This is a Level 4 module for Geography and Environmental Science students. Core lectures introduce key fundamental topics in physical geography, overviewing the various spheres of the Earth, associated processes and interaction. Themes are presented systematically as a cross-section of the Earth's physical structure: geological underpinning, Earth surface processes (introducing geomorphology, the pedosphere and hydrosphere), the atmosphere, and the biosphere. Interwoven within these topics will be lectures on associated environmental hazards, including geophysical hazards (eg. volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis), atmospheric hazards (including hurricanes and tornadoes) and environmental and ecological hazards (including oil spills, mine contamination and wildfires). The processes behind these major natural and man-made environmental hazards will be described, with reasons provided for their occurrence and global spatial distribution. Detailed case studies will be provided for each hazard, from a variety of geographical regions, in order to build a portfolio of examples, enhancing your knowledge of the processes, impacts and means of forecasting and mitigating against the hazards becoming disasters. The module is a pre-requisite for Level 5 environmental and geographical modules: Geomorphology and Geophysical Hazards; Land Water and the Environment; Ecology and Conservation. The module introduces you to the application of geophysical knowledge and skills and potential discipline-related employment opportunities and alerts you to a range of transferable employability skills that will be developed throughout the module. These include discipline-based skills by identifying applications of geophysical knowledge to real world challenges and transferable skills developed in the learning activities and related assessments.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
This module is delivered through lectures, practical laboratory sessions, seminars, and student project work. Lectures are designed to introduce and facilitate understanding of the basic principles of the subjects covered in the curriculum and will be supported through interactive seminars/workshops and the use of directed reading to stimulate debate. These may be supported with the use of clickers and/or digi-polls to support interaction, for example reviewing the previous week's session(s). Detailed case studies will help to lay the preparatory ground for the application of knowledge. The practical work will develop these topics and illustrate the principles of monitoring and managing select environmental systems. Practical exercises will require students to make accurate observations and evaluate the data collected and will also promote teamwork. The formative and summative assessments will develop skills in written presentation, ICT and in independent learning.
Employability skills are developed as an integral component of the teaching and learning strategy. Discipline specific skills include environmental problem solving through practical exercises and, more widely, students will develop a range of employability skills including communication (eg. articulating ideas through discussion and debate and writing) and digital literacy though ICT-supported exercises.
Canvas VLE will be used to support all aspects of learning and teaching, providing a platform for articulating the module syllabus, assessment and feedback, archiving module-related resources (e.g. specific reading materials) and a digital discussion platform.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lecture Practical Seminar | 42 42 23 |
| Guided independent study | 193 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The module assessment strategy develops assessment for learning across a variety of categories, including: a portfolio of short practical reports (coursework), a poster presentation (practical examination) and a written examination. The variety of assessment types will help to build the students' range of skills and should develop the students' ability to work both independently and as part of a team (skills widely sought in the real world when applying for jobs).
Summative assessments consist of:
(A) A group poster presentation on a volcano case study (30%) to exemplify the understanding of the relationship between plate tectonic setting and volcano type, associated hazards, impacts and natural service functions.
(B) Drainage basin exercise (30%, 1500 words plus graphics) that draws together geological, geomorphological and hydrological concepts and challenges students to interpret the drainage basin/s and the interactions of physical processes.
(C) End of module written examination (40%, 2 hour) to examine all aspects of the module Learning Objectives.
Formative assessments include:
(D) Reflective tests using clickers and digi-polls to review the material from the week before and identify knowledge-skills gaps.
(E) In-class supervised practical sessions to link theory with practice.
(F) Debates and reflective discussions in-session on key topics and issues.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Understand the fundamental principles of physical geography and explain the operation and interaction of key geological and physical Earth systems. | (B) Drainage basin exercise and (C) Examination informed by feedback from formative assessments D, E and F. |
| 2) Identify the major physical hazards associated with the natural environment and exemplify these with case study evidence | (A) Volcano case study and (C) Examination informed by feedback formative assessment D and F. |
| 3) Develop a range of practical skills in the analysis of geological and physical Earth systems and their associated hazards. | (B) Drainage basin exercise informed by the formative in-class formative practical sessions E |
| 4) Demonstrate how knowledge of the physical geography and environmental hazards can be applied for the management of geophysical systems and identify and value geophysical-related employability skills. | (A) Volcano case study and (C) Examination informed by feedback formative assessment D and F. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Group-based poster presentation | Practical examination | 30 |
| Drainage basin exercise | Coursework | 30 |
| End of module examination | Written Examination | 40 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Holden J (2017) An introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment (4th Edition), Pearson, Harlow.
Marshak S (2012) Earth: Portrait of a Planet (4th edition), Norton, ISBN: 978-0-393-93518-9
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