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GG1510: GLOBAL WORLDS, LOCAL CHALLENGES (2016-2017)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

This course considers the geographical patterns that characterise the Earth’s physical and human environments and landscapes, and the processes that operate within and lead to changes in these. It is also concerned with the ways in which people occupy the Earth’s surface, their movements and settlements, and their perceptions and use of landscapes, resources and space. Lecture material is presented in study blocks covering: glaciology and palaeoclimates; biogeography and soils; economic, social and historical geographies; and issues surrounding sustainability. Key concepts and skills are reinforced through small group teaching (PC-classes and tutorials).

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Edward Schofield

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

  • GG1509 Global Worlds, Local Challenges (Studied)
  • GG1511 Global Worlds, Local Challenges (Distance) (Studied)
  • KL1517 Global Worlds, Local Challenges (Kl Version) (Studied)
  • KL159Y Global Worlds, Local Challenges (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course examines how geographical patterns and processes are reflected at a variety of spatial scales (from global to local). Related study blocks will address:

  • Palaeoclimates: the key factors driving global climate changes during the Quaternary period (approximately the last 2.6 million years), and the evidence for this.

  • Geocryology: patterns, processes, sediments, and landscape features associated with the Earth’s snow, ice and frozen-ground environments.

  • Biogeography: factors governing the spatial distribution of life on the planet, ranging from micro-organisms to global-scale vegetation formations.

  • Soils: their formation, degradation and management.

  • Economic geography: the geographical study of people’s efforts to make a living, focusing on aspects of the changing economic geography of Scotland since 1914.

  • Social geography: this will consider the patterns and underlying causes for changes in Scotland’s population during the modern era. Aspects of social inequality are also explored.

  • Historical geography: covers themes such as empire and colonialism, science and exploration, cartography and maps, and the development of the discipline of geography.

  • Sustainable development: considers the concept of sustainability and provides an introduction to some of the key issues that link to this (e.g. climate change and resource management).

Further Information & Notes

This course may not be included in a graduating curriculum with KL1517.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: coursework, 50%, plus exam, 50%. Resit: Original coursework carried forward, 50%, plus exam, 50%.

Formative Assessment

The course includes practical exercises on how to conduct an effective literature search, and the production and interrogation of digital maps.

Feedback

Students receive individual, written feedback on their coursework using standard comments sheets. Students are encouraged to discuss this feedback with their workgroup tutor.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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