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources apply for admission page.
What is unique about this program at the U of M?
Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources has the only Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Manitoba. The chair holder is Dr. Søren Rysgaard, whose research is in Arctic Geomicrobiology and Climate Change. The CERC is one of only nineteen awarded across the country.
“Severe Thunderstorms - Storm Chasing & Field Techniques” is the only storm and tornado chasing course in Canada.
Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources is about the begin work an experimental facility, the Sea-Ice Environmental Research Facility (SERF) that will include a large pool to examine the behaviour of sea ice. The Riddell Faculty is also home to the Cretaceous Menagerie and geological sciences museum exhibiting minerals, fossils, and dinosaurs.
Important links
Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
Department of Environment and Geography
