Foundation courses in Geography

The School of Environment offers these courses within the Tertiary Foundation Certificate Programme (formerly called the Wellesley Programme), a pre-degree option available to people who want to study at university but do not feel adequately prepared. The Programme is available for people who left school with few or no formal qualifications and for those who need to improve on their Year 13 grades before entering Stage I courses. The major factors for success are motivation and determination to maintain the necessary effort.

GEOG 91F: Foundation Geography I

This course introduces population and development themes, including global and regional patterns of population growth, overpopulation, migration, urbanisation, city planning issues, uneven patterns of economic growth and human well being, and sustainable development.

This course is taught: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C)
Points: 15
Timetable S1 C: Check SSO

Course homepage

GEOG 92F: Foundation Geography II

This course focuses on the relationship between humans and the environment, emphasising long-term trends in resource use, human impacts on the environment, sustainable resource management, and natural and human-induced environmental hazards.

This course is taught: Second Semester, City Campus (S1 C)
Points: 15
Timetable S2 C: Check SSO

Course homepage

Both courses run for a twelve-week semester, with:

• 2 one-hour lectures per week
• 1 two-hour practical class a week
• occasional half-day field trips to various places around Auckland

Final marks for each course are based on:

• 60% coursework (2 essays plus lab and field exercises)
• 40% final examination (2 hours)

• "Being in a class of many different ages made me feel like I was in University, so it made me feel like I needed to be more mature and organised which I felt I could be."
• "Clear lecture organization."
• "Geography labs helped a lot."
• "Getting lots of feedback on my work helped me improve the next time."
• "Handouts were very good."
• "I got a lot of feedback and help in areas I was unsure of."
• "Lectures were presented clearly and concisely."
• "Lectures were really interesting."
• "Strong interest in and interaction with students in the lectures and tutorials."
• "The lecturer was friendly to approach for advice about lectures."

For more information on GEOG 91W and GEOG 92W please contact the Course Coordinator:

Lyndsay Blue
Room HSB 732
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 88443
Email: l.blue@auckland.ac.nz

All those who are serious about giving education a 'second go' will be considered. Intending students should complete an application form, available from the Programme Secretary:

Gill Stringer
Room HSB 732
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 84145
Email: g.stringer@auckland.ac.nz

Find more overall information about the Tertiary Foundation Certificate Programme