Geography

Introduction

Geography is a broad discipline that bridges the gap between arts, social sciences, and natural sciences, providing education on pressing concerns such as environmental change, regional and global inequality, and global economic and cultural transformation. We are dedicated to exploring, implementing, and disseminating information about the human and physical environment to prepare and engage students in critical thinking and meaningful problem-solving. Our aim is to equip students with a unified understanding of the constantly evolving world and its impact on human life.

The department's history can be traced back to 1931-32 when Geography was first introduced as a minor subject. The departmental office was officially established in 1936. In September 2021, the Department of Geography was relocated to the New Campus of GC University Lahore in Kala Shah Kaku (KSK). The new campus offers excellent facilities, including five model classrooms, a graduate room, departmental library, well equipped GIS Lab, Hydro-Geomorphology Lab, Geomatics Lab, and a Theater Hall.

We strive to create an enriching educational environment where students can develop a comprehensive understanding of the world and its dynamic interactions. By fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, we aim to prepare our students to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-changing global landscape.

Important Contacts

Phone Number: +92-317-141-6374
Email: shakeelmahmood@gcu.edu.pk; chairperson.geog@gcu.edu.pk

Vision

The Department of Geography is dedicated to the exploration, implementation, and dissemination of information about the human and physical environment. Our mission is to prepare and engage students in critical thinking and meaningful problem-solving, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and cultivating global citizenship, environmental stewardship, policymaking, and scientific inquiry.

Overview

Geography is a broad discipline that bridges the arts, social and natural sciences, and provides a broad education that tackles pressing concerns such as environmental change, regional and global inequality, and global economic and cultural transformation. Students gain a unified understanding of the constantly evolving world and how culture affects and is affected by it.

The interrelationships between society and the physical and human environment are the subject of the GC University Geography degree. In the foundational years, students are exposed to a wide variety of geographical subjects, which they can then explore in greater depth in the optional papers. The course places a strong focus on interdisciplinary perspectives, with chances to examine how geography and other fields including anthropology, sociology, history, political science, economics, earth sciences, and biology interact.

Instructional Practices

Our teaching practices have been devised according to the level and the needs of each program. In the first two years of BS program, teachers mostly adopt the lecture and demonstration method. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions and are assigned individual presentation. In Year III and IV of the BS program and Year I of the MS program, we rely more on student centered approach. The teaching methodology employed in these years is based on:

  • Student centered approach
  • Collaborating Method
  • Activity Based Teaching (ABL)
  • Task Based Teaching (TBT)

Interactive Teaching Apart from regular teaching conferences, refresher classes, invited lectures, workshops and seminars are held on a regular basis to inspire students to improve their academic and research skills. Field visits help students learn more about the subject and become more involved in it.

Teaching Resources

Geography Department has some of the best facilities, notably Departmental Library, which has a collection of over 1300 books on open shelves. Our Labs (GIS & Geography) are well-equipped for practical courses and independent research studies. Moreover, Modern surveying tools such as Total station, GPS and Auto level are also there. The geography lab contains the Automatic Weather Station, Meteorological Instruments, Globes, Particulate Matter Counter, Salt Range Rock samples, Samples of Flexible Sandstones, and Soil and Minerals samples.

Research

Our faculty has published numerous research articles in specialized international journals including Natural Hazards, Environmental Earth Sciences, Remote sensing, Climate Dynamics, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction and Erdkunde. Around 72 research articles have been published by the faculty in W, X and Y categories. Currently the department is supporting the following research groups which are efficiently working to produce research in various fields of geography

  • Disaster Risk Modelling and Management
  • Climate Change Studies
  • Watershed Modelling and Management
  • Land Use Planning and Management
  • Fluvial Geomorphology
  • Population Geography
  • Spatial Epidemiology
  • Environmental Monitoring and Management

Assessment

Rubric based assessment both in Mid Term and Final Term exam as well as in Projects. Both project based assessment and traditional exams strategies are actively in practice. Semester work includes quizzes, assignments, presentations, field work and field report.

Research

An inspiring and collaborative community The Department has signed MOUs with various governmental or semi-governmental organizations at national and international level to maintain student's involvement in the Geographical Nexus, which is unquestionably broad. A few of these institutes are:

  • University of Applied Sciences, Neubrandenburg, Germany
  • Department of City and Regional Planning (CRP), University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore
  • Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Regional Center Lahore
  • Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA), Lahore
  • Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA)
  • University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore
  • Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), Lahore
  • Urban Unit (USPMU), Lahore
  • Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS)