This module provides an introduction to the physical geography of the Earth. The course will examine key processes that operate at the Earth’s surface, through a detailed consideration of the geomorphological effects of fluvial, coastal, and glacial processes. The module will also demonstrate how the interaction of these processes contributes to the complex biosphere (including pedosphere) of today and demonstrate how these processes have operated in the past to influence Earth structure, composition and landform development. In addition the module examines the meteorological and climatological processes which shape the nature of the atmosphere. 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.

1. A portfolio of work containing workshops and reflective activities relating to the practical workshops and the field work (50%). [3,4,5,6,7,8,]

2. A 2 hour examination consisting of a short answer section and an unseen essay section (50%) [1,2,3,7] – final assessment

• Lectures - 48 hrs (these will be used to both introduce theoretical concepts and introduce and contextualise specific practical / file tasks),

• Workshops - 12 hrs (6 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 teaching block (attendance is compulsory)

• Field work - 16 hrs (two 8 hour field days providing field data for subsequent workshop sessions, attendance is compulsory)

• Guided Independent Learning @104 hrs for formative reading and tasks to complete workshop portfolio.

• Assessment Preparation @120 hrs for planning, researching and revising for exam

Holden, J. (2012) (3rd edition) An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment. Pearson, Harlow

Huggett, R. (2012) Fundamentals of Geomorphology. 3rd Edition Routledge, London.

Smithson, P. & Addison, K. (2008) (4th edition) Fundamentals of the Physical Environment. Routledge, London.

Cox, C.B. and Moore, Field, R. 2016 (9th edition). Biogeography: an ecological and evolutionary approach. Wiley, London.

Appropriate maps, field equipment, laboratories, mobile devices and software for the completion of the practical and field work elements of the module.

None.

1) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key earth surface processes, including atmosphere and biosphere components; processes of the earth system, landforms and landscape development.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY)

2) Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and evaluation of the atmosphere, and biosphere components and processes of the earth system, the spatial distribution of climate, soil and vegetation, and how processes and distributions change / develop over time.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY)

3) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the range of sources of a variety of geological and geographical data for investigating the physical environment.
(ENQUIRY)

4) Apply appropriate geographical data extraction and analysis techniques on secondary data-sets.
(ENQUIRY, ANALYSIS)

5) Obtain, record and analyse appropriate primary physical geography field data using a variety of techniques (such as compass clinometers, abney levels and soil colour charts)
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY, ANALYSIS, APPLICATION)

6) Present field and laboratory generated information in a variety of forms - figures, graphs, tables and text, and interpret and discuss the data analysis results.
(ANALYSIS, PROBLEM SOLVING, COMMUNICATION)

7) Communicate an understanding of both conceptual knowledge and practical skills through completion of structured worksheets, reports and examinations.
(LEARNING, COMMUNICATION, REFLECTION)