GEOG 110 - Physical Geography

Number of Credits: 4
Physical Geography involves the study and spatial analysis of conditions on the earth’s surface, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. It will include discussion of such topics as groundwater, surface water, soils, vegetation, earthquakes, volcanoes, glaciers, weather conditions, and climate. Emphasis will be on using place (such as Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, Africa’s Rift Valley, and others) as a unifying theme. Lab activities will include studying and calculating sun angle, relative humidity, reading and interpreting topographic maps and weather maps, using aerial photographs and satellite imagery, and analyzing earthquake and weather data from web sites. Field trips may be offered, but not required. Also offered as GEOSC 110; credit will not be awarded for both. Three hours lecture each week. Two hours laboratory each week. Four Credits. Four billable hours.

GENERAL EDUCATION Category: Biological and Physical Sciences

Pre-requisite(s): MAT 095 with a minimum grade of C or better, plus eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Relate effects of platetectonics (earthquakes, volcanic structures, rising mountains, oceanic ridges, oceanic trenches) to specific plate boundaries or hot spots. (GE2, GE6, PG1, PG4)
Locate examples of oceanic and continental landforms and relate them to the gradational processes of weathering, mass wasting, and erosion. (GE2, GE6, PG1, PG4)
Relate physical factors such as climate, hydrography, natural vegetation, soils, and underlying geology to local, national, and world regions. (GE2, GE6, PG1, PG4)
Recognize the elements and controls of weather and climate and understand how they are integrated to give a comprehensive view of a location’s weather and climate. (GE2, GE6, PG1, PG3, PG4)
Analyze data and reach valid conclusions from the interpretation of topographic maps, such as scale, relief, legend, and grid systems. (GE2, GE3, PG1, PG3, PG4)
Demonstrate effective communication skills through written and or oral assignments, such as summarizing scientific articles, presentations, and essay questions. (GE1, GE2, GE4, GE5, GE6, PG2, PG4)
Utilize math concepts in the interpretation of data, such as angle of insolation, time zones, length of daylight and twilight, relative humidity, dew points, adiabatic processes, Koeppen classification system, and map scale. (GE2, GE3, GE6, PG1, PG3, PG4)
Learn to locate significant cities, states, water bodies, countries, mountains, or other geographical locations or areas relative to course material. (GE6, PG4)

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