Module GEOG1081: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY: EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE

Department: GEOGRAPHY

GEOG1081: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY: EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE

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.
• The module is a foundation module for specialist physical modules in level 2 and 3.

Content

• The module provides an integrated framework for the study of the environment systems of the Earth, beginning with a review of the various global (earth-atmosphere-ocean) systems before working progressively to the regional and local scales.
• Case study material will be provided at the global, regional (e.g. Pacific Rim) and local (e.g. Mexico) scales.
• The module structure and content complements the Human Geography module.

Learning Outcomes

• 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 processes and longer-term environmental change
• describe and explain the basic workings of the earth-ocean-atmosphere system,
• appraise the role of humans as agents of change,
• apply these themes at a conceptional level and with reference to selected case studies provided in lectures and student readings.

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

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Three tutorial essays of which two are also summative.

■ 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