Course Description
Addresses spatial patterns and underlying processes of the physical environment and biosphere, including climate, vegetation, soils, landforms, and water resources. The role of human activity in shaping and influencing the behavior of the earth's biophysical systems is examined from local to global spatial scales.
Athena Title
Intro Physical Geography Hon
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in GEOG 1111
Prerequisite
Permission of Honors
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Successful completion of this course will provide the following learning outcomes that address the Environmental Awareness Policy criteria: A basic understanding of physical environmental processes that operate in the earth/atmosphere system An appreciation of the diversity of physical environmental interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere An awareness of the dynamic nature of the earth's physical environmental systems, evident across a range of time and spatial scales Gain an appreciation of the role of human activity in shaping and influencing the behavior of the earth's biophysical systems across multiple spatial scales from local, e.g., bank erosion to global, e.g., climate change. Learn how geoscientists investigate geographical phenomena such as earthquakes, severe weather, and sea level rise and use this knowledge to help increase resilience and decrease human vulnerability. An ability to recognize the reciprocal interactions between human actions, modification of the earth-atmosphere system, and past/future global environmental change A greater cognizance of the importance of science in the everyday functioning of our planet and its crucial role in informing policy decision-making This course meets the following General Education Abilities, by accomplishing the specific learning objectives enumerated below: Computer Literacy is addressed through course administration, student-faculty electronic interaction, and supplemental reading assignments. Critical Thinking is central to the learning objectives of this class, and includes the following elements, which are accomplished through lecture and classroom discussion/inquiry-based learning efforts. Consider and engage opposing points of view Support a consistent purpose and point of view Assimilate, analyze, and present a body of information Analyze arguments Moral Reasoning (Ethics) is an important element of this course, as it seeks to link an understanding of physical environments with human health and social welfare, as developed through lectures and classroom discussion/inquiry-based learning activities. Recognize the community and the greater common good in addition to individual needs and goals Judge and understand ethical behavior in social applications Apply societal ethics to scientific inquiry
Topical Outline
Lecture and Reading Schedule: The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary. Course Introduction; Latitude and Longitude Earth/Sun Geometry and Seasons Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere Energy, Heat, and Temperature Energy and the Atmosphere Global Energy Balance and Temperature Patterns Water and the Atmosphere Adiabatic Processes and Atmospheric Stability Clouds, Fog, and Precipitation Hydrologic Cycle and Water Balance Air Pressure and Winds Global Atmospheric Circulation Midlatitude Wave Cyclones Upper-level Atmospheric Circulation Severe Weather Tropical Climates Midlatitude Climates Polar and Highland Climates Global Climate Change: Past, present, and future; mitigation, adaptation, and human impacts Tectonic Activity and Earthquakes: Related to human activity such as hydraulic fracturing Global Atmospheric Circulation: Atmospheric teleconnections and associated human impacts Properties of Ecosystems Vegetation Patterns in the Landscape: Influences of human activity Tropical Vegetation Transect: Rainforest to desert North American Vegetation Transect: Gulf to Arctic North American Vegetation Transect: Atlantic to Pacific Disturbance and Vegetation Dynamics: Extreme weather events to human influences Physical and Chemical Soil Properties: Impacts on and by agricultural practices Soil Forming Processes and Factors Soils of Forested Settings Soils of Grasslands, Deserts, and Other Settings The Nature of the Lithosphere Plate Tectonics Volcanic Processes and Landforms Tectonic Processes and Landforms Weathering, Erosion, and Gravity Drainage Basins and Streams Hydrographs and Stream Flow Stream Dynamics Sediment Load and Stream Capacity Stream Erosion and Deposition: Influences of past human land use histories Arid Landforms Coastal Processes and Landforms Glacial Processes and Landforms
General Education Core
CORE II: Physical Sciences