| CODE | GEO3087 | ||||||
| TITLE | The Physical Geography of the Mediterranean | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 2 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Geography | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit deals with the physical geography of the Mediterranean, taking into consideration the tectonic structure, geological formations, structural geology, hydrogeology and geomorphology. Reference is also made to the climate, soils and vegetation of the Maltese Islands, which are typical of a Mediterranean environment. Study-Unit Aims: 1. Cover the key aspects that make up the physical landscape of the Mediterranean; 2. Introduce students to a broad range of concepts and approaches in physical geography at different temporal and spatial scales; 3. Address themes at a conceptual level, with reference to selected case studies provided in lectures and student readings and relate them within and between the key themes of the study-unit. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1. demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge regarding selected themes in physical geography, based on a range of relevant literature; 2. describe the main processes that have shaped (and are still shaping) the physical landscape around the Mediterranean and explain how such processes interact to achieve this; 3. explain the relevance of the physical landscape in the wider context of environmental change and management. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1. use geographical evidence to explain the physical environment; 2. communicate geographical information and ideas in a clear, professional manner; 3. critically engage with contemporary key issues related to the discipline of physical geography; 4. assess and interpret material presented in lectures, present logical written arguments and extract information from multiple sources. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Woodward, J. (2009) The physical geography of the Mediterranean. Oxford University Press; - Hughes-Clarke, M., Pedley, M. and Galea, P., (2002) Limestone isles in a crystal sea: the geology of the Maltese Islands. Peg, Malta; - Gauci R., Schembri J. (2019) Landscapes and Landforms of the Maltese Islands. World Geomorphological Landscapes. Springer; - Grove, A.T., Rackham, O., (2001) The Nature of Mediterranean Europe; an ecological history, Yale Univ. Press, New Haven; - Thornes J. B. And Wainwright J. (2003) Environmental Issues in the Mediterranean (Routledge Studies in Physical Geography and Environment) Routledge. UK; - King, R., De Mas, P., and Mansvelt Beck, J., (eds.) (2001) Geography, Environment and Development in the Mediterranean, Sussex Academic Press, Brighton U.K. |
||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
| 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 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
|||||||