GEOG 100 - Introduction to Physical Geography

3 Credit(s)

Prerequisite(s): WR 115 or BT 113 or designated placement.

Course Description: Builds an understanding of physical geography by examining the Earth’s dimensions, energy balance, atmospheric characteristics (air temperature, moisture, precipitation, circulation, weather patterns, climate types and climate change), internal structure (including plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes), weathering and mass wasting processes, fresh water and hydrology, landforms made by various agents (running water, wind, waves, glaciers), global soils, and biogeographic processes.

Course Level: Lower Division Collegiate

Course Learning Outcomes:

CLO#1: Define and apply the concepts of physical geography in understanding current world events related to processes in the physical environment.
CLO#2: Describe geographical concepts, with an emphasis on physical geography. Describe the major concepts and interactions related to the major physical environments: climates, landforms, and ecosystems.
CLO#3: Identify and explain possible human impacts on Earth’s physical systems and resulting consequences thereof. (ILO: Critical Thinking)
CLO#4: Identify sustainable solutions to human-caused effects on Earth’s physical systems.