Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)
Module GEOG1251: UNDERSTANDING EARTH'S PRINCIPLES
Department: Geography
GEOG1251: UNDERSTANDING EARTH'S PRINCIPLES
Type | Tied | Level | 1 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2016/17 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
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Tied to | FGC0 |
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Tied to | LMV0 |
Tied to | QRV0 |
Tied to | F800 |
Tied to | L702 |
Tied to | CGF0 |
Tied to | X1F8 |
Prerequisites
- None
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. 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.
- Indicative content:
- An introduction to chemistry for geographers
- The physics of solid materials
- The physics of fluids and gasses
- An introduction to oceanography
- An introduction to meteorology and climatology
- Geology for geographers
- An introduction to biogeograph
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- 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 physical geography
- Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental process-form relationships in Earth surface processes and environmental change
Subject-specific Skills:
- 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
- Identify and interpret data sources relevant to contemporary Earth challenges
- Analyse process-form relationships and patterns in Earth surface systems using fundamental scientific principles
- Summarizing and presenting scientific information in a written practical report
Key Skills:
- Identify patterns and interpret data
- 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
- The Science Fair is a series of short practical sessions that students rotate around over a 3 hour period. The content relates directly to lecture material on ‘The Geographer’s Toolkit’ that directly precedes the fair. Each session gives students hands on experience of tools available in the Geography Department and an indication of the questions that these tools can be used to address.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lectures | 12 | Varies | 2 hours | 24 | |
Practicals | 4 | Varies | 2 hours | 8 | |
Science Fair | 1 | Once | 3 hours | 3 | |
Seminars | 3 | Varies | 2 hours | 6 | ■ |
Preparation and Reading | 159 | ||||
Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
Component: Report on practical exercises | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
---|---|---|---|
Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
Report on 3 of the practical exercises | Max 6 pages A4 | 100% | |
Component: Unseen written examination | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
Unseen written examination | 2 hours | 100% |
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