38:169 How Earth Works: Introduction to Physical Geography
Note: This course does not count toward a geography major or minor and cannot be used as a prerequisite for upper level courses in geography or other areas. Students who are considering a degree in geography or a related field should take 38:170 How Earth Works: Applied Physical Geography; which includes a required laboratory component.
Instructors: Lecture, Dr. Dion J. Wiseman – Laboratory, Ms. Wenonah van Heyst
Office: Brodie Room 4-07
Office Hrs: Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 11 – 12 PM
Phone: 727-9774
Email: wiseman@brandonu.ca
Required Text:
- Christopherson, et al. (2016) Geosystems, 4th Canadian ed. Pearson.
- Christopherson, et al. (2019) Geosystems, Updated online 4th Canadian ed. Pearson.
Note: Either of the above or an earlier edition is suitable. Also available on 2 hr. loan.
Course Description
Physical Geography is the study of the physical components and processes operating within Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. This course will introduce basic geographic concepts and examine a variety of these systems in a spatial context. Topics discussed include coordinate systems, maps, and map projections; GIS, remote sensing, and GPS technology; solar energy and radiation balances; weather and climate; volcanism, earthquakes, and plate tectonics; weathering and mass movements; fluvial, eolian, coastal, and glacial land forms and processes; and soils.
Course Outline
| Topic | Description | Chapter(s) |
| 1 | Basic Geographic Concepts, Location, Coordinate Systems, and Maps | 1 |
| 2 | Earth Sun Relations, Solar Energy, and Seasons | 2 |
| 3 | The Atmosphere and Energy Balances | 3 & 4 |
| Test I | Friday, October 4th Sample Figs Practice Questions | Marks |
| 4 | Global Temperature, Atmospheric Circulation, and Climate Systems | 5, 6 & 10 |
| 5 | Water in the Atmosphere, At the Earth’s Surface, and Subsurface | 7 & 9 |
| 6 | Earth’s Internal Structure, Tectonics, Earthquakes, and Volcanism | 12 & 13 |
| Test II | Friday, November 1st | |
| 7 | Weathering and Mass Movements | 14 |
| 8 | Fluvial Processes and Landforms | 15 |
| 9 | Glacial Processes and Landforms | 17 |
| Final | Monday, December 9th, PM |
Grading Scheme
| Term Test I | 25% | > 90% | A+ | 70 – 72% | B- |
| Term Test II | 25% | 85 – 89% | A | 67 – 69% | C+ |
| Final Exam | 25% | 80 – 84% | A- | 63 – 66% | C |
| “Wiki” Assignment | 25% | 77 – 79% | B+ | 60 – 62% | C- |
| 73 – 76% | B | 50 – 59% | D | ||
| *Book Review 5% | *Why Geography Matters 2% | < 50% | F | ||
‡ Wiki Assignment: This is a required assignment in which you will create a Wiki style entry describing five selected topics covered in this course for any place of your choice. Your best strategy is to work on this project over the entire term; the deadline is the last day of the semester. Please submit a hard-copy of your final assignment in class on or before Wednesday, December 4th.
* Optional Extra Credit Assignments: A book review OR short essay on “Why Geography Matters” may be submitted at any time before the last day of class for extra credit.
How To Write Multiple Choice Exams*
Tutorials will be held in rm 4-47 BB, during the “spare slot” Tuesdays 12:40-1:30.