| CODE | GEO1019 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Introduction to Geomorphology: Principles and Processes | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Geography | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit examines the fundamental processes which drive the domain of geomorphology in the realm of physical geography. An understanding of landforms may be of great use, directly or indirectly, to human beings who are influenced by and, in turn, influence the surface features of the earth which they inhabit. This study unit aims at providing an in-depth knowledge of the geomorphologic processes responsible for the genesis of the landscape morphology in selected environments. It deals with the study of geomorphologic processes that help to explain the interrelationships between environmental conditions, process-driven agents and landscape forms. Focus is put on observing, mapping and modelling geomorphologic processes in order to understand the behaviour of selected physical systems within the local context. Study-Unit Aims: This study-unit focuses on the theoretical part which covers the key developments in the field of geomorphology, and its two main branches (mainly pure and applied geomorphology). Each lecture contains an introduction to general principles, overview of the processes and discussion of selected case studies as follows: 1. evolution of the science of geomorphology; 2. key components of geomorphological processes regulated by terrestrial, atmospheric and terrestrial domains; 3. societal relevance of selected case-studies of geomorphic processes and hazard mitigation (incl. those on the Maltese Islands) such as landslides, rockfalls, flash floods and high energy waves. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1. explain the developments in the science of geomorphology through the use of 1. 1. explain the developments in the science of geomorphology through the use of scientific literature; 2. acquire in-depth knowledge on factors governing physical processes and which are responsible for landscape evolution; 3. explain the functioning and spatial-temporal variation of selected geomorphologic systems through the application of existing mapping models; 4. assimilate information from empirical and theoretical sources to allow informed discussions around important geomorphological issues; 5. have a theoretical knowledge of the techniques used to observe and map geomorphologic processes. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1. to develop the necessary skills and attitudes to understand and independently follow new developments in the science of geomorphology through the use of scientific literature; 2. use his/her knowledge of fundamental physical processes to analyse the forces driving the making and evolution of the physical environment; 3. develop the ability to apply lecture-based knowledge to our surrounding physical environment and describe the geomorphologic processes in their spatial context; 4. demonstrate competence in critical reasoning and decision-making in assessing and engaging with applied geomorphology problems within the landscape context. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Huggett, R. (2011) Fundamentals of Geomorphology (3rd ed.) Routledge, UK. - Holden, J. (2012) An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment (3rd ed.) Pearson. - Ritter, D. F., Kochel, R. C., and Miller, J. R. (2007) Process Geomorphology (4th ed.) W.C. Brown. Supplementary Readings: - Anderson R. S. and Anderson S. P. (2010) Geomorphology - The mechanics and chemistry of landscapes, Cambridge University Press. - Gregory K.J. (2010). The Earth's Land Surface. - Goudie, A., & Gregory, K. J. (2011). The SAGE handbook of geomorphology: Los Angeles; London: SAGE (Selected readings). |
||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Independent Study | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
|
||||||||||||
| LECTURER/S | Ritienne Gauci |
||||||||||||
|
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
|||||||||||||