Geography

Geography has been taught at Memorial since 1946 and was raised to the status of full department in 1960. Graduate studies began in 1970 with the MA and MSc, and the PhD was added in 1992. Our mission statement is to foster a spirit of inquiry about the geography of the world around us through our teaching and research, and to provide our students with the analytical tools needed to explore the questions that arise and the skills with which to communicate their findings. Graduate research is conducted within the fields of climatology, cultural, historical, and economic geography, geographic information systems, geomorphology, Quaternary studies, regional development, remote sensing, and resource management. The physical and human environments of Newfoundland and Labrador present a wide range of research possibilities. The province’s easternmost coastal location in Canada provides a stimulating setting for the study of the climate and the imprint of Quaternary climate changes upon the physical landscape. The social and economic characteristics observed for the Atlantic region provide a wealth of research opportunities on demographic and migration patterns, sustainable development of resources and rural development. In addition, Newfoundland and Labrador presents considerable scope for the study of coastal and marine environments.