Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module GEOG1081: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Department: Geography

GEOG1081: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to F800
Tied to FR89
Tied to L702
Tied to LR79
Tied to X1F8
Tied to CFG0
Tied to LMV0

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • The module introduces students to a broad range of concepts and approaches in physical geography, using scale, from global to local, as the organising framework

Content

  • The module provides an integrated framework for the study of the environment systems of the Earth
  • The module examines five important themes in physical geography through a variety of scales, from global to local: 1) Climate change: Quaternary glaciations to global warming; 2) Water and water resources; 3) Active tectonics; 4) Sea-level change; 5) Our World: monitoring Earth from space and modeling 21st century change

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
  • understand the importance of time and rates of change through a consideration of contemporary earth processes and longer-term environmental change
  • understand how humans have effected these processes and changes
  • apply these themes at a conceptional level and with reference to selected case studies provided in lectures and student readings
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • The module is based on a programme of lectures
      • These provide the context in which facts and introductory concepts, contributing to building knowledge and understanding, are conveyed
      • Lectures are complemented by small group tutorials in which concepts introduced in lectures can be explored in more detail
      • Full reading lists provide students with the means to undertake independent study and learning
      • Formative assessment and 50% of summative assessment is set, marked and returned in tutorial groups.
      • Three essays (two summative) provide students with scope to explore in greater detail selected themes drawn from module
      • The remainder of the summative assessment is based on an unseen examination paper designed to assess student's acquisition of the interdisciplinary nature of the learning outcomes
      • Tutorials also provide a forum enabling active acquisition of skills

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 19 Weekly 2 hours 38
      Tutorials 5 Five times annually 1 hour 5 ■
      Preparation and Reading 157
      Total 200

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      unseen written examination 2 questions 2 hours 100%
      Component: Tutorial Essays Component Weighting: 50%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      tutorial essay 1 (max 4 x A4 sides) 50%
      tutorial essay 2 (max 4 x A4 sides_ 50%

      Formative Assessment:

      One formative essay (max 4 x A4 sides) plus feedback given on the two summative essays

      ■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University