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)

GEOM2153

City Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020

Course Coordinator: Dr Serene Ho

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7654

Course Coordinator Email: serene.ho2@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 12.12.15

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment, by availability


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 and introduces you to the four main physical systems of Earth: atmostphere, 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

This course contributes to the development of the following Program Learning Outcomes for MC265 Master of Science (Geospatial).

1.1  Describe the fundamental and applied scientific knowledge that underpins the geospatial sciences.

1.4  Discern research directions and advances within geospatial sciences.

3.2  Interpret and critically analyse results and make informed judgments on the appropriateness of solutions.

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 the geospatial sciences.

6.1   Be self-motivated and personally responsible for your actions and learning.

6.3  Professionally manage and use information.


On completion of this course you should be able to:

  1. 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.
  2. Describe fundamental geo-processes within each geosystem and how these impact upon the formation/degradation of relevant major landforms.
  3. Recognise major climatic conditions and explain the geo-processes resulting in or affecting their development.
  4. Critically analyse, evaluate and communicate information about the physical aspects of climate change and relevant mitigation strategies to a variety of audiences.


Overview of Learning Activities

In this course you will actively participate in a series of classroom lectures and 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.

More specifically, recommended references are:

  • Bridgman, Howard A, Dragovich, Deirdre., & Dodson, J. R. (2008). The Australian physical environment. South Melbourne, Vic.: Oxford University Press.
  • Marsh, William M, & Kaufman, Martin M. (2013). Physical geography: Great systems and global environments. Cambridge, UK ; New York: Cambridge University Press. 1
  • Gabler, R. (2009). Physical geography (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
  • Christopherson, R. (2009). Geosystems: An introduction to physical geography (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
  • Grotzinger, J. (2007). Understanding Earth (5th ed.). New York: W.H. Freeman. 1
  • Kump, Lee R, Crane, Robert G., & Kasting, James F. (2004). The earth system (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Education.
  • Maslin, M. (2013). Climate Change: A Very Short Introduction (3rd edn). London: Oxford University Press.

 

A list of recommended references will also be provided prior to each week’s lecture.

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.