Module GEOG1081: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Department: Geography

GEOG1081: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

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

• 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

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:

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