The organisation of the space in which we live is the result of man's action on his natural environment. It is the fruit of a multitude of decisions, taken in the far or recent past, which have moulded our environment by adapting it to our needs, for better and for worse. These decisions have stimulated development just as they have created disequilibriums : inceasingly productive world-wide agriculture, exchanges on every level and improvement in general well-being, but also pollution, deforestation, the green-house effect and over-population. Geography is the study of the mechanisms which have led to such phenomena, so that they be better understood and controlled.

The objective of this programme is to provide initiation into the three fundamental aspects of geography :

• to observe and describe the environment, for example thanks to the bases in computerised geographical data and sophisticated satellite earth observation techniques
• to understand and explain the processes observed, for example by constructing models which will enable the simulation thereof
• to intervene in the management of resources through territory reorganisation.

The student will develop knowledge and skills within the domain of geography and in particular in the study of the interactions between human activities, geographical space and the natural environment. These studies are approached as much from the point of view of human geography as of that of physical geography, in a significant effort to integrate these two perspectives. The programme likewise aims at the mastering of the geographical techniques essential for the study of these problems.

The bachelor's programme begins with the acquisition of basic knowledge in the sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology,...) and in the subjects connected with geography (Earth Sciences, Geology, Meterorology, Economics...).

The study programme in Geography, which is integrated and developed in a progressive way, revolves around three main subject areas. Firstly, Physical Geography which includes the study of the functioning and changes of the climate,the forms of relief and vegetation. Secondly, Human Geography which analyses how and why human activities are developed in certain places and how these decisions collectively lead to spatial structures. Thirdly, the Geographical Analysis Techniques which include cartography, geographical information and the methods used for processing and interpreting spatial data, notably via satellites.

The courses include practical work, field trips and a project which will help the student to witness concrete problems first hand and to gain experience in finding appropriate solutions.

In accordance with his personal ambitions and in concertation with the Study Advisor, the student may envisage completing his training in Geography by choosing additional options, for a total of 180 credits, or by opting for a minor to be chosen from the University programme.

Foundation courses (57 credits)

• Mathematics, Statistics (16 credits)
• Physics (20 credits)
• Chemistry (10 credits)
• Biology (11 credits)

Related subjects (25 credits)

• Earth Sciences (17 credits)
• Economics (8 credits)

Geography (57 credits)

• Human Geography (16 credits)
• Physical Geography (17 credits)
• Techniques (20 credits)
• Project (4 credits)

Languages

• English (6 credits)

Philosophy (2 credits)

Free Options (3 credits)

The first quadrimester of the first year is similar to the bachelor programmes in Chemistry, Biology and Bio-Engineering to facilitate study re-orientation from these programmes at the end of this first quadrimester. Re-orientation may also be possible upon completion of the first year, subject to complementary sessions.

This first year of studies is composed, in essence, of basic subjects. The student will also choose an extra optional activity. The project is based on team work and initiates the students to the main problems of contemporary geography. The opportunity to do the course on Organic Chemistry is in line with the polyvalence of the first year of the bachelor programmes in Biology and in Chemistry.

The second year includes basic course complements (Physics, Statistics), related subject areas (Geology, Meteorology,...) and introductions to the different branches of geography and geographical techniques. The course on Political Economics may be substituted by a course on Microeconomics and Macroeconomics for those students who enrol on a minor in Economics.

The third year is specifically dedicated to the study of geography. A minimal core of knowledge is provided in the major via part of the courses in Human Geography and in Physical Geography. On the other hand, it is essential for all the students to have followed the three courses on Geographical Techniques. The reinforcing minor implies following these courses in their entirety. The programme may possibly be completed by choosing extra options, subject to the approval of the study advisor.

Besides the major in Geography, the student has three other possibilities :

• either to complete his studies in Geography by 30 credits with options. In this case, the course on Mathematical Geography (30-15) (5 credits) and the course on Bioclimatology (15-7.5) (2 credits) will be followed in the 2nd year
• or to opt for the minor in Economics. Those students who choose the minor in Economics are exempt from the sessions on the Principles of Political Economics (60-30) (8 credits)
• or to opt for another minor from the University programme, based on a project to be elaborated together with the Study Advisor.

The conditions and regular admission requirements are specified on the web page "Access to Studies" : http://www.ucl.ac.be/etudes/libres/en/acces.html

Re-orientations are possible from the bachelor's of Sciences and of Bio-engineering.

In the case of programme re-orientation, admission requests should be addressed to the Academic Secretary of the Faculty of Sciences

Address : Place des sciences 2 - 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve

The bachelor's degree in Geographical Sciences entitles automatic access to the master's of Geographical Sciences, orientated towards the domains of applications, research or teaching.

The bachelor's degree also entitles access to the masters of Economics, subject to having followed the corresponding minor.

and the Geography Committee

Dominique Peeters

1st year

President : Cl. Remacle

Secretary : J. Lega

2nd year

President : Still to be determined

Secretary : Still to be determined.

3rd year

President : Still to be determined

Secretary: Still to be determined

• Minor in Theology
  
• Minor in Philosophy
  
• Minor in Law
  
• Minor in Criminology
  
• Minor in Information and Communication (*)
  
• Minor in Political Sciences
  
• Minor in Sociology and Anthropology
  
• Minor in Human and Social Sciences
  
• Minor in Economics
  
• Minor in Business Studies
  
• Minor in Linguistics
  
• Minor in Hispanic Studies (*)
  
• Minor in Italian Studies (*)
  
• Minor in French Studies (*)
  
• Minor in Latin Studies
  
• Minor in Greek Studies
  
• Minor in Oriental Studies
  
• Minor in Literature Studies
  
• Minor in History
  
• Minor in Medieval Studies
  
• Minor in History of Art and Archaeology (*)
  
• Minor in Musicology
  
• Minor in Psychology and Education (*)
  
• Minor in Human Nutrition
  
• Minor in General Biomedical Sciences
  
• Minor in Medication Sciences (*)
  
• Minor in Physical Activity, Health and Culture of Movement (*)
  
• Minor in Physics
  
• Minor in Geography
  
• Minor in Statistics
  
• Minor in Engineering Sciences : Applied Chemistry and Physics
  
• Minor in Engineering Sciences : Construction
  
• Minor in Urban Architecture
  
• Minor in Computing Science (*)
  
• Minor in Bio-engineering
  
• Minor in Biomedical Engineering
  
• Minor in Mathematics and Mathematical Applications
  
• Minor in Gender Studies
  
• Minor in Culture and Creation
  
• Minor in European Studies
  

(*) Minor with access criteria.