The mission of The Department of Geography is to develop as a center of excellence in spatial studies through teaching, scholarship and research in an environment which values creativity, freedom of intellectual thought and expression, equal opportunity and academic growth while being committed to provide knowledge which blends the best of relevance theory and practice using appropriate technology for the benefit of student community and the wider society.
Geography occupies a distinct place in the world of learning, offering an integrated study of the complex reciprocal study relationships between human societies and the physical world. The geographer’s canvas is collared by place, space and time: differences and dynamics in cultures, political systems, economics, landscapes and environment across the world, and the links between them. The discipline has traditionally focused on Human and physical Geography. In recent years, however, a third category has been recognized: Environmental Geography. This deals with the multifaceted nexus between human society and the environment. Geographic information system (GIS) and Remote Sensing are the two additional areas where geographers are playing the most prominent role.
Geography is offered as a main subject in the BA Hons Degree and B.Sc. Hons in Geo-Spatial Technologies as the fields of specialization. The Department of Geography curriculum has been designed with eight principles in mind:
(i) Broad aims and objectives of higher education
(ii) Research excellence as a springboard for teaching quality
(iii) An interdisciplinary approach to learning
(iv) Recognizing the interface between natural and social sciences
(v) ‘Learning’ by the student, not ‘teaching’, as the main vehicle
(vi) Interacting logical and critical thinking
(vii) Developing the life and survival skills including communication skills
(viii) Imbibing a sense of social responsibility achieving academic excellence through competitiveness
At first year, students have a choice of courses ranging from Human Geography to Physical Geography. Based on first year Result the Student have an opportunity to select either Geography or Geo-Spatial Technologies as a main field of study.
For selected the Geography Hons Degree in second year spans the full range of discipline and examines some of the major issues affecting the world today, while in the third year undergraduates are exposed to more specific, advanced and specialized courses with special emphasis on regional, environmental, sustainable development and modern geographic techniques. A great deal of choice is available at the honors level.
Geospatial Technologies is the collection of data relating to people, places, environments, ecology, geology and geographical variation. This information is analyzed through applied information technology. The subject combines environmental with spatial analysis, a tool used in a range of environmental such as ecology and geology. Geospatial Technology degree are available in bachelor’s at the Department of Geography, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The Department help students see a landscape as a resource and as a series of linkages in environmental elements. A bachelor’s degree in Geospatial Technologies will help prepare students for GIS, Remote Sensing and GPS specialist. In addition to that the student with more intense research, analytical and processing skills that could lead to a management position or project planning and management.
