Geography

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  Motivation
  Geography is a highly application-oriented and socially relevant science which is concerned with issues of the environment such as climate change, urbanisation and scarcity of resources. Such changes take place at a relatively fast rate and present significant challenges to today's society. Nowadays it is only possible to tackle these highly complex process chains between nature and society using a highly interdisciplinary approach to solution-finding. This is precisely where integrative geography makes a significant contribution. The key research objects of geography are time and space – that is to say processes of particular relevance for society which take place on various temporal and spatial scales. Geography is a highly interdisciplinary subject which is at the intersection between natural and social sciences.

  The bachelor's degree in Geography gives students an in-depth knowledge of processes which are characterised by the increasing interrelationships of nature and society. At present, two main branches of geography are taught in the bachelor programme at the University of Fribourg. These are human geography and physical geography. They give a comprehensive insight into the condition and processes of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere and atmosphere, and provide an understanding of economic, urban and political developments, and their consequences for the environment.

  Learning outcomes and career openings
  The aim of the bachelor's course is to give students a scientifically-grounded, practice-oriented qualification which is relevant to their future professional career and opens up suitable employment opportunities. Special emphasis is placed on the relevance and application of the skills they have acquired. In the two subject areas human and physical geography, students acquire a comprehensive fundamental knowledge and understanding of the relationships between nature and society and their influence on the various spheres. Applying the scientific methods they have learned, graduates are also capable of analysing spatial problems on various levels of scale and assessing, interpreting and evaluating the significance of various aspects from different perspectives in order to deduce possible solutions. By preparing a research paper, students learn, with close supervisory assistance, how to examine scientific and socially relevant questions independently.

  By building consistently on the contents of these common study foundations, students acquire a broad range of basic geographical knowledge in physical geography, human geography and geographical information systems. At the end of their studies they are optimally qualified to work in diverse areas of business, administration or science.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission

Alternatives

Minor study programmes to be chosen