- 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 | 2020
In this course you will combine field work, 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 used to examine the spatial pattern and evolution of landscapes over time. This will equip you with the required knowledge of current issues related to Physical Geography and allow you to use the acquired skills to propose strategies and solutions to these problems.
At the completion of the degree, students who have met the required academic standard may enrol in the Bachelor of Science (Honours), subject to approval of the Head of School.
See separate entry for the Bachelor of Science (Honours).
Major Learning Outcomes
Students completing this major will be able to:
| MLO | Description | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the trends, processes and impacts that shape the Earth including local, national, global, cultural, Indigenous and spatial perspectives. | ||||||
| 2 | Critically evaluate information and data to assess scientific methods and frameworks in physical geography. | ||||||
| 3 | Develop hypotheses and experiments to test against evidence-based scientific methods and frameworks in physical geography. | ||||||
| 4 | Identify and articulate real world problems derived from physical geography. | ||||||
| 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, interpret and evaluate data, information, results and literature pertaining to physical geography using appropriate methods, measurements, tools and technologies. | ||||||
| 7 | Communicate physical geography 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. | ||||||
Course Structure
To qualify for award of the degree, the Bachelor of Science (Physical Geography), a candidate must successfully complete at least 144 credit points, comprised of 78 credit points of core and 66 credit points of electives.
Note:
- Students may use the elective space below to complete a minor study from the general schedule. For more information please see below
- Students completing a double degree are required to complete core subjects below, and electives (if any) required to bring the total to 90 credit point
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1: When selecting 100 level subjects students should note the pre-requisites required for the 200 level subjects they wish to take | |||
| Autumn Year 1 | |||
| EESC101 | Planet Earth | 6 | Autumn |
| SCII101 | Global Challenges in Science | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC105 | Introductory Geospatial Analysis | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| MATH151 | General Mathematics 1A | 6 | Autumn, Summer 2020/2021 |
| *MATH151 MUST be completed by all students who have not completed NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent at Band 4 or higher | |||
| Plus 6 credit points (students not required to do MATH151) of elective subjects from the General Elective Schedule | |||
| Spring Year 1 | |||
| EESC102 | Earth's Interconnected Spheres | 6 | Spring |
| EESC103 | Earth's Dynamic Surface | 6 | Spring |
| Plus 12 credit points of elective subjects from the General Elective Schedule, Science Schedule of the suggested list below | |||
| SCIE103 | Climate Change | 6 | Spring |
| GEOG122 | Living in a Material World | 6 | Spring |
| GEOG123 | Indigenous Geographies: Questioning Country | 6 | Spring |
| Year 2: When selecting 200 level subjects students should note the pre-requisites required for the 300 level subjects they wish to take | |||
| Autumn Year 2 | |||
| EESC203 | Biogeography and Environmental Change | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC207 | Advanced Geospatial Analysis | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| Plus 12 credit points of elective subjects from the General Elective Schedule, Science Schedule of the suggested list below | |||
| GEOS215 | Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeoenvironments | 6 | Autumn |
| CRLP200 | Career Ready Learning & Practice | 6 | Autumn, Spring, Summer 2020/2021 |
| Spring Year 2 | |||
| EESC202 | Shaping Earth's Surface | 6 | Spring |
| EESC209 | G-cubed: Geochemistry, Geochronology, Geophysics | 6 | Spring |
| Plus 12 credit points of elective subjects from the General Elective Schedule, Science Schedule or the suggested list below | |||
| EESC250 | Field Geology | 6 | Summer 2020/2021 |
| GEOG222 | Society and Environment: Resources, Challenges, Futures | 6 | Spring |
| GEOG231 | Maps and Apps for Social Scientists | 6 | Spring |
| CRLP200 | Career Ready Learning & Practice | 6 | Autumn, Spring, Summer 2020/2021 |
| Year 3 | |||
| Autumn Year 3 | |||
| EESC323 | Fluvial Geomorphology and Sedimentology | 6 | Autumn |
| Plus 18 credit points of electives from the General Elective Schedule, Science Schedule or the suggested list below | |||
| GEOS309 | Igneous-metamorphic geology methods and processes | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC321 | Plate Tectonics, Macrotopography and Earth History | 6 | Autumn |
| EESC328 | Dung, Death and Decay: Modern scientific methods in archaeology | 6 | Autumn |
| Spring Year 3 | |||
| EESC320 | Project Management in the Earth and Environmental Sciences | 6 | Spring |
| EESC322 | Coastal Environments: Process and Management | 6 | Not available in 2020 |
| EESC331 | Changing Global Environments | 6 | Spring |
| Plus 6 credit points of electives from the General Elective Schedule, Science Schedule or the suggested list below | |||
| SCII302 | Science Interdisciplinary Project | 6 | Spring |
| GEOG337 | Policy for Environmental and Heritage Management | 6 | Spring |
| EESC326 | Resources and Environments | 6 | Spring |
A selection of research internships or project-based subjects may also be available to high achieving students wishing to complement their coursework with research projects. Entry into these subjects requires approval from the Head of School.
NOTE: Students may be required to contribute to food, transport and accommodation costs associated with the provision of field trips that form part of the course of study.
MINORS
Students are encouraged to consider taking a Minor study as part of the BSc program. Inclusion of a minor in support of your major area of study allows you to broaden your view, knowledge and expertise while specialising in areas of interest.
Details on Minors can be found at 2020 Schedule of Minors
Options include (but are not limited too): Earth and Environmental Science, Geoscience, Physical Geography, Archaeology, Biochemistry, Biodiversity, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Geology and Marine Biology.
Honours
See separate entry for the Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Entry Requirements and Credit Arrangements
Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.
Other Information
For further information please email: smah-students@uow.edu.au