2013/14 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG1040 Dynamic Landscapes
20 creditsClass Size: 120
Module manager: Dr Mark Smith
Email: m.w.smith@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2013/14
Pre-requisite qualifications
noneModule replaces
Existing Level 1 content.This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
Dynamic Landscapes introduces students to the principles and applications of geomorphology. Topics include the concepts underpinning geomorphology, and focuses on erosion and weathering processes such as those for hillslopes, rivers and mountain/Alpine environments. A series of micro- meso- and macro-scale studies will be presented in a range of global environments.Objectives
GEOG1040 has the following aims:1. To introduce students to the basic principles of geomorphology.
2. To introduce students to the application of these principles to a range of global environments.
3. Through field and desktop/computer practicals, to develop students’ practical skills in collecting and analysing geomorphological data.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, students who have engaged well with the syllabus should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
1. How people interact with the landscape around them and how geomorphology is, in part, a social science.
2. Basic physical principles in geomorphology, including mass balance equations and transfer equations.
3. The role of continuous ‘slow' processes and rarer, high-magnitude, events in shaping landscapes.
4. Weathering, and sediment and solute transfer processes in a range of the Earth’s environments.
5. The hydrological cycle from the global to hillslope scale.
6. How the spatial and temporal scale of processes affects their impact on the development of geomorphological landscapes.
Skills outcomes
A. Knowledge and understanding.
A2. The diversity of global environments and the operation of, and inter-relationships between physical and biological systems over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.
A3. Patterns and processes of environmental change and their inter-relationships with human activities.
A9. The theory and application of quantitative, visualisation and other spatial techniques across a wide range of geographical contexts
B. Cognitive skills.
B3. Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text.
B4. Developing reasoned arguments.
B5. Solving problems and making reasoned decisions.
C. Practical/professional skills.
C1. Plan, design, execute and report geographical research both individually and as part of a team.
C2. Undertake effective laboratory and field work (with due regard for safety and risk assessment).
C3. Employ a variety of technical and laboratory-based methods for the analysis and presentation of spatial and environmental information (e.g. GIS, water chemistry, etc).
C4. Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of quantitative and qualitative geographical data.
D. Key skills.
D1. Learn in familiar and unfamiliar situations.
D2. Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical presentations).
D3. Apply numerical and computational skills to geographical information.
D4. Use information technology effectively (including use of spreadsheet, database and word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail).
D7. Manage time and organise work effectively.
Syllabus
The teaching on this module will be organised into blocks. Apart from Block 1, which will always be the first component of the module, the blocks may be taught at different times in different years depending on staffing and the timetabling of components on other modules (like fieldtrips). Some blocks may overlap and run concurrently. Each block comprises about a quarter of the module and each will be taught using a combination of approaches.
PRINCIPLES OF GEOMORPHOLOGY
Block 1.Geomorphological concepts.
This block will involve lectures and a few workshops that cover the following topics: (i) fundamental geormorphological principles including balance and transfer equations, and the frequency and magnitude of geomorphological events; (ii) approaches to studying geomorphology, including palaeo-reconstructions, process measurement, landscape measurement, and computer modelling. (iii) geomorphology and people (how are people affected by geomorphological processes and how do people, in turn, shape the landscape?
Block 2. Erosion and weathering
Using lectures and a few workshops, this block will cover the processes behind the basic components of balance and mass transfer equations and will also look at how weathering and erosion are mediated by climate, biological processes, tectonic (geological) processes, and human activity. Examples from a range of environments will be used to support the theory in this block. A key component of the block will be the hydrological cycle; many geomorphological processes are hydrological or are affected by hydrological processes.
PROCESSES – PRACTICAL GEOMORPHOLOGY
Block 3. Collecting and analysing geomorphological data.
This block will involve field work (one-day trip) and the analysis of the data collected from the trip. Data analysis will be supported by practicals and explanatory lectures.
Block 4. Application of concepts to study of a particular environment.
Using workshops and lectures, this block will introduce students to case study examples of study of the landforms and processes from a range of global environments. Specific topics may vary year on year, but will often include glacial environments, fluvial landforms and processes, and slope development in temperate environments. Applications could include academic interest, or else natural hazard management and natural resource management, for example.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Workshop | 3 | 2.00 | 6.00 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8.00 | 8.00 |
| Lecture | 17 | 1.00 | 17.00 |
| Practical | 3 | 2.00 | 6.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 133.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 37.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
- Students will be set structured reading from each lecture and will be set worksheets in advance of each workshop.- Preparation for each workshop will involve up to four hours of work.
- Reading following each lecture will involve up to three hours of work. The practicals will involve up to 10 hours of additional work (in total across the three practicals) as will the fieldtrip(s). The rest of the time given over to private study will involve preparation of coursework and exam revision.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored via the workshops (see above) and also via performance on two pieces of coursework (an essay and a data-analysis report). Feedback on the coursework will be provided via a document posted on the VLE and via short-paragraph reports on each student's performance (also on the VLE). Part of two workshops will be used to report back on overall student performance on the essay and report.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 1600 words | 40.00 |
| Project | 1200 words | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 70.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1 hr 30 mins | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 30.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 31/01/2014
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