GEOG 1101 Introduction to Physical Geography

Description

Introduction to Physical Geography studies the geographical distribution of the natural environment, with an emphasis on spatial data analysis, weather, climate, geological formations and the hydrosphere, to examine the relationship of people to their physical surroundings.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

STSK 0095 or placement by multiple measures

Topics to be Covered

1. Cartography

2. Spatial Data Analysis

3. Atmosphere

4. Weather

5. Climates and Climate Change

6. Lithosphere

7. Plate Tectonics

8. Rock Formation

9. Landscapes

10. Soils

11. Glaciation

12. Hydrosphere

13. Ocean Circulation

14. Fresh Water Cycle

15. Coast Lines

16. Biosphere

17. Ecosystems

18. Biomes

Learning Outcomes

1. Acquire and convey information through mapped data

2. Identify the different spheres involved in earth processes

3. Examine patterns in atmospheric condition data

4. Delineate weather and climate

5. Relate atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns

6. Examine tectonic plate movement and landscape formation

7. Delineate stages in the rock cycle

8. Identify the results of glacial action on the landscape

9. Delineate categories of soils

10. Examine the causes and consequences of sea level rise

11. Relate ecosystem and biome location to geological, hydrological and atmospheric processes.

12. Identify the consequences of the environment on human settlement patterns

Credit Details

Lecture: 4

Lab: 0

OJT: 0

MnTC Goal Area(s): Goal Area 10-People and the Environment

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies

Goal Area 10: People and the Environment

1. Explain the basic structure and function of various natural ecosystems and of human adaptive strategies within those systems.

2. Discern patterns and interrelationships of bio-physical and socio-cultural systems.

3. Describe the basic institutional arrangements (social, legal, political, economic, religious) that are evolving to deal with environmental and natural resource challenges.

4. Evaluate critically environmental and natural resource issues in light of understandings about interrelationships, ecosystems, and institutions.

5. Propose and assess alternative solutions to environmental problems.

6. Articulate and defend the actions they would take on various environmental issues.