Last modified: 25 May 2018 11:16
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).
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | None. | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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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).
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
1st Attempt:
Exam, 34% (one hour, with students answering one question only)
Two pieces of coursework, each assignment 33%, .
Resit: coursework (67%, resubmission of failed components permitted, but with mark capped at D3); one-hour examination (33%)
The course includes practical exercises on how to conduct an effective literature search, and the production and interrogation of digital maps.
Students receive individual, written feedback on their coursework using standard comments sheets. Students are encouraged to discuss this feedback with their workgroup tutor.
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