Module ESC-10023: The Practice of Physical Geography

ESC-10023 is supported by online resources including lecture slides, readings and learning exercises. Students must make use of these resources, which can be accessed at:

The module leader is Dr Peter Knight. Staff are always available to help and can be contacted by e-mail.

Dr. Peter Knight (PGK): room F30 e-mail: p.g.knight

Dr. Katie Szkornik (KS):room F28 e-mail: k.szkornik

Dr. Richard Waller (RIW): room F23A e-mail: r.i.waller

Summary of course content and aim:

This module provides a foundation of knowledge and understanding of the nature of the discipline of Physical Geography, including its context within a broader scientific framework, its professional conventions, and the principles and concepts underlying current approaches to the subject. The module is intended for students who plan to pursue Physical Geography to a higher level. Teaching includes ten 1-hour lectures (with web support and directed reading) and a 1-day field excursion. The module should take approximately 100 hours to complete, including lectures, field trip, essay preparation and directed and independent reading and study.

Programme of lectures and field course:

Introduction:

Lecture 1 The discipline of Physical Geography (PGK)

Big Ideas in Physical Geography:

Lecture 2 Magnitude and frequency (RIW)

Lecture 3 Thresholds (PGK)

Lecture 4 Systems, complexity and chaos (KS)

Local Area Case Study:

Lecture 5 Physical Geography in our local area (RIW)

(Lecture 5 includes an assessed exercise based on lectures 1-4)

Lecture 6 Web-based research tools and local Physical Geography (RIW)

Field Course: Sunday 8th March

(Field course includes an assessed exercise)

Applied Physical Geography and Careers:

Lecture 7 Applied Physical Geography and careers (KS)

Lecture 8 Coastal hazard mitigation (KS)

Lecture 9 Environmental management (KS)

Conclusion:

Lecture 10 Your future as a Physical Geographer (PGK)

(Lecture 10 includes an assessed exercise based on lectures 5-9)

Reading

Specific reading will be announced for each lecture. Useful textbooks for this course include:

  • Holden, J. (ed.) (2008) An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment (2nd ed.). (Pearson Education, Harlow).
  • Gregory, K.J. (2000) The Changing Nature of Physical Geography. (Arnold, London).
  • Trudgill, S. and Roy, A. (eds.) (2003) Contemporary Meanings in Physical Geography. (Arnold, London).
  • Thomas, D. and Goudie, A.S. (eds.) (2000) The Dictionary of Physical Geography (3rd Ed.) (Blackwell, Oxford).

Assessment:

Assignments must be presented in accordance with the Physical Geography House Style: Assessment is based on:

  • a 1500 word essay (20%),
  • two in-lecture assessments (quiz-style tests) (10% and 10%)
  • a field-course assessment (10%)
  • an end-of-course examination (50%).

Examination:

The 2-hour end-of-course exam will cover the whole course except for the local-area case study and the field course. You will be required answer three questions from a choice of about nine. A sample paper and further advice will be provided online and in lectures.

In-class assessments and field course assessment:

There will be 2 in-class assessments during the lecture programme (dates are given in the lecture list above). These will take the form of short-answer tests. The majority of the questions will be taken from a Question Bank that is available with the online resources for the module. The fieldwork assessment will take the form of a workbook and report written during the field day; additional details will be provided in lectures before the field course.

Coursework essay:

Essays should be submitted in your Geography Tutorial in week 8. Work submitted late up to one week after the deadline will be marked to a maximum of 40%; work not submitted one week after the deadline will receive a mark of zero. Essays must be written in accordance with the Physical Geography House Style, with references to appropriate sources and a correctly formatted reference list. Choose a title from this list:

  1. Define, and outline the scope of, the discipline of Physical Geography.
  2. Explain why an understanding of the twin concepts of magnitude and frequency is central to the effective mitigation of flood hazards.
  3. Describe and discuss the role of feedback mechanisms within the climate system.
  4. Discuss the role played by meltwater in the generation of the physical landscape around Keele.
  5. In what ways has the widespread availability of satellite imagery revolutionised research within Physical Geography?
  6. Describe the factors that must be taken into account in the selection of a site for a water supply reservoir and describe the techniques that a Physical Geographer may use to evaluate these factors.
  7. Examine how knowledge of future sea-level change is important in coastal hazard management.
  8. How does knowledge of fluvial processes help in the management of flood risk?