GEOG1081: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

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• 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.

• 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

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• 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

Subject-specific Skills:

• 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

Key Skills:

• 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

• 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 self-paced tutorial exercises in which concepts introduced in lectures can be explored in more detail, and which will allow students to develop their ability to undertake independent work. Each tutorial is supported by an interactive session to allow students to ask questions and receive feedback on their work.
• Comprehensive reading lists provide students with the means to undertake independent study and learning.
• Two essays (one formative, one summative) provide students with scope to explore in greater detail selected themes drawn from module.
• A short group 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.
• Technical aspects of the module will be summatively assessed in class, by means of timed multiple choice and/or short-answer questions;
• The remainder of the summative assessment is based on an unseen examination paper designed to assess student's acquisition of the interdisciplinary nature of the learning outcomes by means of an essay-style question.

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