Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography

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.

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.