Graduate Courses
The Department's programme of courses for graduate research students can be accessed by clicking on this link. Each course listed on the programme should normally run at least once every two years. The list of courses and/or their scheduling may be updated from time-to-time. The Department will release information on the final scheduling of course just before the start of each academic year.
Important:
NUS will adopt three new academic terminologies from 1 August 2023 - “Module” will be renamed “Course”, “Modular Credit (MC)” will be renamed “Unit”, and “Cumulative Average Point (CAP)” will be renamed “Grade Point Average (GPA)”. The definition of a Module/Course and MC/Unit will remain the same, and there will be no change to the computation of the CAP/GPA.
Semester 1 - AY2024/25
ASSOC PROFESSOR MAX LUPASCU
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 1-2-0-5-2
Preclusion: GE6215 Pre-requisite(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course is intended to provide an introduction to integrative aspects of earth environmental sciences, varying from climatology, geomorphology, hydrology to ecology, at the research level. Environmental systems are studied at several scales and research design is examined within the context of experimental methods in physical geography. The course includes lectures, reading assignments and seminars. Students are expected to participate actively throughout. This course is for all graduate students during the first semester in which they are registered in the department of geography. A formal research proposal for beginning graduate students (MA and PhD level) is expected at the end.
C.A.: 100%
DR DYLAN BRADY
DR TAN WENN ER
Workload: 3-0-0-4-3
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This module challenges students to analyse the practical problems encountered in using the various methods available in human geography research. It builds upon the undergraduate modules in research methods and includes an evaluation of the construction and design of research questions in various field contexts, weighing between the major methods of data collection (e.g. quantitative and qualitative), and the practical problems of data and information analysis. Common research methods such as surveys, case studies, interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation will be carried out so that students can benefit from first hand experience in the field. Students will also be exposed to archival and map materials. Students will also be taught what sponsors look for in research proposals. As the module is entirely project-based, students are expected to have full-scale participation in the module.
C.A.: 100%
DR LUO WEI
Workload: 1-0-2-4-3
Pre-requisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This module is designed for students with some experience in geographic information systems (GIS) who want to learn how to extend GIS to perform custom analyses, to automate common GIS tasks, or just to learn how spatial data is structured and managed “under the hood”. Topics will include the fundamentals of programming (in Python), geo-processing function libraries, spatial data structures and access, and geometry and spatial algorithms. No prior programming experience is required.
DR YAN YINGWEI
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 1-1-1-4-3
Preclusion(s): Students with prior GIS training should consult with the lecturer in charge to decide if the module is suitable.
This module aims to introduce students the fundamental concepts and components of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Fundamental concepts covered include spatial data models, data quality, cartographic principles, and spatial analysis. Hands-on training provided includes spatial data development, attribute management, geovisualization, and spatial analysis operations. Some selected cases of GIS applications in social sciences, humanities, environmental studies, and management will be introduced.
The role of GIS as an integrated platform for decision making will be highlighted. The module is for students who have no prior GIS background but wish to apply geospatial techniques in their respective fields of interest.
C.A.: 100%;
ASSOC PROFESSOR FENG CHEN-CHIEH
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 1-1-3-3-2
Pre-requisite(s)/ Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This module provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in GIS applications across a range of different subject areas, including geography, geology, environmental science, ecology, civil engineering, urban planning, real estate, health sciences, social sciences and humanities. Through this module, students are expected to explore different modelling approaches, discuss applications of the models, and work on lab exercises and research projects.
C.A.: 100%;
DR NATHAN GREEN
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-3-4
Pre-requisite(s)/ Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
Political ecology is a vibrant interdisciplinary field for critically investigating complex relations between environment and society, paying close attention to power and politics. This module traces the foundations of the field, particularly within geography, and its diverse epistemological approaches, which address how capitalism, knowledge, gender, race, and more shape human interactions with biophysical natures. The module covers current themes such as decolonization, urbanization, and climate change and is intended for graduate students with and without a political ecology background. Students will gain the theoretical tools and analytical skills necessary to understand, and address, urgent contemporary environmental and social problems.
C.A.: 100%
ALL TEACHING STAFF
Modular credits: 4
Workload: Minimum 10 hours per week.
Pre-requisite(s)/ Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
The level 5000 Independent Study Module is designed to enable a graduate student or small group of graduate students to explore an approved topic relating to their planned area of research. Students should normally expect to meet with their mentor three times over the duration of the module.
A proposal must be drawn up between the student(s) and mentor and approved by the Graduate Coordinator/Deputy Graduate Coordinator before the end of week 3 of the semester. This study proposal must state clearly the obligations of the student, the agreed-upon mode of assessment, the relevance of the chosen topic to his/her studies, and provide a clear guarantee that the assignment is in addition to work envisaged as part of their thesis. A culminating piece or pieces of written work (report and/or essay) is/are required. Where students have worked as a group, members of the group may submit individual pieces of written work or, alternatively, may work collectively on a joint piece of written work, depending on the approved agreement.
C.A.: 100%;To comprise written work with a length that, under normal circumstances, falls within the range 4000-6000 words (excluding references and any appendices but including tables and figure and table captions) for individual reports or essays, or 6000-8000 words (excluding references and any appendices but including tables and figure and table captions) for a group-based, single (collective) piece of written work.
All CA will be double-marked. Where there is a large and unresolved discrepancy between the marks awarded by the two markers (>10%), work may be evaluated by a third marker.
ALL TEACHING STAFF
Modular credits: 4
Workload: Minimum 10 hours per week.
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
The level 6000 Independent Study Module is designed to enable the student to explore in some depth a topic in Geography that is of relevance to their research interests. Unlike with GE5660, there is no provision for group work with GE6660. Students should normally expect to meet with their mentor three times over the duration of the module.
A proposal must be drawn up between the student(s) and mentor and approved by the Graduate Coordinator/Deputy Graduate Coordinator before the end of week 3 of the semester. This study proposal must state clearly the obligations of the student, the agreed-upon mode of assessment, the relevance of the chosen topic to his/her studies, and provide a clear guarantee that the assignment is in addition to work envisaged as part of their thesis. A culminating piece or pieces of written work (report and/or essay) is/are required.
C.A.: 100%
NOTETo comprise written work with a length that, under normal circumstances, falls within the range 4000-6000 words in total (excluding references and any appendices but including tables and figure and table captions).
All CA will be double-marked. Where there is a large and unresolved discrepancy between the marks awarded by the two markers (>10%), work may be evaluated by a third marker.