Module Tutor Photo
School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
ESC-10039 Fundamentals of Physical Geography  
Co-ordinator: Dr Peter Knight    Room: WSF30, Tel:34304  
Teaching Team:  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 1 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for

Environment and Sustainability Single Honours (Level 1)

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description

This module offers a self-contained introduction to physical geography for students from a variety of backgrounds (including students with no previous experience in the subject), and a foundation in the subject for those students who wish to pursue it to a higher level. The main learning outcomes for the successful student will be: knowledge and understanding of core material in Physical Geography; appreciation of the dynamic and research-based nature of the discipline; ability to use geographical evidence to explain features of the physical environment.

Aims

The module aims to provide a self-contained introduction to physical geography for students from a variety of backgrounds, including those with no previous experience in the subject, and to provide a foundation in the subject for those students who wish to pursue it at a higher level.


Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of core material in Physical Geography including patterns of variation in the global environment, systems used to conceptualize the physical world, and impact of global systems on local landscapes; will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3, 4
demonstrate an appreciation of the dynamic nature of the discipline, and of the contribution of research to the development of knowledge; will be achieved by assessments: 2, 3, 4
combine different types of geographical evidence in order to explain phenomena of the physical environment in a written style appropriate to the discipline. will be achieved by assessments: 3, 4

Study hours

22 hours lectures
22 hours reflection on lectures and consolidation of lecture material
22 hours guided (set) reading
22 hours independent reading
22 hours WebCT guided learning and self-assessment
20 hours essay preparation
20 hours preparation/revision for in-class exercises and examination


Description of Module Assessment

01: Exercise weighted 15%
In-class exercise series testing students' basic knowledge of course material


02: Webct weighted 15%
On-line exercise series testing students' understanding of set readings


03: Essay weighted 20% (min pass mark of 25)
1500-word essay plus reference list


04: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 50%
End-of-course exam including both essay-style and short-answer questions



Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.