Module GEOG1251: UNDERSTANDING EARTH'S CHALLENGES

Department: Geography

GEOG1251: UNDERSTANDING EARTH'S CHALLENGES

Prerequisites

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide broad foundation knowledge of the science of Physical Geography
• To deliver preliminary training in understanding the collection of observations and data pertaining to earth surface processes and environmental change

Content

• The module focuses on a broad range of fundamental concepts, processes and techniques that are critical to the understanding of physical geography, particularly earth surface processes and environmental change. This introduces students to scientific principles that are traditionally based in physics, chemistry and geology at pre-university level, and which therefore are often either absent from, or under-developed in, the qualifications of some students. The module therefore assumes no prior knowledge of the fundamentals of concepts such as the physics of materials, rocks and their properties and structures, water and sediment chemistry and maps and scale. Each theme will be introduced with a brief history of how it has contributed to the development of physical geography, thereby providing a broader context for the wider significance of the discipline and the potential role of a physical geographer in the employment market. This module will complement the case study-driven Level 1 Physical Geography core module.
• Breaking things down and making anew - An introduction to chemistry for geographers
• Why we don’t fall through the floor - The physics of solid materials
• Movement all around us - The physics of fluids and gasses
• Our tireless climate moderator - An introduction to oceanography
• What’s this “Global warming” all about then? - An introduction to meteorology and climatology
• Rocks to mud - Geology for Geographers
• The view from above - Imaging and mapping the earth’s surface
• Happy fins: an introduction to biogeograph

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the basic scientific principles behind the development of physical geography
• Apply scientific laws to problem-solving in the Earth Sciences
• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental process-form relationships in earth surface processes and environmental change

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• Understand the geological controls on earth surface and environmental change
• Critically assess the physics and chemistry of climate and weather
• Access and utilize various sources of imagery and mapping of the Earth’s surface
• Identify and interpret data sources relevant to contemporary Earth challenges
• Critically analyse process-form relationships and patterns in Earth surface systems using fundamental scientific principles
• Summarizing and presenting scientific information in a written practical report

• Perform interpretations explained in lectures/practicals and extract patterns from data collected in the laboratory
• Undertake laboratory-based appraisals of earth surface processes
• Present logical written arguments
• Critical analysis and interpretation of observations and data
• Solve problems and make reasoned decisions

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

• Lectures are used to convey the key facts and concepts and to contribute to building a broad knowledge and understanding. They will be supported by powerpoint presentations and some video clips, together with some participatory activities. Reading lists will supplement the lectures and provide a range of general and case study-specific sources
• Practicals will provide experience in identifying, processing and interpreting some common data sources. These will relate directly to themes and concepts presented in lectures
• Seminars will be based on readings from selected themes, wherein students will engage with representative literature and participate in debates on Earth’s challenges

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Report on Term 1 Practical and Seminar (Max 3 pages A4), Written feedback will be provided in advance of the Summative Assignment.

■ 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