GEOG 306Human Dimensions of Natural Hazards
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Environment
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 3 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
This course will investigate the human dimensions of the global experience with natural hazards and associated disasters. The physical nature of a wide range of geophysical and biophysical hazards will be explored, paying particular attention to the ways in which hazards become dangerous to humans, and the pathways by which humans can either increase or decrease their vulnerability in the face of natural hazards.
Prerequisites
- Students must be in level 2A or higher
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
No course lists it as a requisite.
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 5320 | 0 / 200 | TTh 13:00–14:20 |
| LEC 701 | 2113 | 145 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
92% liked it91% easy78% useful
From 36 ratings and 8 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
It is a good look at how human activity/settlements and natural disasters interact. If you are studying human geography this a class you will want to take. I took it as an elective and I found it interesting and engaging, but not extremely necessary for my degree (I study physical geo). Nonetheless, I would look at what upper year courses require this as a prereq as many in the GEM program require it (the 2016 PLAN anyway). Overall, I found the class easy and enjoyable to take.
Jul 2018 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
One of the best courses I took in my uni life. If you like to study about natural disasters, this course is made for you.
Nov 2016 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Best course I have ever taken. As long as you show up to class and have an interest in the course you will get a great mark. very interesting topics that are relevant to a large group of studies
Jul 2016 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Interesting course. Focuses on natural disasters, what causes them, and how we can prepare for them and take action to prevent mass effects. Reflections, reports, one final exam.
May 2025 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
Easy and fun course.
Feb 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
13 posts and comments in 12 threads mention GEOG 306, February 2015 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
What are the fun profs/courses that you are currently taking and would recommend for future terms? 4 points, 9 comments
u/Wrong_Mongoose6829: “Geog 306 human dimension of natural disaster”
Fall 2023
Has anyone taken ERS 215, GeoG 306, or Envs 195? 2 points, 13 comments
u/ee2424: “If so what was the work load like? Did you like the class?”
Winter 2023
Geog 306 0 points, 1 comment
Winter 2022
Anyone in GEOG 219? 1 point, 2 comments
u/Wrong_Mongoose6829: “Bird course for geog will be geog101, geog207, envs195. However, there are also some interesting courses like geog306 which talks about natural disasters; envs200, which teach you how to id trees, birds, and wildflowers and test the water quality in the laurel creek”
Fall 2020
Seismology or astronomy courses 6 points, 7 comments
“i'm in the arts faculty but i would like to take a course in anything that has to do with astronomy or seismology. are there any that you guys recommend?”
u/getmyjuicesflowing: “Earth 270 and Geog 306 discuss natural disasters. Earth 270 is more in depth with seismology than geog 306”
Spring 2020
Minoring in GEM/geography or Urban Studies 7 points, 5 comments
“I was wondering if anyone here has minored in GEM or urban studies, I'm in the env faculty and was wondering if there's difficulty or limited spaces getting into upper year GEOG/PLAN/etc courses. …”
u/RedPanda26: “… For the Urban studies minor, I really liked GEOG 306 and ENVS 200. I didn't take any of the PLAN classes outside of PLAN 100. …”
u/cookie753: “… I'm supposed to take ENVS 200 for my required courses already, and I read about GEOG 306 and it definitely sounds interesting. But honestly I'm pretty interested in the social sciency side of env courses hence me leaning towards the urban studies minor. …”
Rating your Winter 2020 courses 2 points, 7 comments
“The Winter 2020 semester was disrupted in so many ways -- one week of cancelled lectures, the transition to online lectures, revised grading schemes, final assessments. …”
u/edengamer22: “I took all geography courses this term lol Favorite: Geog 306, Natural Hazards. Good overview of hazards and disasters, also Brent Doberstein is a great professor. Fairly easy course too. Least Favorite: Geog 209: Hydroclimateology. …”
Spring 2019
Can more new grads post their undergrad stats please? 26 points, 64 comments
“They're fun to read.”
u/Ballplayerx97: “… Program: GEM (no co-op) (transferred after 2.5 years of PLAN) Highest grade: GEOG 306 (95) Lowest grade: ENVS 278 (61) Lowest major grade: GEOG 281 (72) Favorite course: ENVS 201 environmental law (90) + LS Philosophy of law (88) Least favorite courses: ENVS 178/278 + GEOG …”
Fall 2018
Easy/tough courses in geography? 6 points, 4 comments
“Hey friends, I'm a 4th year GEM student (switched over from geology after 2A, so I'll need a 5th year to catch up) and I want to keep my terms as balanced as possible. …”
u/m0veaway: “GEOG 306 - favourite class I've taken at UW so far. Only had two shorter papers and two in class tests. Hopefully you can get Brent Doberstin or Amber Silver.”
Spring 2017
I want to hear from Environment students 13 points, 15 comments
“I don't know how many students from the faculty of environment are active here but I'm in GEM and absolutely loving it so far (have to network and work hard to get the best out of my non-STEM program …”
u/lynxasaur: “Hey, fellow GEM here. What's your favourite class been so far?”
u/gardeinfish: “Personally I love the geog courses that are cross sectioned with planning, but any classes with Brent Doberstein (e.g. GEOG 306) are my favourites.”
Spring 2016
Free Talk Friday 14 points, 82 comments
“Welcome to Free Talk Friday, where you are able to talk about whatever you want. Please keep it respectful and remember that subreddit rules still apply.”
u/arabis: “I had such a great term this summer. But now that classes are over, it's back to reality: my first chapter is due in a week and I am sitting here wishing it would write itself.”
u/arabis: “GEOG 306, by any chance? If so, that would be me!”
Winter 2015
[QUESTION] Where can I go to find reliable statistics on world events? 3 points, 4 comments
u/nicole_1: “For GEOG306: Currently doing a project that involves using analysis of statistics and comparisons of one Tsunami to another. The only problem is: where am I supposed to find these stats? The websites Im looking on don't seem exactly.. reputable. …”
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
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