Major Physical Geography and Geomatics

About this programme

Physical Geography is the scientific study of processes and patterns at the Earth's surface. It uses field and laboratory measurements and spatial data to evaluate our world's changing climates, water, land, plants and animals. Physical geographers are trained to synthesize environmental knowledge and apply it to real-world problems such as coastal erosion or loss of habitat. Solving these problems also requires the collection, management and computer analysis of the vast amounts of spatial data now available, which is the domain of Geomatics. Students in the Major in Physical Geography and Geomatics at the University of Ottawa learn to use the full range of geospatial technologies (drones/UAVs, global positioning systems, geographic information systems, satellite imaging, spatial analysis) to study environments ranging from the mountains of the Yukon to the coral reefs of Zanzibar. Graduates from the program will have the scientific knowledge and the technical skills to become leaders in these growing fields. The table below includes only the discipline-specific courses. Please refer to the Academic Regulations for information on the Honours bachelor's with double major and the Honours bachelor's with major and minor. The French immersion stream is available when taken as part of an honours degree. This program partially satisfies the academic requirements of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario. Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2025-2026 calendar for the previous requirements.