GEOG 102Changing Physical Environments
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Environment
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 5 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
An introductory course examining the forces that drive and change Earth’s climate and its impacts on the physical environments of the planet. These factors are explored for systems including the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and cryosphere, and the interconnections between them.
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 5286 | 0 / 300 | TTh 14:30–15:50 |
| LEC 701 | 2091 | 220 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
60% liked it74% easy74% useful
From 124 ratings and 32 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
This course is extremely difficult and challenging. The course syllabus is composed of 3 tests (that are basically exams) with no other assignments, quizzes, or work. These 3 tests are very heavily weighted at 30%, 30%, and 40%. There is no room for error, or any chances of extra credit if you make a mistake on any of these tests (which it is very easy to do). I strongly recommend against taking this course. If you have to take it because its a requirement, wait until a different professor is teaching it or until the syllabus changes.
Apr 2023 · didn’t like it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
One of my absolute favourite courses during my undergrad career. Possibly the birdiest course I've ever taken. Despite being very easy, It was not boring at all and the material was genuinely intriguing. If you have even the slightest interest in physical geography this course is a free 90. You learn about timezones, volcanoes, earthquakes, global warming, etc. Would highly recommend. Must go to class though if you have Christine Dow.
Nov 2017 · liked it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Course has no assignments or quizzes. Entire course was based on tests which made it hard
Feb 2023 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
This course is useful if you want to go into geological studies. The quizzes were not too bad but the short essay questions were not as easy as they were closed book, so make sure you study the content well if you have Dr. Ledrew.
Dec 2020 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Took online as an engineering CSE. 80+ is trivial. Content is broad introductory geophysical stuff, other than 2x 300-word writing assignments you just have to memorize the content modules for online quizzes and the final.
Aug 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
51 posts and comments in 40 threads mention GEOG 102, January 2012 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Spring 2024
Which is more bird/easier GEOG 102 or GEOG 207 (taking online) 1 point, 2 comments
Winter 2024
GEOG 102 Notes 3 points, 0 comments
u/t2mmm: “Would greatly appreciate if anyone had any GEOG 102 notes, midterm practice questions, or general notes of 102! To anyone who took before, how was it, any advice?”
Fall 2023
Environment, Resources and Sustainability- Info for Incoming Students 16 points, 1 comment
u/Extra-Ad-7289: “… Policy: PSCI 100/150, SDS 131R, LS 101, GEOG 101, FR courses (if you want to work in policy, French is a huge asset) Science: GEOG 102, BIOL 150, BIOL 165, EARTH 121 Technical Solutions: ENBUS 102, GEOG 181 Environmental Thought: Any first year PHIL, PACS, SOC or ANTH course …”
Winter 2023
Final term before graduation, various GEOG textbooks available 2 points, 6 comments
u/hyenagames: “I am in Geomatics, so I kind of pilled up some of my textbooks I am willing to sell. Some of them include GEOG 101/102/201/202. And the Data sense courses, like GEOG 186/187/271/286”
u/Secure-Lake5784: “Shit I could use them bro”
u/Secure-Lake5784: “Probably geog 102, 271”
Fall 2022
Do i need to get a clicker and textbooks? 5 points, 13 comments
“Like the title says. Im starting my first yr of Biomedical science at uw in like a week. I was checking the uw store and seeing which books I needed and some of my classes (like biol130) are asking …”
u/hhhuhhhuhhh: “Libgen has pretty much every first year book's pdf for free. If you want physical copies go to the used book store in SLC or look at FB groups that are about selling and buying used books at UW. …”
u/cheesecake-allergy: “First year ENV stats... Geog 102... I think an English course too? It's been a while lol”
Spring 2022
Geog 102 grades? 0 points, 1 comment
u/nijnolat: “Does anyone know when spring term Geog 102 grades appear on quest?”
REC 100 vs GEOG 102 2 points, 3 comments
u/Lazy_Kangaroo4532: “Im currently enrolled in REC 100, but thinking of switching to GEOG 102. Any suggestions? Is GEOG 102 final exam online?”
Winter 2021
GEOG 102 0 points, 1 comment
u/throwaway6789996212: “did anyone take geog 102 this winter term? how was it? I'm looking for a bird course and wanted to take it this spring but im not sure if it's bird or not. Also has anyone taken psych 207?”
Spring 2020
What are your favourite bird courses at Waterloo which would work online? 6 points, 4 comments
“Clearly this depends on skill, interests, etc. However, what do you think are some good birds to take next term seeing as it's online? …”
u/monsieur_dauphin: “Geog 102 was p cool as well.”
physical geography? 0 points, 5 comments
“what courses are considered as physical geography??? need one as a prereq for nursing applications :(”
u/account404040: “maybe geog 102?”
u/Hazelloverr: “that's great, I think I'm gonna take geog 102 thank you for your help! good luck :)”
Winter 2020
online course 3 points, 14 comments
“I am kind of in a dilemma. I am in need of one last course. Preferably online. If there are any online course u'd recommend then please let me know! …”
u/monsieur_dauphin: “GEOG 102. Course was pretty easy and not too boring; there was a final in my term but only worth 30%.”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them