Rapid expansion in urbanisation is one of the most important geographical phenomena of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, and their continued unchecked growth is having a detrimental effect on the physical environment. 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 operation of physical processes within cities and how these can both shape and be shaped by the human environment. It explores the contribution that the physical geographer can make to the environmental management of urban areas. In order to do this a range of applied physical geography themes are explored, such as, urban areas as ecosystems and ecosystem services, humans as agents of geomorphological change, urban geomorphology and hydrology (landslides, subsidence, geomorphologists as prospectors, flooding), environmental impacts of resource extraction, land contamination and reclamation, urban air quality issues, urban climates and the relationship between cities and climate change. Environmental management strategies to improving the sustainability of cities by reducing their vulnerability to a range of hazards will be considered.

A portfolio (100%) consisting of a series of assessed workshop assignments and a 1500 word field report. [Learning outcomes 1 – 5]

Formative Assessment: The use of formative questions on hand-outs will allow students to self-evaluate their understanding of module materials. Structured class activities 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 field report plans

The module will be delivered through a combination of:

1. 10 weekly 2 hour sessions - these will introduce key concepts and approaches related to applied physical geography, urban land use and the environmental management of cities. They will also provide the opportunity to discuss the ways in which an understanding of the physical geography of urban areas can be used to help shape urban environmental management strategies. 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 (4 hours) - to investigate selected module themes within the context of a specific urban environment

3. 1 student-led field session (4 hours) - to further investigate selected modules themes and collect information for the seen essay question.

4. Independent learning through the use of guided reading, internet sites, the completion of preparatory and follow-up activities, and preparation for the examination should account for 126 hours.

Benton-Short, L. & Short, J. (2013) Cities and Nature 2nd edition. Routledge

Douglas, I. (2013) Cities: An Environmental History. I. B. Taurus

Douglas, I. & James, P. (2014) Urban Ecology: An Introduction. Routledge

Douglas, I. et al. (2014) The Routledge Handbook of Urban Ecology. Routledge

Forman, R. T. (2014) Urban Ecology: Science of Cities. Routledge

Hardoy, J., Mitlin, D. & Satterthwaite, D. (2013) Environmental Problems in an Urbanizing World: Finding Solutions in cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Routledge ebook

Hough, M. (2004) Cities and Natural Process: a basis for sustainability

Appropriate maps, aerial photographs, mobile devices and field equipment to complete the fieldwork component of the module

1) Demonstrate an advanced and critical understanding of both the impacts of urbanisation on the physical environment and the controls that the physical environment exerts on urban land use.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING)

2) Demonstrate a critical understanding of how knowledge of physical geography processes can be applied in order to inform urban planning environmental management decisions.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING)

3) Demonstrate an advanced ability to apply physical geography knowledge in order to recommend solutions to urban environmental problems.
(ANALYSIS, APPLICATION, PROBLEM SOLVING)

4) Use both field observations and literature to design an appropriate research strategy for the investigation of a selected aspect of physical geography within the city.
(APPLICATION, ENQUIRY)

5) Engage in research and critically discuss ideas presented in the literature relating to urban environmental management and applied physical geography and communicate ideas and knowledge clearly.
(COMMUNICATION, ENQUIRY)