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 organizing framework.

Content

• The module provides an integrated framework for the study of the environmental systems of the Earth
• The module examines five important themes in physical geography through a variety of scales, from global to local: 1) Climate processes and change; 2) Quaternary glaciations and landscapes; 3) Sea-level change; 4) Water and water resources; and 5) Active tectonics and mountain environments
• The module will also address the interconnections between these themes

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 affected these processes and changes
• apply these themes at a conceptual level and with reference to selected case studies provided in lectures and student readings

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• understand general principles (e.g. timescales, spatial variability, procees and form) of Physical Geography and relate them within and between the key themes of the course
• critically engage with key issues in Physical Geography
• understand the range and scope of approaches to Physical Geography

• On successful completion of the module students are expected to be able to:
• assess and interpret material presented in lectures
• present logical written arguments
• critically evaluate a range of literature on selected themes in Physical Geography
• abstract information from multiple sources

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

• The module framework is based on a programme of lectures
• These lectures provide the context in which facts and introductory concepts are conveyed, contributing to building knowledge and understanding
• Lectures are complemented by small-group tutorials in which concepts introduced in lectures can be explored in more detail
• Comprehensive reading lists provide students with the means to undertake independent study and learning
• Two essays (one formative) provide students with scope to explore in greater detail selected themes drawn from the module
• A short film/video will contribute to the module learning outcomes by providing students the opportunity to demonstrate their comprehension of module content, to evaluate evidence, synthesise information, and, in a self-directed manner, to communicate complex information through its contextualisation
• The remainder of the summative assessment is based on an unseen examination paper designed to assess student's acquisition of (1) the technical aspects of the module by means of short-answer questions; and (2) the interdisciplinary nature of the learning outcomes by means of an essay-style question
• Formative assessment and 60% of summative assessment is set, marked and returned in tutorial groups
• Tutorials also provide a forum enabling active acquisition of skills
• NOTE: this module also includes a suite of transition study skills exercises, which are delivered to students electronically via DUO for completion between early September and mid-October (prior to the first tutorial meeting). Details can be found in the Formative Assessment text box below.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Prior to their first tutorial (scheduled for mid-October), students will be asked to complete a series of transition study skills tasks based around the following indicative themes: Exploring academic literature Critical reflection Effective essay writing (introductions, paragraphs and conclusions) Note taking How to avoid Plagiarism Time management Marking previously submitted essays The tasks will be made available to incoming students via DUO during September, with an expectation that they will be completed prior to their first tutorial, so that comprehensive group feedback can be given. Other formative assessment includes one formative essay (max 4 x A4 sides) plus detailed 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