GEOG 130 Introduction to Physical Geography (Lab Science) is a study of the natural processes which occur at/or near Earth's surface in the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere. Emphasis is placed on our local and regional physical geography as we examine: weather, climate, ocean currents, climate change; biogeography, soils, hydrology, and the development of slopes and fluvial landforms. An important component of the course is the integrated aspect of these natural processes and the influence of human activities on our landscapes. Throughout the course students will develop skills reading and interpreting data from maps, remotely sensed images, tables, graphs and text. Students will use this information to recognize patterns and solve problems. Students will practice making field observations and taking field notes.
Prerequisites: Pre-calculus 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, or Principles of Math 11 or MATH 56 or MATH 50 with minimum grade of 60%.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 75 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 2 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Define a systems approach and describe the interactions between Earth’s four spheres
- Label and explain the genesis of landforms produced by surficial forces such as weathering, mass wasting and fluvial action
- Identify ways in which humans are altering Earth's natural systems and examine the significance of those changes
- Identify watersheds, describe their morphology and explain their hydrological functioning
- Identify the factors and processes which affect soil development
- Describe global and local ecosystems and identify variables which impact their form and function
- Illustrate weather and climate in terms of atmospheric and ocean processes and climatic controls
- Apply geographical terms and concepts to understand our local and regional geography
- Apply spatial techniques (read topographical maps, weather maps, remotely sensed images) to interpret geographical information
- Summarize geographical information by collecting data, analysing data, and discussing results
Teaching and Learning Approach
The class will be comprised of two 80-minute lecture sessions per week in which students will learn about a new
topic, practice calculations, complete diagrams, watch short videos and relate content to current events. Each
lecture will be followed up with review questions for the student to complete prior to the next class. Lab will
explore the application of concepts learned in lectures, and will include data collection, calculation and
interpretation. Students will also practice map reading and interpretation (both paper and digital versions) as well
as the use of other geospatial systems such as Google Earth. Lab may include outdoor activities.Learning Resources
Required:
Christopherson, R.W. & Byrne ML. (2016). Geosystems, An Introduction to Physical Geography, Canadian
th
(4 ed.). Prentice-Hall. (e-book only available to purchase)
Lab Supplies: Castlegar Topography Map (available in Selkirk Bookstore), ruler, calculator, protractor,
coloured pencils, eraser.
Also helpful (free): Earle Steven Physical Geology (2019). Physical Geology (2nd ed) .
https://opentextbc.ca/physicalgeology2ed/Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Course Orientation: familiarization with course resources, assignments and expectations. Lecture: Maps
2. Lecture: Map Reading, and Weathering Lab: Field Mapping
3. Lecture: Mass Wasting, and River Systems Lab: Maps
4. Lecture: Stream Morphology Lab: Slopes
5. Lecture: Groundwater
6. Lecture: Hydrological Cycle, and Soils Lab: Watershed Characterization
7. Lecture: Biogeography, and Ecosystem Change Lab: Forest Ecology
8. Lecture: Biomes
9. Lecture: Solar Energy Lab: Solar Energy
10. Lecture: Atmosphere
11. Lecture: Wind and Circulation Lab: Winds
12. Lecture: Atmospheric Moisture, and Midlatitude Storm Cycles Lab: Weather
13. Review
14. ReviewAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Lecture Assignments | all outcomes | 20% |
| Laboratory | 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, and 10 | 35% |
| Midterm Evaluation | 1 through 4 | 15% |
| Final Evaluation | 1 through 8 | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 85-89 | A | 4.00 |
| 80-84 | A- | 3.67 |
| 76-79 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 72-75 | B | 3.00 |
| 68-71 | B- | 2.67 |
| 64-67 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 60-63 | C | 2.00 |
| 55-59 | C- | 1.67 |
| 50-54 | P | 1.00 |
| 0-49 | F | 0.00 |
| | DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.