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Introduction to Physical Geography Laboratory


Course Description

Optional laboratory for Introduction to Physical Geography.


Athena Title

Intro Physical Geography Lab


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in GEOG 2110L


Pre or Corequisite

GEOG 1111


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall, spring and summer


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Successful completion of this laboratory course will provide the following learning outcomes: A basic understanding of scientific units, measurement and conversions, and maps A comprehensive focus on fundamental processes that operate to produce weather, climatic zones, global vegetation/soils patterns, and landform features An opportunity to use scientific instrumentation for monitoring physical environmental conditions and processes An exposure to outdoor learning experiences that focus on applications of physical processes in the local environment This course meets the following General Education Abilities by accomplishing the specific learning objectives listed below: Communicate effectively through writing. This is met by a series of writing assignments associated with laboratory exercises. Communicate effectively through speech. This is met by oral presentations, discussion leading, and classroom participation. Computer Literacy is addressed through course administration, student-faculty electronic interaction, and data analysis activities and assignments. Critical Thinking is central to the learning objectives of this class, and includes the following elements, which are accomplished through laboratory activities and assignments, lecture, 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


Topical Outline

Latitude, Longitude, and Time/Contours and Topographic Maps Earth-Sun Relationships, Insolation, and Seasons Temperature Concepts and Patterns Atmospheric Humidity, Stability, and Adiabatic Processes Earth’s Atmosphere: Pressure Profiles and Pressure Patterns Weather Maps Global Climate Systems Water Balance and Water Resources Biomes: Analyzing Global Terrestrial Ecosystems Plate Tectonics: Global Patterns and Volcanism Topographic Analysis: Fluvial Geomorphology Topographic Analysis: Coastal and Glacial Geomorphology


General Education Core

CORE II: Physical Sciences

Syllabus