Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

Physical Geography is a fundamental component of Geography. Understanding the physical environment is essential for all Geographies as it underpins environmental management and gives essential context to, and widens our understanding of, patterns of human activity. Physical Geographical knowledge informs human interactions with a changing and dynamic environment. This module provides an introduction to Physical Geography at University and acts a ‘spring-board’ for more specialised modules in stages 2 & 3.

Aim: to provide an introduction to Physical Geography.

Specific aims:
(1) To provide an introduction to Earth’s main physical systems, including the Cryosphere, Hydrosphere and Lithosphere.
(2) To provide understanding of the causes of change within these systems over a range of timescales.
(3) To provide understanding of how the study of Physical Geography can address pressing environmental and societal challenges, including those linked to contemporary climate change.
(4) To provide an introduction to the methods and approaches used to study the natural world at University and beyond.
(5) To showcase the breadth of research-led teaching at Newcastle and provide the foundation to follow these Physical Geography themes through the degree.

Outline Of Syllabus

Global and regional climates
Past environments
The Hydrosphere
The Cryosphere
Geohazards and risk

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

(1) Understanding of the nature and scope of Physical Geography.
(2) Understanding of methods and techniques employed by Physical Geographers.
(3) Understanding of the Earth’s major natural systems.
(4) Understanding of the relationship between processes and landforms.
(5) Understanding of how the Earth’s major systems have changed in the past over a range of timescales and are likely to change in the future under climate warming.
(6) Understanding of the importance of Physical Geographical knowledge for human activity and environmental management.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. Ability to synthesise and summarise information from literature.
2. Ability to evaluate competing arguments and approaches to physical geography problems.
3. Ability to interpret and critically analyse data about the natural world.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will provide an overview of the principals of Physical Geography, including interactions between people and the natural world, across a range of environments and timescales. Lectures will be grouped into thematic blocks that reflect the Earth's main physical systems, such as the Cryosphere, Hydrosphere and Lithosphere.

Structured Guided Learning Activities will enable students to develop skills in data analysis by interpreting datasets about the natural world, enhancing their understanding of the methods and approaches used by Physical Geographers.

Timetabled drop-in / Q&A sessions will enable students to discuss the lecture content with staff and raise questions about the lectures and assessments, consolidating student learning and promoting student-staff dialogues.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessed 2000 word report will test students' ability to synthesise and interpret geographical datasets relating to content from the lectures, supported by the Asynchronous Structured Guided Learning exercises and independent research.

The multiple choice question exam held via Canvas in a 24 hour window will test students' understanding of the physical geography processes and theories introduced in the lectures.

General Notes

N/A