- Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.
However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.
Physical Geography and Environmental Geosciences
The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only.
Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.
Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.
In this course you will combine fieldwork, practical experience and research to develop an understanding of how the dynamics of physical processes acting on the surface of the Earth create landscapes. You will also investigate the impacts and consequences of human existence on the landscape. You will learn how to apply techniques to study patterns and processes in the environment, including their spatial pattern and evolution over time. This will equip you with the required knowledge of current issues related to Physical Geography and Environmental Geosciences and allow you to use the acquired skills to propose strategies and solutions to these problems.
Major Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this major students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the trends, processes and impacts that shape the Earth and its environment including local, national, global, cultural, Indigenous and spatial perspectives.
2. Critically evaluate information and data to assess scientific methods and frameworks in physical geography and environmental geosciences.
3. Develop hypotheses and experiments to test against evidence-based scientific facts, laws, principles and evidence.
4. Identify and articulate real world problems derived from physical geography and environmental geosciences.
5. Apply knowledge and appropriate techniques, including those associated with fieldwork, to evaluate possible solutions to real world problems and defend choice of solution against alternatives.
6. Locate, synthesise and evaluate data, information, results and literature pertaining to physical geography and environmental geosciences using appropriate methods, measurements, tools and technologies.
7. Communicate physical geography and environmental geoscience perspectives and knowledge effectively to a range of audiences using appropriate technologies and communication skills.
8. Demonstrate ethical, professional, public and personal conduct and capacity to reflect on and direct own learning and practice and participate constructively in decision-making within the context of physical geography and environmental geosciences.
9. Independently plan and execute a research project in regard to Physical Geography.
Course Structure
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Core | |||
| EESC101 | Planet Earth | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC103 | Earth's Dynamic Surface | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC102 | Earth's Interconnected Spheres | 6 | Spring |
| EESC105 | Introductory Geospatial Analysis | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| Total for major at 100-level | 24 | ||
| Recommended Electives | |||
| MATH151 | General Mathematics 1A (if required)* | 6 | Autumn |
| SCIE103 | Climate Change | 6 | Spring |
| GEOG122 | Human Geography II: living in a Material World | 6 | Spring |
| 200-Level | |||
| Core | |||
| EESC203 | Biogeography and Environmental Change | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC207 | Advanced Geospatial Analysis | 6 | Autumn, Spring. First offered in 2017 |
| EESC202 | Shaping Earth's Surface | 6 | Spring |
| EESC209 | G-cubed: Geochemistry, Geochronology, Geophysics | 6 | Spring. First offered in 2017 |
| Total for major at 200-level | 24 | ||
| Recommended Electives: | |||
| EESC201 | Earth's Inferno | 6 | Autumn |
| GEOG222 | Environmental Impact of Societies | 6 | Spring |
| EESC250 | Field Geology | 6 | Summer |
| Year 3 | |||
| Core | |||
| EESC320 | Capstone in Earth and Environmental Sciences | 6 | Annual, Autumn, Spring. First offered in 2018 |
| EESC323 | Fluvial Geomorphology and River Management | 6 | Autumn. First offered in 2018 |
| EESC322 | Coastal Environments: Process and Management | 6 | Spring. First offered in 2018 |
| EESC331 | Changing Global Environments | 6 | Autumn, Spring. First offered in 2018 |
| Total for major at 300-level | 24 | ||
| Recommended Electives | |||
| EESC321 | Plate Tectonics, Macrotopography and Earth History | 6 | Autumn. First offered in 2018 |
| EESC328 | Dung, Death and Decay: Modern scientific methods in archaeology | 6 | Autumn. First offered in 2018 |
| EESC332 | Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeoenvironments | 6 | Autumn. First offered in 2018 |
| GEOG332 | Environmental and Heritage Management** | 8 | Autumn |
| EESC326 | Resources and Environments | 6 | Spring. First offered in 2018 |
| Year 4 | |||
| Core | |||
| Select either the full-time (48cp) or 48cp of the equivalent part-time subject (2 x 24cp) option below. | |||
| EESC401 | Earth and Environmental Sciences Honours Full-time | 48 | Annual, Spring/Autumn |
| EESC407 | Earth and Environmental Sciences Honours (Part-Time) | 24 | Annual, Spring/Autumn |
| Total for major at 400-level | 48 | ||
| Total for major | 120 | ||
| Plus elective subjects chosen from the Science or General Schedules | 72 | ||
| Degree Total | 192 | ||
* Students who have not completed HSC Mathematics at Band 4 or higher (or equivalent) are required to complete a mathematics subject (MATH151 or equivalent) preferably in the first year.
**Subject is expected to be replaced with a 6 credit point version from 2018.
Credit Arrangements
Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.
Other Information
Further information is available at:
Email: smah-students@uow.edu.au