Rapid expansion in urbanisation was one of the most important geographical phenomena of the twentieth century. This module focuses on both the impacts of urbanisation on the physical environment and the controls that the physical environment exerts on urban land use. It discusses the contribution that applied physical geography can make to urban planning and land management. In order to do this a range of applied physical geography themes are explored, such as; humans as agents of geomorphological change, urban geomorphology (landslides, subsidence, geomorphologists as prospectors), environmental impacts of resource extraction, land contamination and reclamation, urban climates and the relationship between cities and climate change, urban air quality issues, the identification, monitoring and management of urban stone decay. Approaches to and techniques used in the collection of applied physical geography data and how an understanding of physical geography can contribute to urban planning, land management and hazard mitigation are also considered.

1. 10 weekly 2 hour session - these will introduce key concepts and approaches related to applied physical geography, urban land use and management and provide the opportunity to discuss approaches to and techniques used to collect and apply physical geography information. A variety of formats will be used in these sessions - e.g. traditional lectures, buzz groups, group discussions, completion of structured worksheets, student presentations.

2. 1 staff-led field session (3 hours) - to investigate selected module themes within the context of a specific urban environment

3. Independent learning through the use of guided reading, internet sites and worksheets.

1. A two hour examination (50%) consisting of a one hour short answer section and a one hour essay answer to be chosen from a list of titles [Learning outcomes 1 - 5]
2. One 1250 - 1500 word project report (50%) [Learning outcomes 3, 4, 5]

Additional Assessment Details:

The coursework project will involve the collection of information during staff-led group field work. Students will use this information to produce an individual report. The report will concentrate on the presentation, description and explanation of the field observations.

Formative Assessment: Self/peer assessed quizzes and/or the use of formative questions on handouts will allow students to self evaluate their understanding of module materials. Structured class activities and worksheets will allow students to discuss ideas introduced in the module and provide them with further opportunity to self-evaluate their understanding of module materials. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their report plans

Access to:
University Library and journals such as Applied Geography and Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology
Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre
Email, internet, and on-line journals

Minimum / Maximum
Bulkeley, H. (2005) Cities and Climate Change
Cooke, R. U. & Doornkamp, J. C. (1990) Geomorphology in Environmental Management.
Hough, M. (2004) Cities and Natural Process: a basis for sustainability
McCall, G., de Mulder, E., Marker, B. (1996) Urban Geoscience
Morris, P. & Therivel, R. (2001) Methods of Environmental Impact Assessment
Smith, B. J. & Turkington, A. V. (2004) Stone Decay: its causes and controls

None