Download BSc (Hons) Geography (Physical Geography)

BSc (Hons) Geography (Physical Geography)
Stage One
Compulsory Modules
Geographical Techniques
Introduces key skills and methods used in geographical research including survey
design, map design, data collection and manipulation and research design.
Introducing Human Geographies
Introduces key issues and debates within human geography, familiarising you with
the key terminology that will be used. This module includes UK-based residential
fieldwork to introduce you to features in geographical research such as scale, space,
place, social relations and human-environment interactions.
Learning for Sustainable Development
Examines the importance of economic, social and environmental sustainability in the
21st Century. In this module, you will utilise a combination of classes, fieldwork and
projects to evaluate sustainability at an individual, local, national and global scale.
Principles of Physical Geography
Introduces the study of the physical environment. You will examine processes that
affect the atmosphere, the solid Earth and the Earth's surface as well as the ways in
which these processes interact to produce environments and landscapes.
Optional Modules:
Fundamentals of Environmental Science
Explores the physical, chemical and biological concepts and principles relevant for a
scientific approach to the study of the environment. This is supplemented with field
and laboratory work that furthers the skills needed to plan, conduct and report
investigations as well as the use of appropriate techniques used for collecting,
recording and analysing data.
Introduction to Ecology
Introduces and explores basic ecological concepts and principles focussing on
individuals, populations as well as interactions between species, communities and
ecosystems.
Stage Two
Compulsory Modules
Physical Geography Practical
Develops a range of practical skills during a series of group and individual projects
undertaken locally and nationally to prepare for your independent research project
during Stage three.
Research Methods
Provides you with the skills necessary to carry out your independent research during
Stage three. You will be introduced to research methodology, basic statistical
techniques, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and research design.
Optional Modules:
Biogeography
Introduces the concept of biogeography to understand the spatial patterns of
biodiversity. You will examine the geographical distribution of plants and animals,
including the factors that affect spatial variations and which cause changes over
time.
Geomorphology
Equips you with the skills and awareness of how the scientific discipline of
geomorphology has developed and how geomorphological concepts can be applied
to assist in solving environmental problems.
Past Environments
Explores the nature of past environments from an understanding of available
geological, palaeoenvironmental and historical evidence. You will develop the skills
and knowledge necessary to interpret past environments and understand
environmental change.
Transport Geography
Outlines the principles of transport geography and examines the importance to the
economic and social systems in which we live. Using case studies we explore the
highly topical issues related to mobility that have changed over the last century.
USA Field Module
A preparatory seminar programme introduces the field location and the key
geographic of physical geography, tourism and resource management. The 12 day
field trip then visits a number of locations in the South West of the United States.
Weather and Climate
Examines atmospheric processes at a number of scales from regional to global. You
will develop a knowledge of the nature of mid-latitude (UK) meteorology and an
understanding of the processes that are relevant to weather forecasting and other
environmental applications. In addition we explore tropical meteorological systems
(such as monsoons) and the role of oceans.
Stage Three
Compulsory Modules:
Geographers at Work
Examines the role of field research and the value of geographical skills in the
workplace. You will examine the role of Geography in informing decision-making in a
local environment.
Physical Geography Dissertation
You will undertake an independent investigation in a specific area of interest and
communicate your findings in a written dissertation.
Optional Modules
Climate and Society
Examines contested topics at the interface between climate science and society as a
whole. We explore the influence of scientists, government, the media and the public
in finding acceptable solutions to the climate change problem.
Drylands Environments 1
Reviews the climatic, hydrological and geomorphological processes operating in the
world's deserts and considers the distinctive hazards posed by these environments.
Drylands Environments 2 (Field Module)
Provides a thorough overview of the processes which operate in the drylands and
their impact upon human activities. This module focuses on a period of residential
fieldwork during which you will develop skills associated with field investigation, data
acquisition, analysis and presentation.
Sustainable Development: Land Use and Planning
Introduces social, economic and environmental issues associated with land use and
development in both rural and urban areas. Techniques for landscape assessment
and evaluation will be discussed as well as the effectiveness of planning policies and
legislation that are aimed at facilitating sustainable development.
Understanding Change in the Physical Environment
Develops your understanding of the fundamental principles underlying mechanisms
of change in the physical environment.
Water Resource Management
Examines the effectiveness of various sustainable water management strategies
from around the world, the problems associated with water resources and what
appropriate responses could or should be.