Geographic Data Science Major: Physical and Environmental Systems Stream (Science Program) - ASMAJ1305C

The Geographic Data Science (GDS) Major equips students with the theoretical, technical, and applied foundations necessary for mastering the unique challenges of using geographic and spatial data to formulate and answer questions relevant to a range of fields. The curriculum encompasses methods for spatial data production, analysis, and presentation, utilizing tools such as geovisualization, spatial analysis and statistics, geocomputation, and remote sensing. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving and project design, particularly in upper-level courses where students apply learned theories and techniques to address specific geographic questions.

The GDS program offers three distinct streams: Human Systems, Urban Systems, and Physical and Environmental Systems. Each stream allows students to dive deeper into a particular area of interest, enabling them to develop more nuanced understandings of the topics to which they apply geographic data science. The Human Systems stream focuses on the spatial aspects of human activities and their impacts across spatial scales (e.g., economic systems, migration, political geography). The Urban Systems stream delves into the complexities of urban environments and infrastructure (e.g., housing, transportation, urban utilities). The Physical and Environmental Systems stream emphasizes the natural environment and its processes (e.g., changes in climate, agriculture, human-environment interactions). This structure ensures that students gain comprehensive knowledge and skills tailored to their specific interests and career goals connected to geographic data science, while also exposing students to non-technical theories and ways of knowing.

Students may only complete one stream in the Geographic Data Science Major.

Variable Minimum Grade

This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enrol. Variable Minimum Grade A minimum grade is needed for entry. This minimum changes each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants. Eligibility is based on the following criteria:

  • Completion of GGR172H1 with a grade of at least 70%, or
  • Completion of GGR272H1 with a grade of at least 67%, or
  • Completion of one of CSC108H1/​ CSC110Y1 with a grade of at least 60% and 0.5 credit in a Geography & Planning course, including joint courses, at the 100- or 200-level, with a minimum grade of at least 70%

To ensure that students admitted to the program will be successful, applicants with a final grade or grade average lower than the minimum grades stated above will not be considered for admission. Please note that obtaining this minimum final grade does not guarantee admission to the program.

(7.5 credits including at least 2.0 credits at the 300+ level with at least 0.5 credit at the 400 level)

  1. 0.5 credit from GGR172H1

  2. 0.5 credit from Core Geography Courses: JEG100H1, ESS262H1, GGR101H1, GGR107H1, GGR112H1, GGR124H1, GGR196H1, GGR197H1, GGR198H1, GGR199H1.

    Note: A 200 or 300-level Geography & Planning course, including joint courses, may also be used to meet this requirement. Please contact the Undergraduate Administrator (undergraduate.geography@utoronto.ca) if you wish to request a substitution for requirement

  3. 1.5 credits from Methods Courses: GGR270H1, GGR271H1, GGR274H1

  4. 2.0 credits from Core Geographic Data Science Courses: GGR272H1, GGR273H1, GGR373H1, GGR315H1

  5. 1.0 credit from Geographic Data Science Electives: GGR372H1, GGR375H1, GGR376H1, GGR377H1, GGR386H1, CSC271H1, STA272H1

  6. 0.5 credit from Fourth-year Geographic Data Science Elective: GGR415H1, GGR462H1, GGR472H1, GGR473H1, STA465H1

    Note: 0.5 credit from GGR493Y1 can be used to meet this requirement, based on suitability of the placement for this program and approval by the department. 0.5 credit from GGR491Y1, GGR492H1, GGR497H1, GGR498H1, or GGR499H1 can be used to meet this requirement, based on suitability of the research topic for this program and approval by department. Please contact the Undergraduate Administrator (undergraduate.geography@utoronto.ca) if you wish to request a substitution for requirement.

  7. 1.5 credits from Physical and Environmental Systems Stream Electives: JEG201H1, GGR203H1, JEG205H1, JEG206H1, GGR223H1, JEG301H1, JEG305H1, JEG308H1, GGR314H1, JUG320H1, JGE321H1, JIG322H1, GGR323H1, JGE331H1, GGR332H1, GGR334H1, GGR338H1, GGR347H1, GGR348H1, GGR349H1, GGR387H1, GGR388H1, JEG406H1, GGR413H1, GGR416H1, GGR418H1, GGR419H1, GGR438H1, JGE481H1

    Note: Special Topics courses, Research Opportunity courses, and Research Excursion courses from Geography & Planning can be used to meet this requirement, based on suitability of the topic or research for this stream and approval by the department. Please contact the Undergraduate Administrator (undergraduate.geography@utoronto.ca) if you wish to request consideration of these courses for requirement 7.
Geography and Planning