Course goals and learning outcomes support the Foundational Component Areas defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Course goals are linked to the respective Core Curriculum Competencies: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical and Quantitative Skills, and Social Responsibility. Specific competencies are identified in designated course goals and learning outcomes.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of scientific investigation as they apply to Earth’s physical systems and processes.
Describe and explain the processes of Earth’s physical systems: weather and climate, water, ecosystems, geologic processes and landform development.
Demonstrate an understanding of the interactions among the Earth’s physical systems.
Demonstrate an understanding of the modifications humans make to the environment through interactions with Earth’s physical systems.
Demonstrate an understanding of the discipline of geography as an academic field and physical geography as the geographic subfield that analyzes the spatial distribution of earth’s physical processes and elements and the relationship between them by
1. explaining how geographers work;
2. explaining the unique spatial perspective that geographers apply to gather, analyze, and interpret data, and to formulate conclusions using that data;
3. identifying the primary topics explored in physical geography and the methods employed to study them.
Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of physical geography by
1. describing the size and shape of the earth;
2. describing basic earth/sun relationships;
3. describing the earth’s rotation and revolution;
4. describing how the system of latitude and longitude is used to identify location on earth;
5. identifying the basis for global time systems and structure of global time zones;
6. explaining the human need for location and time systems;
7. identifying the purpose, basic elements, and properties of maps;
8. explaining how different kinds of map projections strive to control distortion of map properties;
9. describing similarities and differences between large and small scale maps;
10. explaining how remote sensing is used to gather and convey information about the earth;
11. explaining how maps, aerial photographs, and satellite images are used to portray earth and earth’s physical elements and processes.
Demonstrate an understanding of the earth’s atmospheric processes, global weather systems, and climate patterns, and the relationship between them by
1. identifying the structure and function of the earth’s atmosphere;
2. identifying the earth’s seasons and the factors responsible for seasonal change;
3. describing how seasonal changes impact the distribution of solar energy and temperatures across the earth;
4. identifying factors that control global temperatures;
5. explaining how temperature impacts humans and weather;
6. describing the components of the general atmospheric circulation and distribution of global winds and their relationship to oceanic circulation;
7. identifying the physical states of water and the role of phase changes in weather processes;
8. describing the forms and characteristics of atmospheric moisture and the role of moisture in generating clouds, precipitation, and severe weather;
9. explaining factors that impact atmospheric stability;
10. identifying characteristics of air masses and weather fronts;
11. describing the formation, characteristics, and movement of mid-latitude cyclones and anticyclones;
12. explaining similarities and differences among the formation, characteristics, and spatial distribution of severe weather systems, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and tropical cyclones;
13. explaining how severe weather systems impact human societies;
14. explaining the classification, characteristics, and distribution of major climate global climate zones;
15. examining the causes of climate change and the ways in which climate change is studied;
16. analyzing the relationship between climate change and human activities.
Demonstrate an understanding of the components and processes of the hydrosphere and the relationship between humans and water resources by
1. identifying the components and processes of the hydrologic cycle;
2. describing the location and distribution of the earth’s water supplies;
3. explaining the relationship between humans and water resources;
4. analyzing major issues related to the availability and human use of water supplies.
Demonstrate an understanding of the structure, components, formation, and deformation of the lithosphere by
1. identifying the structural layers of the earth and their characteristics;
2. explaining similarities and differences among the formation and characteristics of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks;
3. identifying the types and distribution of natural resources in the lithosphere;
4. examining the interaction of humans and natural resources;
5. explaining the role of tectonic processes in the formation and deformation of earth materials;
6. discussing the characteristics of earthquakes and volcanoes and the impact they have on human societies;
7. identifying primary types of weathering and mass wasting;
8. explaining the role of weathering and mass wasting in shaping the earth’s surface;
9. explaining fluvial processes and their role in shaping the earth’s surface;
10. examining fluvial landforms and their interaction with human societies;
11. explaining Aeolian, coastal, and glacial processes and their roles in shaping the earth’s surface;
12. explaining types and characteristics of Aeolian, coastal, and glacial landforms;
13. identifying the characteristics and the distribution of major soil types.
Demonstrate an understanding of the components and processes of the biosphere by
1. identifying characteristics of the biogeochemical cycles of energy, water, and nutrients that link the biosphere with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere;
2. describing the characteristics and distribution of global biomes;
3. analyzing the relationship between the distribution of plants, animals, and humans and physical environments.
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between physical geography and human societies by
1. describing the impact of the earth’s physical environment on human societies;
2. describing the impact of humans on the earth’s physical environment;
3. analyzing the relationship between the earth’s physical environment and human societies.
Demonstrate an understanding of how physical geography is related to other disciplines by
Communication Skills: Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations and demonstrate an understanding of selected environmental science terminology and development of effective written, oral, and visual communication focused on environmental systems by
1. identifying specific terms relating to geography;
2. identifying tools used in geography investigations;
3. identifying techniques used in geography investigations;
4. assessing skills through written essays, oral presentations, and group activities.
Critical Thinking Skills: Use critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions in lecture and laboratory courses by
1. demonstrating the ability to research, analyze, and evaluate earth science systems;
2. quantifying and analyzing geography impacts;
3. categorizing pertinent and relevant topics in the news related to geography systems;
4. summarizing contributions made by individuals that helped to shape geography;
5. categorizing evolutionary trends that have led to geography;
6. assessing through multiple choice tests, critical response essays, and group activities.
Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Use empirical and quantitative skills in the collection, analysis, and reporting of data by
1. hypothesizing a question using the collection of data in a geography experiment setting;
2. analyzing the correlation of data involved in a geography experiment;
3. constructing a report of the results of the data relating to a geography experiment.
Social Responsibility: Include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal by
1. presenting viable solutions to problems placed before the group;
2. practicing appropriate social skills in group discussion;
3. recognizing and supporting other leadership styles that may not be one’s own;
4. demonstrating the ability to contribute positively to the group when asked regardless of one’s personal views.

GEOG 1301

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GEOG 1301 - Physical Geography