Physical Geography

GEO1111

Physical geography focuses on the links between the different factors that together create the landscape and the natural environment. Key topics are how landforms have been formed and how dynamic processes such as geology, deposits, weather, climate and vegetation work.

Physical geography is the study of the Earth’s natural environment, landforms and the processes that create these. Key areas of focus are the links between the different factors that together create the landscape and the natural environment. We attempt to understand why landforms, the climate and vegetation are the way they are today, and how dynamic processes such as geology, deposits, weather, climate and vegetation work and cause the world to be in a constant state of change. The course provides students with the opportunity to investigate the processes that have created local landscape and vegetation, and compile a description of their own locations from a physical geography perspective.

Compulsory for students taking the one-year geography programme and the Bachelor’s Degree in Geography. Available as an independent course unit for other students.

Admission is based on Higher Education Entrance Qualification or prior learning and work experience in accordance with applicable regulations.

After completing the course, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

has knowledge about the main features regarding the formation of various landforms
has knowledge about processes regarding the formation and characteristics of various types of deposits
has an overview of global and national vegetation zones and knowledge about important national vegetation types
can understand and account for specific links between the elements of nature, climate and vegetation

Skills:

can apply key terminology and demonstrate geographical understanding of a self-chosen and delimited area
can explain the prevalence of five main types of global climate and various national climate regions
can obtain thematic maps on geology, Quaternary geology, global vegetation and climate zones, and show insight into their basic formation and prevalence

General competence:

has insight into the importance of the elements of nature as a basis for resource use, the consequences of resource use, and the balance of use with regard to sustainability

In addition to the semester fee and course literature, students are expected to provide their own laptop computer. Students must cover board and lodging expenses during the sessions, while eventual bus expenses in relation to excursions are paid by Nord University.

The teaching mainly takes place in connection with two sessions, in the form of lectures, excursions and group work. In the periods between sessions, there is online support and students will work on handing in assignments that receive individual feedback.

Attending the sessions is compulsory. The sessions are compulsory because excursions and fieldwork are essential in order to acquire a comprehensive understanding of geography. The sessions provide insight into key sections of the subject, and exercise in understanding the formation and change of different types of natural environment that are characteristic of the places where the sessions take place.

Exemptions from sessions may be granted for special reasons such as acute illness, approved elite sports status, etc. An application including documentation must be sent to the student adviser and the programme of study manager as soon as it is applicable. As an alternative to the sessions, study work must be expected.

The programme of study is evaluated annually by the students through course surveys (mid-term evaluation and final evaluation). The evaluations are part of the university’s quality assurance system.

No prerequisite knowledge required apart from meeting admission requirements.

Overlap refers to a similarity between courses with the same content. Therefore, you will receive the following reduction in credits if you have taken the courses listed below:

GEO1112 - Physical Geography - 10 credits