Learning outcomes

The future graduate will be preparing for the masters level training in geographic science, general orientation, or climate orientation. They will approach geographic questions at various scale and be trained in multidisciplinary approaches and spatial analysis techniques.

The bachelor student will learn to use both theoretical and practical knowledge. They acquire competence in analyses, modeling and communication. They are able to monitor and describe the environment, to understand and explain the spatial organizations of natural phenomena, human activity and how they interact, and of using well-defined geographic techniques.

At the end of its training in the Faculty of Sciences, the student will have acquired the disciplinary and transversal knowledge and competence necessary to be a relevant and useful professional. Their capacity to model and understand geographic phenomena in-depth and their taste for research and for scientific rigor are sought after not only in scientific employment (research, development, education) but also more broadly in today’s and tomorrow’s society.

On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :

1. 1. Master and apply the main concepts of fundamental and human sciences and the foundations of geographic sciences needed to understand geographic questions.

  1. Master and apply basic concepts in fundamental sciences in the following disciplines : mathematics, chemistry, physics, animal biology, plant biology and geology.
  2. Identify and use the basic concepts in human sciences in the following disciplines : political economy, demography, geopolitics, development science, philosophy.
  3. Integrate and use the foundations of geographic sciences : In physical geography : geomorphology and biogeography; In human geography : urban geography, transport geography, rural geography, geography of health and economic geography ; In climatology : bioclimatology and meteorology.

2. 2. Monitoring and describe the environment and its evolution

  1. Describe the landscape and use templates for analysis in the context of field-based observation in Belgium.
  2. Analyse aerial pictures, topographic maps and thematic maps.
  3. Synthesize the organisation of the land using satellite Earth observation.
  4. Use a diversity of spatial data bases

3. Analyze the behavior of natural systems and human systems and their interactions.

  1. Identify the characteristics of spatial organization, their physical and human components how they interact.
  2. Formulate hypotheses and assumptions.
  3. Carry out a literature search on the topic in French and in English and synthesize the information collected.
  4. Collect and assemble the relevant data.
  5. Apply an identified data analysis method.
  6. Demonstrate rigorous attitude, precision and critical mind.

4. 4. Describe quantitatively the behavior of natural and human systems using numerical models

  • Master statistical analysis methods.
  • Interpret and analyze remotely sensed data.
  • Make thematic maps.
  • Use Geographic Information Systems.

5. 5. Use appropriate digital tools to process and analyze data

  • Write computer code and carry out statistical analysis using R.
  • Use remote sensing image processing software.
  • Use appropriate digital tools to process and analyze data.

6. 6. Participate in integrated, well-defined geography projects, as part of a team

· Link various aspects of geography, accounting for natural and human dimensions.

· Take part in a project on a well-defined question, using a methodological guidance.

· Analyse and synthesize results.

· Collaborate in a team and develop relational qualities.

7. 7. Communicate results and methods efficiently to a diversity of stakeholders

· Communicate orally and in writing in French and in English (B1 level)

· Communicate results to peers.

· Communicate using maps, synthesis sketches and graphs.

· Master the digital tools and techniques needed for communication.