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.
| Paper title | Physical Geography |
|---|---|
| Paper code | GEOG101 |
| Subject | Geography |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Contact
- geography@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: To be Advised
Lecturers:
Dr Todd Redpath
Dr Sarah Mager
Dr Ralf OhlemüllerTeaching Fellow: Ben Varkalis
- Paper Structure
Lectures cover four modules:
- Geomorphology
- Climatology
- Hydrology
- Biogeography
Assessment is 60% internal (on-going during the semester) and 40% external (final examination).
- Teaching Arrangements
Four lectures and One 3-hour laboratory per week.
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
- 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
