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Overview

An introduction to the geographic study of the Earth’s environmental systems, with particular emphasis on energy, landforms, vegetation, surficial materials and water. Includes laboratory studies, tutorials and field work.

Physical Geography is the study of the natural environment that promotes the understanding of the interactions between social, earth and physical science. A particular characteristic of Physical Geography is that it is "hands on" and concentrates on the real world, and to study the real world requires specific skills like mapping, remote sensing, data collection, field work and communication skills.

In GEOG 101 we will introduce you to the diverse physical environment and in practical sessions introduce skills that will enable you to apply your theoretical knowledge to real world problems. The skills learnt in this course are those used by researchers and professionals in many disciplines.

About this paper

Paper title Physical Geography
Subject Geography
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Schedule C
Arts and Music, Science
Contact
geography@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: To be Advised

Lecturers:
Professor Nicolas Cullen

Dr Sarah Mager

Professor Sean Fitzsimons

Dr Ralf Ohlemüller

Senior Teaching Fellow: Ben Varkalis

Paper Structure

Lectures cover four modules:

  • Geomorphology
  • Climatology
  • Hydrology
  • Biogeography
Teaching Arrangements

Four lectures and One 3-hour laboratory in 7 weeks of the semester.

One half-day field trip during the course, where you will undertake observations and measurements of some aspect of the natural environment.

Textbooks

An Introduction of Physical Geography and the Environment. 4th Edition, edited by Joseph Holden (2017), Pearson.

Course outline

View the course outline for GEOG 101

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the paper you should:
  • Have a well-developed understanding of the content, key concepts and themes in contemporary Physical Geography
  • Be familiar with and able to apply basic methods of study and techniques of analysis in Physical Geography
  • Be able to analyse critically and communicate your analysis effectively using both oral and written media
  • Be well prepared to progress to 200-level papers in Geography and to apply geographic perspectives in other subjects you may be studying
Assessment details

Assessment is 60% internal (on-going during the semester) and 40% external (final examination).

Overview

An introduction to the geographic study of the Earth’s environmental systems, with particular emphasis on energy, landforms, vegetation, surficial materials and water. Includes laboratory studies, tutorials and field work.

Physical Geography is the study of the natural environment that promotes the understanding of the interactions between social, earth and physical science. A particular characteristic of Physical Geography is that it is "hands on" and concentrates on the real world, and to study the real world requires specific skills like mapping, remote sensing, data collection, field work and communication skills.

In GEOG 101, we will introduce you to the diverse physical environment and, in practical sessions, introduce skills that will enable you to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The skills learnt in this course are those used by researchers and professionals in many disciplines.

About this paper

Paper title Physical Geography
Subject Geography
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Schedule C
Arts and Music, Science
Contact
geography@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: Dr Sarah Mager

Lecturers:

Senior Teaching Fellow: Ben Varkalis

Paper Structure

Lectures cover four modules:

  • Geomorphology
  • Climatology
  • Hydrology
  • Biogeography
Teaching Arrangements

Four lectures and one 3-hour laboratory in seven weeks of the semester.

One half-day field trip during the course, where you will undertake observations and measurements of some aspect of the natural environment.

Textbooks
  • An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment. 4th Edition, edited by Joseph Holden (2017), Pearson.
  • Course outline

    View the course outline for GEOG 101.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    By the end of the paper you should:

    • Have a well-developed understanding of the content, key concepts and themes in contemporary Physical Geography
    • Be familiar with and able to apply basic methods of study and techniques of analysis in Physical Geography
    • Be able to analyse critically and communicate your analysis effectively using both oral and written media
    • Be well prepared to progress to 200-level papers in Geography and to apply geographic perspectives in other subjects you may be studying
    Assessment details

    Assessment is 60% internal (on-going during the semester) and 40% external (final examination).

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