Undergraduate Course: Frontiers in Physical Geography 2 (GEGR10071)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Geography |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | This course examines the role glaciers play in the global climate system, and in the evolution of landscapes. This is done through developing an in-depth knowledge of how glaciers operate as physical entities and how their interaction with other parts of the earth system influences their behaviour through time. The course will develop a theoretical understanding of glacial dynamics and energy, and how it is possible to characterise ice mass balance at the bed, the surface and marine boundaries. It will consider how glacial systems respond to climate, but are also constrained by and subsequently influence topographic settings. The course will draw from a number of current and past examples to demonstrate how glacial systems both influence and respond to other changes in the climate system, and how they themselves act to regulate behaviour over a number of different time scales. A variety of approaches will be considered ranging from present-day monitoring, to modelling studies and those based on interpretation of geomorphic evidence from past glacial activity. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Students will gain a detailed, critical understanding of the role glaciers play in the global climate system and in the evolution of landscapes
Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of how glaciers operate as physical entities as well as a theoretical understanding of glacial dynamics and energy
Students will be able to use and interpret numerical data in order to characterise ice mass balance at the bed, the surface and the marine boundaries
Students will inform their learning with forefront developments and past examples which will also mean that they have an understanding of how the subject has evolved
Students will be expected to critically review and consolidate their knowledge in both the degree essay and degree examination where they will also be expected to offer professional level insights
Students will be taught both the principal and specialised techniques of enquiry employed in this field e.g. present-day monitoring, modelling studies and interpretation of geomorphic evidence from past-glacial activity. |
Assessment Information
Class: As outlined in course handbook
Degree: One two-hour examination (2 questions) (60%)
One 2,000 word essay (40%) |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | GEGR10071 |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Nick Hulton
Tel: (0131 6)50 2531
Email: |
Course secretary | Mrs Catherine Campbell
Tel: (0131 6)50 9847
Email: |
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