The Earth's surface is characterised by a diverse assemblage of contrasting landscapes that reflect complex interactions between various factors including global climate, tectonic processes and variations in earth surface materials. This module explores our planet's diverse physical landscape by examining the processes and landforms responsible for the generation of distinctive "Regional Landsystems", investigating the fundamental controls on their geographical variability and considering their implications for human society. The module includes both lectures that focus upon various global case studies including permafrost, desert, ice-marginal, tropical and coastal environments, and tutorial sessions associated with guided reading that highlights active research in the environments covered.
- Explain the geomorphic processes and products characteristic of particular regional landsystems. [1,2,3,4]
- Summarise the spatial variability of physical environments and an ability to be able to relate this pattern to global-scale processes such as climate. [3,4]
- Assess the impact of the specific environmental condintions and process environments encountered in particular regions on the resident human populations and related infrastructire. [3,4]
- Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate research findings reported within journal literature. [1,2]
- Demonstrate awareness of the dynamic, plural and contested nature of the subject area, and the role played by geographers in advancing knowledge and understanding through both academic and applied research. [1,2,3,4]
- Lectures: 21 hours
- Guided lecture preperation and follow up: 42 hours
- Tutorials: 5 hours
- Tutorial preparation (in-class tests): 15 hours
- Coursework preparation (essay): 33 hours
- Independaent study (including exam revision): 34 hours
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.