Hi all,
For one of my requirements, I must take a course from the Faculty of Science. I was wondering if all the geography courses would fulfill this requirement (specifically 1ha3, hb3), or are there restrictions as to what ones would count? Because I know previously (like 4 years ago), course codes with 'H' in them were non-science, but things have changed since then. I have emailed a few people, and they have yet to get back to me, so any help would be appreciated. Thank you

Originally Posted by septsweetie

Hi all,
For one of my requirements, I must take a course from the Faculty of Science. I was wondering if all the geography courses would fulfill this requirement (specifically 1ha3, hb3), or are there restrictions as to what ones would count? Because I know previously (like 4 years ago), course codes with 'H' in them were non-science, but things have changed since then. I have emailed a few people, and they have yet to get back to me, so any help would be appreciated. Thank you

Yes, if you look them up in the Master timetable, they're under the faculty of science so yes, they would qualify. And the "H" thing doesn't apply now, I've never heard of it anyway :/.
https://adweb.cis.mcmaster.ca /mtt/...res.php?page=1

This is kind of tricky. I'm in third year Geography and I've been told I'm both Social Science and Science (by different people). My academic advisor is a Soc Sci advisor, but I was told by the Geography department that I am a Science student. I still don't know which it is. Your best bet is to contact BOTH the Science department and Social Science department, explain your situation, and ask. I don't know if the "H" rule still applies, but it's possible that some Geog courses are considered "science' and some aren't.
You can email Professor Bernier or Professor Mercier, the Geography department advisors. They are quick to respond and probably know the answer.

As Kathy mentioned you should definitely email Dr. Mercier to get a clear answer. It is my understanding that geography courses are considered a social science. I think where the confusion comes in is with the fact that the department is part of a science department (with earth/environmental sciences). Be sure to double check but I have a strong feeling that geo courses are considered a social science.

I would not contact Dr. Bernier or Dr. Mercier for this. I would contact an academic advisor from YOUR department or faculty. They are the ones that will know if the courses you choose will fill your requirements for your program. The SGES academic advisors will know little about your requirements.

The SGES is an interdisciplinary department. All course information can be accessed in the course calendar from Social Sciences and Science. I know this causes confusion.

Kathy2, if you are earning a BSc in Geography then it's the Geography and Environmental sciences degree. The first year sciences course requirements make it a B.Sc....in addition to the number of Earth Sc courses you are required to take.

There is no science material in Geog 1hb3 or 1ha3 from what I recall. Your faculty or program may deem them "science"....but they aren't really. Why don't you take earth sc 1AO3, 1B03 or 1G03? Those three courses will definitely fulfill a science requirement.

How could geography possibly be a science class though? there is no math in it, it's almost entirely writing. I wanna meet the genius who decided to make this change.

Originally Posted by Eternal Fire

How could geography possibly be a science class though? there is no math in it, it's almost entirely writing. I wanna meet the genius who decided to make this change.

There are a few Geography classes that I've taken that have strong math components. 3EE3, 3ER3 and 2LI3, for example.

The geography courses that are more "sciencey" are the GIS courses. Lots of statistics and manipulation/exploration...Padden courses that Kathy2 mentioned...strong math components=baby math. They are nothing like what is seen in the faculty of Science/ other departments.

Hello all,
I got answers from both my department and the science, and they would count as geography courses.
Thank you!