Undergraduate Courses
For information on courses offered for the forthcoming semesters, as well as on instructor details, select the relevant semester option below. Please note the changes to some course codes, and pay attention to course preclusions provided in the detailed write-up for each course.
Courses offered:
Semester 1 - AY2026/27
PROFESSOR TC CHANG
DR GEORGESCU MATEI
Units: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-2-0-5
Preclusion: GEK1001
Cross-listing:
Description:
In this course, we will explore contemporary socio-economic and environmental issues and processes shaping our world, and the geographical perspectives needed to better understand them. Our primary goal is to develop students with strong ‘geographical imaginations’ better able to understand our human and physical environments and all their complexities in a holistic way.
C.A.: 100%; Duration of examination: 0 hrs
PROFESSOR BRENDA YEOH
Units: 4
Workload: 3-1-0-3-3
Pre-requisite(s): Nil
Preclusions: GEK2001, SSA2202, GES1003
Cross-listings: GEK2001, SSA2202
Description:
This course attempts to understand the rationale of changes in Singapore’s urban landscape.
It places these changes within a framework that considers Singapore’s efforts to globalise and examines how policies are formulated with the idea of sustaining an economy that has integral links sub-regionally with Southeast Asia while developing new spatial linkages that will strengthen its position in the global network.
Emphasis is also given to recent discussions about how diversity and difference in the perception and use of space pose a challenge to the utilitarian and functional definition adopted by the state.
C.A.: 100%; Duration of examination: 0 hrs
ASSOC PROF GODFREY YEUNG
Units: 4
Workload: 2-1-1-4-2
Pre-requisite(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusions: -
Description:
This introductory course on methods has two fundamental aims. In addition to highlight the ‘best practices’ in research, this course aims to equip students with a range of practical qualitative and quantitative research skills that will be ‘transferable’ to a variety of post-university situations.
C.A.: 100%; Duration of examination: NA
ASSOC PROFESSOR MAX LUPASCU
DR REMI LUO
Units: 4
Workload: 2-2-0-2-4
Pre-requisite(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusions: GE2225
Description:
This course is an introduction to Earth Systems Science, providing students with an understanding of the key interactions between the different spheres of planet Earth: the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and the anthroposphere. In particular, students will develop an understanding of the holistic view and thinking about interconnections and interrelationships in the earth’s systems and sub-systems. This course will highlight key concepts shaping Earth Systems Science, such as sustainability, planetary boundaries and safe operating spaces.
C.A.: 70%; Duration of examination: 2 hrs
DR ZHOU WEN
Units: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-3-4
Pre-requisite(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE3250
Description:
What is the place of people within the environment? What is the place of nature within the human? These questions have never been more important than today, when the world faces compounding socio-ecological crises, including pollution, species extinctions, and climate change. In this course, we examine the ways in which people have made and been made by the natural environment in order to question longstanding constructions that separate nature and society, interrogate how intersecting relations of power (class, race, and gender, etc.) shape nature-society relations, and to open space for more sustainable and just futures. Topics surveyed include how nature has been protected as wilderness, claimed as resources, and domesticated as crops; the nature of urban environments; and the political-economic drivers of climate change and “natural” disasters, among other topics. Emphasizing both theory and method, the course prepares students to critically evaluate complex nature-society relationships, and serves as a foundational course for upper-level courses in human-environment geography.
C.A.: 100%; Duration of examination: 0 hrs
DR ALLEN XIAO
Units: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-3-4
Pre-requisite(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE3248
Description
This course is designed for students with an interest in urban studies from comparative and global perspectives. It covers historical work on urban transition theories and situate this in a world of contextually situated dynamics. On the one hand, the course focuses on structural factors that contribute to changes in cities, including immigration, economic restructuring, geopolitics, and technologies; on the other hand, it specifically examines the roles of states and their power relationships with citizens in the transitional processes.
C.A.: 70%; Duration of examination: 2 hrs
PROFESSOR MATTHIAS ROTH
Units: 4
Workload: 2-0-1-2-5
Pre-requisite(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE2228, GE3253
Description:
Weather has an immediate effect on all of us and climate is important in human affairs on a global level. This course provides an introduction to both weather and climate. Processes underlying the behaviour of the atmospheric environment from local to global scales are discussed. The module commences with a discussion of atmospheric concepts in a visual and practical manner. Understanding and application of basic meteorological principles will help to explain environmental phenomena such as clouds and precipitation, tropical storms and global climate change. This course is appropriate for students from all Faculties.
C.A.: 60%; Duration of examination: 2 hrs
DR YAN YINGWEI
Units: 4
Workload: 2-0-2-3-3
Preclusion(s)/Pre-requisites: Nil
This course focuses on the important concepts and the practical use of Geographic Information System (GIS) in problem solving in both the social and physical sciences. Topics to be covered include vector and raster data formats and their analytical functions. This course is designed as learning through practicing, so practical laboratory excises utilising GIS software such as ArcGIS will be major classroom activities. This course is mounted for students throughout NUS with interests in GIS applications in sciences, social sciences, engineering and business analysis.
C.A.: 70%; Duration of examination: 2 hrs
DR MUHAMMAD NAWAZ
DR ABEL YANG
Units: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-4-3
Pre-requisite(s): Open to CHS and all other students (Priority for CHS students)
Preclusion(s): XD3103
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Description:
This module introduces earth and planetary science in an integrated manner through the intersection of physical geography and astronomy, providing students with an understanding of Earth as a planet, alien worlds, universal processes and life beyond Earth. In particular, the students will develop an understanding of processes common to planets, with a view to understanding the potential future human exploration and colonization of the solar system. This module will also highlight the key concepts shaping planetary system science and how discoveries from different fields are changing the interdisciplinary knowledge relevant to the earth and planetary science.
C.A.: 60%; Exam duration: 2 hrs
DR VANESSA BANTA
Units: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-3-4
Preclusion(s)/Pre-requisite(s)/ Cross-listing(s): Nil
Description:
This course examines the impact of feminism on human geography, from the call to insert women into geographical analyses and take into account gender relations in rethinking dominant definitions of space, place, landscape and nature to more recent debates on diversity and difference. It also explores the politics and practice of doing feminist research in geography. Drawing on case studies in both developed and developing countries, the gendering of specific sites (ranging from the home to the nation) and processes (e.g. migration) is explicated in the module. The course is targeted at all students interested in gender issues.
C.A.: 70%; Duration of examination: 2 hrs
DR MENGZE LI
Units: 4
Workload: 2-2-0-3-3
Preclusion(s)/Pre-requisite(s)/ Cross-listing(s): GE4237, GE4237HM
Description:
Environmental pollution, the introduction of pollutants to the environment through human activity in amounts that can have adverse effects on biota, including humans, and ecosystem services, has in recent years become both more widespread and, in places, more acute. The fundamental principles of environmental pollution are used as a basis for an in-depth examination of the production and release of pollutants and their eventual pollution of the environment, and how pollution processes and effects have varied over time. Students will also consider how problems of environmental pollution can best be addressed.
C.A.: 100%
PROFESSOR ELAINE HO
Units: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-2-5
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE2206
Description
This course introduces students to major debates about population from a geographical perspective. Students will examine how geography interacts with key demographic processes and meanings over the life course, including fertility, health and disease, migration, ageing, and death. The course explores how these population dynamics are entwined with contemporary concerns such as gender and power, climate change and digitalisation. Students will gain the skills to understand current population challenges, evaluate responses, assess policy impacts, and envision alternative futures. No prior background is required—come with curiosity and a willingness to think critically about real-world challenges.
DR GRETCHEN COFFMAN
Units: 4
Workload: 2-0-2-2-4
Pre-requisite(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE2229
Description:
Water is present and moves through all parts of the Earth system; the freshwater component, amounting to about 1% of water on Earth, is fundamental to life. This course focuses on rivers, lakes, estuaries, wetlands and adjoining land (coastal and riparian zones). Taking a global perspective, with a focus on the tropics and Singapore, this course explores the reservoirs, pathways and functioning of the hydrologic cycle, and the interactions between water and land, both on and below Earth’s surface. Dynamic hydrological processes and their effects, aquatic ecosystems, human interactions and impacts and eco-hydrology are also covered.
C.A.: 100%; Duration of examination: 0 hrs
PROFESSOR LU XIXI
Units: 4
Workload: 2-0-2-2-4
Pre-requisite(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE2220
Description:
Earth’s geosphere – the ground beneath our feet – may seem constant and relatively unchanging, but nothing could be further from the truth. This course examines the main processes that combine to influence the development of Earth’s surface and the formation of and changes to landscapes. The origins and development of landforms, particularly in the humid tropics, is explored, as are the characteristics, functioning, dynamics and interactions within and between major associated ecosystems. Human- induced landform and ecosystem modifications are also considered. The knowledge obtained in this course is applicable to broader environmental management issues.
C.A.: 50%; Duration of examination: 2 hrs
DR SHAUN TEO
GE4204
Units: 4
Workload: 0-0-0-0-3-7
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE4204HM
Pre-requisite(s):
Cohort 2021 onwards: Completed 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE, or 28 Units in SN or 28 Units in GL/GL-recognised non-language courses. Must have read and passed GE1101E
C.A.: 100%; Duration of examination: 0 hrs
GE4204HM
Units: 5
Workload: 0-0-0-0-3-9.5
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE4204
Pre-requisite(s):
Cohort 2019 and before:
- Completed 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE or 28 Units in SN, with a minimum GPA of 3.20 or be on the Honours track.
- Global Studies students:
Completed at least 80 Units, including 28 Units in GL/GL-recognised non-language course, with a minimum GPA of 3.20 or be on the Honours track.
Cohort 2020 onwards:
- Completed 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE, or 28 Units in SN, 28 Units of GL/GL-recognised non-language courses, with a minimum GPA of 3.20 or be on the Honours track.
C.A.: 125%; Duration of examination: 0 hrs
Descriptions:
This course examines the geographical politics of urban knowledge production. It begins by tracing how dominant understandings of urbanisation emerged from Euro-American experiences and explores what happens when urban theory is re-imagined from the vantage point of cities often dismissed as ‘slums’. Through cases across the global South and East, students will learn how informal governance, creative adaptations of space and everyday practices of survival generate alternative ways of understanding and theorising contemporary urbanisation. The course challenges students to unlearn and relearn what they know about cities and how to operate in an increasingly complex urban world.
DR TANG HAO
GE4214
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-2-5
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE4214HM
Pre-requisite(s):
Cohort 2021 onwards:
- To read and pass GE2215.
- Completed 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE.
Cohort 2021 onwards: (BES XDP students)
- To read and pass GE2215.
- Completed 80 Units of NUS courses before they can read any level-4000 GE courses.
C.A.: 100%; Duration of examination: 0hrs
GE4214HM
Units: 5
Workload: 0-2-3-3-4.5
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE4214
Pre-requisite(s):
Cohort 2020 and before:
- Read and passed GE2215.
- Completed 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE, with a minimum GPA of 3.50 or be on the Honours track.
- BES students from both specialisations:
To read and pass GE2215. Completed 80 Units of NUS courses before they can read any level-4000 GE courses. Do not need to complete 28 Units of GE courses before they can read any level-4000 GE courses. Do not need a minimum GPA of 3.20 before they can read any level-4000 GE courses.
C.A.: 125%; Duration of examination: 0hrs
Description:
The objectives of this course are to build upon the fundamentals taught in GE2215 and GE3216 through more in-depth study of remote sensing technology, error analysis, calibration, and image analysis. On the other hand, various applications of remote sensing to different subjects are covered in greater detail than in lower level courses, with the introduction of various kinds of remotely-sensed data.
This course is taught with lectures, laboratories/tutorials and final project. Students are required to initiate, present and submit the final project to complete the course requirement.
DR CARL GRUNDY-WARR
DR CARLY NICHOLS
GE4221
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-2-5
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE4221HM
Pre-requisite(s):
Cohort 2021 onwards:
- Completed 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE, with a minimum GPA of 3.20 or be on the Honours track.
- BES XDP students:
Completed 80 Units of NUS courses before they can read any level-4000 GE courses
C.A.: 100%; Duration of examination: Nil
GE4221HM
Units: 5
Workload: 0-3-0-7-2.5
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE4221
Pre-requisite(s):
Cohort 2020 and before:
- Completed 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE, with a minimum GPA of 3.50 or be on the Honours track.
- BES students from both specialisations:
Completed 80 Units of NUS courses before they can read any level-4000 GE courses. Do not need to complete 28 Units of GE courses before they can read any level-4000 GE courses. Do not need a minimum GPA of 3.20 before they can read any level-4000 GE courses.
C.A.: 125%; Duration of examination: Nil
Description:
The course provides an opportunity for students to gain hands-on skills and research design practice through residential fieldwork in human geography.
The field trip will be embedded within the regular semester and will be preceded by preparatory classes to provide concepts, theories and specific techniques relevant to the fieldwork location. It will be followed by a period of post fieldwork analysis and presentation of project outcomes.
TBA
GE4224
Units: 4
Workload: 0-0-0-2-3-5
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE4224HM
Pre-requisite(s):
Cohort 2021 onwards:
- Completed 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE.
- BES XDP students from both specialisations:
Completed 80 Units of NUS courses before they can read any level-4000 GE courses.
C.A.: 100%; Duration of examination: NA
GE4224HM
Units: 5
Workload: 0-0-1-5.5-6
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE4224
Pre-requisite(s):
Cohort 2020 and before:
- Completed 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE, with a minimum GPA of 3.20 or be on the Honours track.
- BES students from both specialisations:
Completed 80 Units of NUS courses before they can read any level-4000 GE courses. Do not need to complete 28 Units of GE courses before they can read any level-4000 GE courses. Do not need a minimum GPA of 3.20 before they can read any level-4000 GE courses.
C.A.: 125%; Duration of examination: NA
Description:
This course explores the subfield of biogeography, dedicated to understanding and addressing the profound impacts of human activities on global diversity. Integrating principles from ecology, geography and conservation science, students will explore species' and ecosystems' spatial distribution, abundance and conservation status in Southeast Asia. Emphasis is placed on identifying biodiversity hotspots, assessing threats and devising conservation strategies. Students will explore risks of extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change and invasive species. Through hands-on experiences, including fieldtrips, expert guest lectures and group conservation projects, students will acquire practical skills and apply theoretical insights to tackle pressing ecological challenges.
ASSOC PROFESSOR LIN WEIQIANG
GE4226
Units: 4
Workload: 0-0-0-2-3-5
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE4226HM
Pre-requisite(s):
Cohort 2021 onwards: Completed 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE.
C.A.: 100%; Duration of examination: Nil
GE4226HM
Units: 5
Workload: 0-0-0-4-3-5.5
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): GE4226
Pre-requisite(s):
Cohort 2019 and before:
- Completed at least 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE, with a minimum GPA of 3.20 or be on the Honours track.
- Global Studies students:
Completed 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE or 28 Units in GL/GL-recognised non-language modules, with a minimum GPA of 3.20 or be on the Honours track.
Cohort 2020 :
- Completed at least 80 Units, including 28 Units in GE, with a minimum GPA of 3.20 or be on the Honours track.
C.A.: 125%; Exam: Nil
Description:
Ever wondered what goes into the constant flow and movement of society? This course draws on the “mobilities paradigm” to pose exactly questions like this. Oftentimes, social life has been imagined to revolve around places and fixed sites, proffering what can be called “sedentarist” thinking. This course wants to demonstrate that movement is, instead, actually a geography in its own right, replete with meaning, purpose and politics. Taking urban transport and communications as its focal point, three aspects will be emphasized: experiences of urban travel; infrastructures of circulation; and the digitalization of cities. The course aims to help students appreciate what is at stake in mobilities, and how society defines and transforms itself through them.