Module FOUD0497: Geography

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0497: Geography

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To develop knowledge and understanding of selected physical geographical processes
• To develop observational and interpretative skills.
• Use a range of skills and techniques, including the use of maps and images at different scales necessary for geographical study
• Carry out research and fieldwork as appropriate to the topics selected

Content

• River environments. Using the River Tees as a case study - The drainage basin hydrological cycle; morphology of drainage basins, physical processes and landforms; river discharge, management of the river landscapes including flood management strategies.
• Coastal environments. Coastal processes including erosion and deposition, Sea level change, Coastal protection strategies.
• Geographical fieldwork skills. Primary data collection, secondary data analysis, Map skills, graphical skills, the potential of technology to explore geographical issues.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module students will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
• Develop an understanding of the physical processes that produce features, the impact of these processes on human activity and how human action has affected the physical processes. Topics are rivers and coasts (SK1)
• Analyse geographical information in a variety of forms and from a range of sources (SK2)

• By the end of the module the student will:
• make observations and measurements from field activities and maps using geographical knowledge and appropriate vocabulary (SS1)
• present the data collected in appropriate forms including maps, diagrams, annotated photographs and graphs (SS2)
• Communicate findings accurately and appropriately to the task (SS3)

• By the end of the module the student will:
• Communicate effectively in writing (KS1)
• Develop numeracy skills in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data (KS2)
• Be able to demonstrate problem solving skills (KS3)

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

• Theory, initial concepts and techniques will be introduced during lectures, seminars and fieldwork
• Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of seminars and fieldwork sessions and independent research during students’ own time
• Knowledge, understanding and ability to interpret information will be assessed by a portfolio of tasks and exercises designed to extend the material covered in class, and an end of module examination.
• Portfolio exercises will assess: SK 1, SK2, SS1, SS2, SS3, KS1, KS2, KS3
• Examination will assess:SK1,SK2, SS1, KS1, KS2, KS3

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Exercises will be set to enable students to measure their progress and confirm understanding of the material. Examples include recap tests online and in class.

■ 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