Which of these statements best describes what geographers study

Perhaps one of the more surprising areas of geography is the study of ethical horseracing. Phil McManus, a professor at the University, explains that geography focuses on how humans interact with the world, and this includes animals.

“Research in this area covers topics like breeding, living conditions, and animal retirement. Studies can also cover gambling (i.e. the horse as a vehicle for gambling).” McManus says.

The jury is still out when it comes to nationwide acceptance of the sport.

“Some people would argue that all horseracing is unethical because it is using an animal for human entertainment. There are variations within Australia. In NSW jumps racing (hurdles and steeplechases) are illegal, but they take place in Victoria and South Australia and have been actively supported by governments in recent years.”

“The ethical concern is that there is a higher rate of injury and death in jumps racing than for racing on the flat.  In other parts of the world there are concerns about the use of drugs to prevent bleeding (many US states).”

Generally speaking, conditions for horse breeding and horseracing in Australia are very good. 

“There are more racetracks per person compared with other parts of the world, and the breeding industry exports horses to many overseas countries.  Australia is seen as being well governed, having a high level of integrity and as an important player on the world stage.” McManus describes.

But how does horseracing compare to greyhound racing?

“Dogs are smaller, and have more pups than a horse.  This makes them more vulnerable to hidden abuse. Many of the issues (except live baiting) in the greyhound industry also apply in the thoroughbred and standard bred industries (e.g. wastage).”

It’s important that geographers continue to investigate the industry to ensure best practice, especially in a changing social climate where animal treatment is more than ever of upmost importance. And the industry is already voluntarily changing due to these social pressures. 

“Harness Racing Australia has voluntarily agreed that from September 2017, Australian harness racing is banning the use of whips in training and racing. This is a significant world-leading animal welfare initiative,” says McManus.

In second year students are introduced to the thoroughbred industry as part of a virtual fieldtrip to the Hunter Region, which also includes the interaction with industries such as coal mining, coal seam gas and viticulture. One can then progress to complete an Honours year doing research looking at human-animal relationships. 

Geographers are social and environmental scientists who help improve our understanding of the world. They're interested in the convergence of people and the environment, and in our relationships with urban, rural, regional and remote spaces.

In this course you will gain the skills to address major issues such as climate change, growth of cities, bushfires, food security and changing communities.

You'll explore migration changes, social movements and contests over space and place. You'll develop analytical and practical fieldwork skills, such as interviewing and surveying, mapping, participant observation and statistical analysis, recording field notes and writing demographic reports. You'll also learn spatial analysis and mapping using ARCGIS and other software.

You'll apply your learning to local environments during fieldtrips within Perth, Fremantle and the Wheatbelt. Your studies will benefit from our strong links with local communities and industries, as well as our Sustainable Livelihoods program with Papua New Guinea.

Geography is offered as part of the Bachelor of Arts. You can enhance your studies with a second major or choose from a range of elective units that support your career goals.

When coupled with Economics you can complete this major as part of our Bachelor of Arts or our Bachelor of Commerce. Your choice will determine your core units.

You can also study this major as part of a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce double degree.

Career information

Careers

• Bushfire management consultant
• Community development officer
• Demographer
• Environmental assessor
• Geography teacher*
• Landcare advisor
• Natural resource manager
• Regional development coordinator
• Spatial analyst
• Sustainability officer.

* Requires a Master of Teaching in Secondary Education.

Industries

• Disaster management
• Education
• Environmental assessment
• Government
• International development
• Natural resource management
• Regional planning and development
• Sustainability.

What you'll learn

• apply interdisciplinary concepts and methods to understanding the environmental, social and economic aspects of development and change; extend the boundaries of knowledge about climate change
• think creatively to generate innovative solutions to economic, social and environmental challenges
• access, evaluate and synthesise information from various disciplines and integrate in order to assess human and environmental outcomes
• communicate effectively for the development of policy solutions that support sustainable development
• use of current technologies when applied to finding information and making decisions about sustainable development
• utilise lifelong learning skills and strategies for understanding the impact of change on human activities and the ecology
• describe the global context of the need for a change to sustainable development; explore best international practices for finding solutions; apply these concepts within a regional/local environment.
• recognise the importance of cultural diversity, including indigenous perspectives, in understanding and responding to environmental and social challenges
• work both independently and in teams to find effective policies and ethical solutions to environmental and social issues; show leadership as a professional practitioner or collaborator.