1. Undergraduate
  2. Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate Research

Our fourth-year research and thesis courses give students the opportunity to design and carry out original, independent research under the close supervision of a faculty member.

Whether pursuing a focused independent study or a substantial thesis project, students engage fully in the research process—from developing a proposal to producing a polished final paper—gaining experience that prepares them for professional practice, graduate study, and a wide range of career paths.

Research and Thesis Courses

GPHY 501: Special Studies in Geography

Open to Level 4 students who have an average of A- or greater in those courses which form their concentration. Special consideration will be given to requests from students with an average of B or more in those courses which form their concentration. The student will arrange a program of study with a specific member of the Department.

Units: 3.00

Learning Hours: 120

Academic Calendar: GPHY 501

GPHY 502: Research and Thesis in Geography I

Research project in Geography supervised by a member of the faculty. Research involving the amount of work associated with other senior 3.0 unit courses will be done as GPHY 502/3.0.

Note: Admission is subject to the availability of supervisors.

Units: 3.00

Learning Hours: 120

Academic Calendar: GPHY 502

GPHY 503: Research and Thesis in Geography II

Research project in Geography supervised by a member of the faculty. Research involving the amount of work associated with larger research projects with work comparable to a 6.0 unit course (including work completed during summer) may be done as GPHY 503/6.0.

Note: Admission is subject to the availability of supervisors.

Units: 6.00

Learning Hours: 240

Academic Calendar: GPHY 503

Funding Opportunities

The Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) and the Undergraduate Student Summer Research Fellowship (USSRF) provide financial support for students to work closely with faculty members on focused research projects.

These awards offer valuable hands-on experience in research design, data collection and analysis, and knowledge mobilization, allowing undergraduates to deepen their academic interests while building practical skills over the summer months.

 

Beyond the Classroom

"Completing my honours thesis in GPHY 503 was an incredible final experience in my undergraduate career. Having the opportunity to use real-world data to solve an actual research question brought together my years of schooling in a way that no prepared coursework ever did. It also opened my eyes to how interdisciplinary research is conducted, and how people from various backgrounds tackle earth science issues."

A. Grienke, Undergraduate Student

Turning Curiosity into Direction

"Completing undergraduate research and my thesis was one of the most valuable parts of my degree. Through fieldwork and data analysis, I developed a strong interest in greenhouse gas emissions research and ecological restoration, which helped turn my broad interest in environmental science into a more focused direction. This experience strengthened my technical and problem-solving skills and gave me the confidence to pursue future academic and career opportunities in the field."

A. Delesalle, Undergraduate Student

Preparing for Graduate Studies

"Taking part in the GPHY 503 course offered by Â鶹ÍøÕ¾'s Department of Geography and Planning has been immensely rewarding. It has allowed me to delve deeper into research areas of personal interest while presenting various opportunities to further develop my analytical and writing skills. This experience has also provided me with valuable insight into the processes of academic research and writing, giving me the confidence and preparation to pursue graduate studies after graduation."

S. Matthews, Undergraduate Student