- Lectures: 48 hrs (these will be used to both introduce theoretical concepts and introduce and contextualise specific practical / file tasks),
- Workshops: 16 hrs (8 x 2 hour sessions timed to coincide with the introduction of appropriate theoretical concepts, self contained with a portfolio of work submitted at the end of the each semester (attendance is compulsory)
- Field work: 12 hrs (two 6 hour field days providing field data for subsequent workshop sessions, attendance is compulsory)
- Guided Independent Learning @124 hrs for formative reading and tasks to prepare for or follow-up after classes.
- Assessment Preparation @100 hrs for planning, researching / drafting / writing /editing / producing coursework and revising for the exam

1. Barnes, J.W. (2003) Basic geological mapping (4th edition). Wiley, London.
2. Holden, J. (2008) (2nd edition) An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment. Pearson, Harlow
3. Huggett, R. (2003) Fundamentals of Geomorphology. Routledge, London.
4. Smithson, P. Addison, K. & Atkinson, K (2002) Fundamentals of Physical Environment. Routledge, London.

1. 1250 word essay assessing theoretical / conceptual aspects of the module (semester 1) (30%). [1, 3, 5]

2. An individual 1250 word report on a group field project (35%) [2 - 5]

3. A 2 hour examination consisting of a short answer section and an unseen essay section (35%) [1, 4]

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:
Students will need to develop their own learning abilities both as individuals (through researching essays and following up workshop exercises) and within groups (for laboratory and field data collection). Many lecture handouts contain formative questions that allow students to self-evaluate their own understanding of lectures. In addition there will be the opportunity to receive feedback from tutors on essay and report plans.

This module provides an introduction to the physical geography of the Earth. It will examine the processes operating to create the surficial geology, geomorphology and pedology, as well as examining the meteorological and climatological processes which shape the nature of the atmosphere. Additionally the module seeks to develop an appreciation of how these processes interact to produce the complex biosphere, represented at various scales by diverse ecological zones. The dynamic nature of these process-from interactions is analysed with reference to both past and current environmental change.

The practical component of this module will provide essential training in data collection and analysis techniques for examining a range of key physical components of the Earth in order to understand geomorphological, atmospheric and biospheric processes. It will provide exposure to and experience of a range of appropriate practical laboratory techniques used to extract and analyse data related to the Earth-atmosphere system using both secondary (e.g. maps, aerial photographs etc.), as well as training in primary field data collection (e.g. slope-soil-vegetation surveys). Experience of working safely in the field in groups and training in basic field observation, measurement and sampling techniques (e.g. slope surveying, soil analysis, river discharge determination) will also be provided.

Access to Physical Geography laboratory, class sets of maps, air photographs and satellite imagery, specialised graph paper, equipment and staffing for field classes. Library, Sciences Learning Resource Centre and internet.