Module GEOG1251: UNDERSTANDING EARTH'S PRINCIPLES

Department: Geography

GEOG1251: UNDERSTANDING EARTH'S PRINCIPLES

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide broad foundation knowledge of the scientific principles of Physical Geography
• To deliver preliminary training in understanding the collection of observational 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 based in physics, chemistry, ecology, and geology. The module 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 in the context of how it has contributed to physical geography research. Overall, the module will demonstrate the wider significance of the discipline of physical geography, and the many potential roles of a physical geographer.
• Indicative content:
• Chemistry for physical geographers
• The physics of solid materials
• The physics of fluids and gasses
• An introduction to oceanography
• Fundamentals of meteorology and climatology
• Geology for physical geographers
• Principles of biogeography
• Research methods for physical geographers

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the basic scientific principles behind thphysical geography
• Apply appropriate scientific laws to problem-solving in physical geography
• 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:
• Identify and assess 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
• Summarize and present scientific information in a written practical report

• Identify patterns and interpret data
• Undertake laboratory-based appraisals of Earth surface processes
• Present logical written arguments
• Critically analyse and interpret 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 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 common data sources. These will relate directly to themes and concepts presented in lectures. Assessment of the practicals, both formative and summative, requires the students to summarise their findings in the form of a short scientific report. This approach tests the students factual understanding of the class-based exercises, whilst also providing valuable experience in how to structure and present a short scientific publication.
• Seminars are designed to enable students to develop key skills in physical geography, including critical reading of contemporary literature, analysis of scientific data sets, and debating of scientific theory
• The Science Fair is a series of short practical sessions that students rotate around over a 3 hour period. The content relates to the broad concepts and techniques covered in the lecture on ‘The Geographer’s Toolkit’. Each session gives students hands on experience of research tools available to physical geographers and an indication of the questions that these tools can be used to address.
• The unseen examination will require students to demonstrate their knowledge of the fundamental principles underpinning the study of key Earth surface processes and environmental change. Both their factual knowledge and critical reasoning skills will be tested through a combination of multiple choice and extended essay questions.

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