Physical Geography

GEO1112

Physical geography focuses on the different factors that together have created the natural environment and shaped the landscape. Key topics are the shaping of the landscape and the dynamic processes that influence bedrock, sediments, weather, climate, and vegetation.

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 shape the landscape and the natural environment. We pursue an understanding of the forces and dynamic processes that shape Earth’s internal structures as well as its landforms, and develop and constantly change the weather, the climate, the vegetation, and the environment-at-large in which we live. The course provides students with the opportunity to investigate the processes that have shaped the local landscape and natural environment and compile a description of their own locations of residence from a physical geography perspective.

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 processes in the oceans and the atmosphere that shapes and changes the weather and the climate
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
understand connections between geology, climate, and vegetation

Skills:

can apply key terminology and explain general connections between geology, landforms, weather, climate, and vegetation, and more in detail explain these connections in the context of a self-chosen and delimited area
can explain the main global climatic regions and biomes, and in more detail describe the climate regions and vegetation regions nationally
can carry out map and literature search on physical geography within a self-chosen area and put the results to use in analysis and description of this area
can discuss the greenhouse effect and global warming in a local context

General competence:

insight into the connections between different natural phenomena and processes and how they have shaped and still are changing the environment
competence about nature as natural resources, but also about carrying capacity and consequences of human exploitation

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.

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

The teaching mainly takes place in connection with three 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:

GEO1111 - Physical Geography - 10 credits

BIO1004 - Nature types, Climate and Geology - 5 credits

Curriculum literature

Leganto

Course language

Norwegian

Credits

Session-based teaching in Trøndelag - especially at Campus Levanger

Responsible faculty

Faculty of Social Sciences

Course coordinator

Information about the course coordinator for the selected semester is no longer available. Please contact the current course coordinator.