Course Title: Physical Geography
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Physical Geography
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
GEOM1022 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sciences |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2016 |
GEOM1022 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020 |
Course Coordinator: Dr Serene Ho
Course Coordinator Phone: -
Course Coordinator Email: serene.ho2@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 12.12.15
Course Coordinator Availability: By apppointment, by email
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
This subject is all about exploring the physical processes that have shaped our world It is a core first-year subject for those enrolled in BH116 and BH117 and as such, it aims to introduce you to the four main physical systems of Earth: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. While not conventional, we will also take the opportunity to introduce you to a fifth system: space!
Why is it important to know about Earth’s physical processes? Because we have inherited a physical world where the rates and types of change are so dramatically different from what has been historically experienced that we are now in a climate emergency. In this subject, we will learn theories and concepts about physical processes in and between the four main geosystems. I will introduce you to some examples of climate issues and we will work together to apply what we learn in class to grasp contemporary climate-related challenges.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
On completion of this course you should be able to:
- Define core terms, concepts, and geo-processes in each of Earth’s four major geosystems and the relationships that link them as a system-of-systems.
- Describe fundamental geo-processes within each geosystem and how these impact upon the formation/degradation of relevant major landforms.
- Recognise major climatic conditions and explain the geo-processes resulting in or affecting their development.
- Critically analyse, evaluate and communicate information about the physical aspects of climate change and relevant mitigation strategies to a variety of audiences.
This course contributes to the development of the following Program Learning Outcomes in BH116 (Bachelor of Applied Science (Surveying) and BH117 (Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science):
1.1 Describe the fundamental and applied scientific knowledge that underpins surveying and the geospatial sciences.
4.1 Communicate effectively by means of oral, written and graphical presentations to peers and a wider audience.
5.1 Appreciate the environmental, social, legal and international aspects of actions and decisions in surveying and the geospatial sciences.
6.1 Be self-motivated and personally responsible for your actions and learning.
Overview of Learning Activities
In this course you will actively participate in a series of classroom group-based learning activities. Learning materials will be made available online as required including lecture materials, supplementary readings and videos.
Total study hours:
One hour of lectures and one hour of tutorial per week contact. You should expect to spend a minimum of four hours per week in independent study.
Overview of Learning Resources
As a student enrolled in this course at RMIT University you can access the extensive learning resources provided in the school and in the library, such as books, journals and other course-related materials (electronic and paper-based) The library offers extensive services and facilities, geared to assist you in completing your studies successfully.
A list of recommended references will be provided.
A library subject guide is available at: http://rmit.libguides.com/geospatial.
Overview of Assessment
☒This course has no hurdle requirements.
Assessment Tasks:
Assessment Task 1: Class Test 1
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLO 1, 2 and 3.
Assessment Task 2: Group Assignment 1
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLO 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Assessment Task 3: Class Test 1 (15%)
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLO 1, 2 and 3.
Assessment Task 4: Group Assignment 2
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLO 1, 2, 3 and 4.