There are many opportunities for undergraduate research in Geography. Students can assist Faculty or graduate students in laboratory or field studies – or conduct independent research through the Honours programs or via independent studies courses. Geography faculty members employ undergraduates as research assistants during the academic year and throughout the summer. If you are interested in gaining research experience during your studies, approach a Faculty member who is working in a field that interests you (see our Faculty web pages to view Professors' research profiles and access their Research Team websites), or see our Undergraduate Advisor for guidance.
The Honours program allows students to pursue a research project, with the supervision of a Geography department faculty member, leading to an Honours Thesis. Although an Honours degree is not necessarily required for entry into graduate school, many students find that the process of writing an Honours thesis provides excellent preparation for graduate studies. An Honours Thesis demonstrates that students are capable of organizing and carrying out independent research, and of applying the methods and knowledge they have acquired to a research question.
Learn more about the Honours options in our Department by exploring the pages linked below:
Geography and Urban Studies Honours Abstract Archive
Honours Program Requirements
B.Sc. Honours program:
Geography Honours (B.Sc.) (66 credits)
B.A.&Sc. Honours and Joint Honours programs:
Sustainability, Science and Society Honours (B.A. & Sc.) (60 credits)
Geography Joint Honours Component (B.A.) (37 credits)
B.A. Honours and Joint Honours programs:
Geography Honours (B.A.) (61 credits)
Geography Joint Honours Component (B.A.) (37 credits)
Urban Studies Honours (B.A.) (60 credits)
Independent Research Courses
GEOG 291. Independent Short Project in Geography.
Credits: 1
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Under the guidance of an instructor with the relevant expertise, the student explores a research topic in Geography and develops a written report.
- Students are expected to find an appropriate advisor for their project. Proposed topic and method of evaluation must be approved by the supervisor.
- Prerequisites: GEOG 201 and one of: GEOG 203, GEOG 210, GEOG 216, GEOG 217, GEOG 272
- Restrictions: Restricted to students enrolled in the Geography Core Science Component, Major, Major Concentration and Honours programs. Instructor (supervisor) approval required.
Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.
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GEOG 396. Undergraduate Research Project.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Independent research project with a final written report.
- Fall and Winter
- Restrictions: This course cannot be taken under the S/U option. Departmental permission required. Students cannot be supervised by the same instructor for two 396 Science courses. Open to students in programs offered by the Faculty of Science only.
- Note: Enrolment may be limited. Students are advised to start the application process well before the start of the term and to plan for an alternative course in the case that no suitable project is available. Individual projects may be suggested each term which may have project-specific prerequisites. Students may also approach professors to devise their own projects. Some projects may be accessible to students in other disciplines. See https://www.mcgill.ca/science/research/undergraduate-research/science-re... for more information about available projects and application forms and procedures.
Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.
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GEOG 489. Independent Research in Geography.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Independent research project under the guidance of a staff member specializing in the field of interest.
- Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and completion of 30 credits of courses at the 200 level or above.
- A statement of the proposed project and method of evaluation, signed by the student and supervisor, must be submitted to the departmental Undergraduate Coordinator for approval by the add/drop deadline of the semester in which the student registers for this course.
Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.
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GEOG 490. Independent Readings in Geography.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.
Description
Independent readings or project (non-research) under the guidance of a staff member specializing in the field of interest.
- Fall and Winter
- Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and completion of 30 credits of courses at the 200 level or above.
- A statement of the proposed project and method of evaluation, signed by the student and supervisor, must be submitted to the departmental Undergraduate Coordinator for approval by the add/drop deadline of the semester in which the student registers for this course.
Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.
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Geography faculty also supervise research in the Bieler School of Environment and the Institute for the Study of International Development.
McGill Faculty of Science and Faculty of Arts Summer Research Awards
Access the Faculty websites linked below to learn more about these summer research awards, including information on eligibility, the application process and deadlines.
NSERC, CIHR and SSHRC Undergraduate Student Research Awards
Access the NSERC, CIHR and SSHRC URSA website
Science Undergraduate Research Awards
Open to students in B.Sc. and B.A. & Sc. degrees.
Arts Undergraduate Research Internship Award
Open to students in B.A., B.A. & Sc., B.S.W. degrees.
