Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

Rationale:

Physical Geography is a fundamental component of Geography. Understanding of 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 a ‘spring-board’ for more specialised Physical Geography modules in stages 2 & 3.

Aim: to provide an introduction to Physical Geography.

Specific aims:
(1) To provide an introduction to the development of Physical Geography
(2) To provide an introduction to the methods and approaches employed in Physical Geographical investigation.
(3) To provide an introduction to the Earth’s major physical systems with a focus on the lithosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere.
(4) To provide understanding of the causes of change within these systems over a range of timescales.
(5) To provide an understanding of the relationship between physical processes and resulting landforms and landscapes.

Outline Of Syllabus

Atmospheric processes
Fluvial processes and landforms
Quaternary environmental change
The Lithosphere
Landscape dynamics
Coastal processes and landforms
The Cryosphere

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 forms with a range of process domains and across a range of time-scales.
(5) Understanding how the Earth’s major systems have changed in the past over a range of timescales.
(6) Understanding of the importance of Physical Geographical knowledge for human activity and environmental management.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. Ability to synthesis and summarise information from literature.
Quality in Learning and Teaching (QuILT) Updated September 2012 Module Outline Form (MOF) Page 5 of 11
2. Ability to evaluate competing arguments and approaches to physical geography problems.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will provide an overview of the principals of Physical Geography across a range of environments.

Guided independent activities will allow students to enhance their learning by engaging with a number of interactive websites and databases. Students will engage with physical geographical landscapes and themes via directed activities using photos and videos.

Timetabled Q & A sessions will allow the students to discuss the content of each block of teaching thereby consolidating their learning.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Essay will test students' independent research and written presentation skills in addressing a physical geography question based on Semester 1 content.

Timed in-person exam (multiple-choice questions) will test understanding of concepts and techniques introduced in the Semester 2 lectures and supported by independent reading.

General Notes

The 4 live-online lectures will be given by Professor Darrel Maddy, who will not be teaching on campus due to health reasons.