General Information
Undergraduate Program
Fırat University - Department of Geography
The Geography Department at Fırat University offers an interdisciplinary curriculum alongside geography courses. The undergraduate geography program spans four years (eight semesters) and requires a total of 240 ECTS credits for graduation, including both compulsory and elective courses. Since the 2014-2015 academic year, a new curriculum has been implemented, aligning with international geography standards to provide high-quality education.
Courses are predominantly taught in Turkish, with the "Professional English" course offered in the final year. Additionally, at the end of each academic year, all students participate in one-week field studies to enhance their practical learning experience and deepen their understanding of their country's geography. This allows students to gain firsthand knowledge of various locations and apply their theoretical learning in real-world settings.
Furthermore, the "Geography Club" organizes conferences, seminars, and short-term field trips throughout the year, enriching students' academic and social experiences.
Geography - Program Information
Language of Instruction
Head of Department
Department ECTS & Erasmus Coordinators
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Fethi Ahmet CANPOLAT
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Dündar DAĞLI
Department Secretary
Duration
Maximum Duration
Quota
Internship Requirement
Graduation Title
Program Profile
The Department of Geography aims to study the physical and human characteristics of the Earth, their interactions, and spatial distributions using modern scientific methods and technology. The program emphasizes sustainable development principles in managing natural resources.
The primary missions of the department are:
- Introducing geography as a scientific discipline, including its scope, methods, technologies, and tools.
- Providing students with a professional learning environment to develop decision-making, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary research skills.
- Enhancing teaching and research quality by integrating geographical knowledge and skills with real-world issues.
- Demonstrating the importance of geography in solving contemporary global challenges such as social, cultural, economic, and environmental problems.
The vision of the department is to:
- Educate intellectual and responsible individuals capable of applying modern methodologies, tools, and technologies in geography.
- Conduct academic research focusing on local and global geographical issues.
- Uphold universal values and total quality management principles while keeping up with scientific and technological advancements.
History
The Department of Geography was established in 1975 and currently has 15 academic staff members.
The four-year undergraduate program aims to provide students with scientific knowledge in geography and related disciplines. The curriculum consists of compulsory and elective courses designed to address societal needs and the latest developments in geography.
In the final year, students have the opportunity to write a graduation thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.
Program Objectives
- Understanding, analyzing, and solving geographical problems.
- Recognizing and analyzing human and natural resources, including agricultural and urban land use.
- Developing solutions for spatial problems, such as climate change, population growth, transportation networks, and resource management.
- Enhancing cartographic skills, including GIS, remote sensing, and map interpretation.
- Analyzing urban planning, urban transformation, and intra-urban land use.
- Establishing connections between geography and social sciences.
- Identifying and solving issues related to settlements and the interaction between natural and human environments.
- Understanding geographical environments in Turkey and worldwide.
- Analyzing climatic, geomorphological, and hydrological processes.
- Examining the formation and effects of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
- Establishing correlations between subfields of geography and natural/human processes.
- Applying professional knowledge in geography through analysis, synthesis, and practical applications.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Geography Program will be able to:
- Define and explain the scope, historical development, and fundamental principles of geography.
- Understand and use geographical concepts and terminology.
- Effectively express geographical ideas, principles, and theories in written, oral, and visual formats.
- Analyze human-environment interactions at various scales using core geographical principles (distribution, causality, correlation).
- Collect, produce, compare, analyze, and present geographical data.
- Understand landforms, physical environments, and geographical processes.
- Acquire knowledge of countries, continents, the Turkic World, and global geography.
- Analyze regional differences and connections.
- Develop skills in basic computer applications, statistics, and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Understand urbanization, globalization, climate change, and sustainability challenges.
- Apply GIS, remote sensing, and field studies to analyze human, climatic, and geomorphological processes.
- Demonstrate awareness of environmental and social responsibilities.
- Work both individually and collaboratively on geographical research projects.
- Read and comprehend scientific literature in a foreign language and communicate effectively with peers.
Degree Awarded
Graduates receive the title of "Geographer".
Admission Requirements
- General admission criteria for Turkish and international students apply.
- Applicants must pass the national university entrance exam and provide a high school diploma.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Students who have previously studied at another domestic or international higher education institution may apply for credit and grade transfers within the first week of registration.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate, students must:
- Complete a minimum of 240 ECTS credits.
- Achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00.
- Have no failing grades (FF).
Postgraduate Opportunities
Graduates may apply for Master's and PhD programs in related fields.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Geography Bachelor's Program can work in various institutions, including:
- Public and private universities and affiliated institutions
- Ministry of National Education and related organizations
- State Planning Organization (DPT)
- Relevant governmental ministries and local government offices
- NGOs, foundations, and volunteer-based organizations
Assessment and Evaluation
- Students are assessed through midterm exams, assignments, and final exams.
- Evaluation criteria (midterms, assignments, final exams, etc.) are specified in the curriculum at the beginning of each semester.
- Final exams are held according to the university's academic calendar.
- Final course grades are determined based on exams, coursework, and attendance requirements.
Grading System
| Score |
Letter Grade |
GPA Equivalent |
| 90-100 |
AA |
4.0 |
| 85-89 |
BA |
3.5 |
| 80-84 |
BB |
3.0 |
| 75-79 |
CB |
2.5 |
| 70-74 |
CC |
2.0 |
| 65-69 |
DC |
1.5 |
| 60-64 |
DD |
1.0 |
| 59 and below |
FF |
0.0 |
Academic Honors
- Students with a GPA of 3.00-3.49 are recognized as "Honor Students".
- Students with a GPA of 3.50-4.00 are recognized as "High Honor Students".
