Wrap Up

Alright folks, it has been fun blogging with you. I hope I was successful in educating you about Geography and introducing you to our department at UWI. If anyone would like further information about programmes, graduates or the department please check the website at the following link.http://sta.uwi.edu/ffa/geography/

Intro to the department

The department of Geography at the University of the West Indies sits in the Northwest corner of the campus. The department is attached to the Faculty of food and agriculture and has access to the full range of resources made available by the university including:

-Full computer labs equipped with the latest technologies.

-A dedicated GIS lab equipped with printers and workstations

- A soils lab.

-Air-conditioned classrooms equipped with audiovisual technology.

Additionally we are staffed by some of the most qualified professionals in the field:

Additionally, the department hosts regular events such as Geography awareness week:

 The Exterior of the department building

Interior of the Building

One of the classrooms

Spotlight on Physical Geography

Physical Geography encompasses areas such as Geology, Geomorphology, GIS and Natural Hazards. This branch of Geography deals with aspects of the surrounding environment and is generally more quantitative and scientifically orientated than Human Geography.

 Below are photographs of the various activities carried out during Physical Geography classes.

Sand Sampling at Maracas Beach

Students conducting rain gauge measurements at the University field station

Branches of Geography

Geography can be divided into two main branches: Physical and Human Geography.

Under physical Geography, there are several sub-branches, including Geographical Information Systems, Geomorphology, Meteorology and Climatology among others. Human geography encompasses sub-disciplines like Urban Geography, population Geography and Planning and Development. Additionally there may be disciplines which fall into both such as Natural Hazards.

The two main Geography programmes we have at the university include the BSc. Major in Geography, where you can focus your programme on either human or physical Geography and the BSc. Special programme which allows you to get a great sample of both.  

The broad disciplinary footprint of the subject area also gives you a deeper understanding of the world around you. It is the type of field that forces you to think deeply about the world around you. 

Careers in Geography

So by now you may have developed a love (or at the very least some interest), in the area of Geography. Realistically though, you might be thinking about careers. What can I gain from this endeavour in terms of employment? Well contrary to popular beliefs, a degree in Geography would certainly not limit you to teaching. Rather there are a range of exciting fields you can enter where a degree in Geography will be an asset, including:

-Aviation

-Environmental Regulation and Conservation

-GIS

-Insurance

-The Energy Sector

-Shipping

-Planning

-Policy Making

-And Much More!!!

So as you can see by now, Geography had the potential to open many doors for you careerwise. I’ve even met an Astronaut with a degree in Geography. Now that’s certainly reaching for the stars. 

Spotlight on Human Geography

Human Geography and its various sub disciplines focus on the non-scientific aspect of Geography. Genuinely they focus (as the name implies) on humans and their interactions with the environment and each other. Human Geography studies areas such as population, migration, development and planning among others. From a personal perspective, human geography offers many exciting opportunities for its students. Below are pictures of some to field trips undertaken for some of the human geography courses offered in the programme.

 Students visiting the Wa-Samaki Permaculture Farm in Freeport.

Students on a field visit to Belmont

Students visiting the old satellite tracking station in Chaguaramas 

Geography, Science or Social?

One of the foremost questions posed about geography is whether or not it is a science? To answer this first we have to ask ourselves what is a science? A science can be broadly defined as

“The study of the natural world through the use of empirical evidence”

                Now this definition when applied to the physical aspects of Geography (GIS, Geology etc.) certainly holds true. So in this respect Geography can certainly be considered a science. HOWEVER, this definition ignores the human aspect of geography such as development and population studies, urban geography etc. When one takes these aspects into consideration, then Geography becomes less scientific in nature.

Therefore, one can consider Geography a hybrid of sorts. A mix between science and social studies, not fitting neatly into either category. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it ensures that those who study it have a very broad view of the world and as such are suited for careers which require a multi-faceted mind to conduct them. Moreover it allows one flexibility when choosing careers, due to its broadness. 

WELCOME!!!

Are you a CAPE student? Do you love Geography?  Are you considering furthering your studies in the field? Then a degree in from the Department of Geography at the University of the West Indies is the right programme for you. Whether you want to couple it with another field under a double-major programme, or go all in with the special programme, this is the right degree for you. In this interactive blog where you’ll meet some of our current staff and students who will relegate you with tales of their exciting experiences in the department. Learn about our programmes and ask all the questions you like. Get career advice. And much more.  So come and join us on this exciting journey through the department, all are welcome!