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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2011/2012
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Geography

Undergraduate Course: Geomorphology (GEGR08002)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) Credits20
Home subject areaGeography Other subject areaEnvironmental Courses
Course website None Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionThis course on the principles of geomorphology looks at the relationship between processes and landforms at a variety of scales in space and time. It examines endogenic processes originating within the earth, exogenic processes occurring at the earth atmosphere ocean interface and the way they interact to create landforms. The course covers geomorphological theories, weathering, slope processes, soil erosion, fluvial and glacial processes and landforms, applied geomorphology, mountain building, rates of landscape change, supercontinent breakup, ocean islands and megafloods. Martian geomorphology will also be discussed.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed: Earth Surface Systems (GESC08001) OR Earth Dynamics (EASC08001) OR
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2011/12 Semester 2, Available to all students (SV1) WebCT enabled:  Yes Quota:  None
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
CentralLecture1-11 12:10 - 13:00
CentralLecture1-11 12:10 - 13:00
CentralTutorial3,4,5,8,11 09:00 - 09:50
or 10:00 - 10:50
or 11:10 - 12:00
or 12:10 - 13:00
or 09:00 - 09:50
or 10:00 - 10:50
or 09:00 - 09:50
or 10:00 - 10:50
or 11:10 - 12:00
CentralLaboratoryPractical6-10 09:00 - 10:50or 10:00 - 12:00or 11:10 - 13:00
First Class Week 18, Monday, 12:10 - 13:00, Zone: Central. Lecture Theatre 183, Old College
Additional information Attendance at four compulsory practicals is required (either Tue 9.00-10.50, Wed 10.00-12.00 or Thur 11.10-13.00) and five tutorials (Monday to Friday mornings - times vary) are also held
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours:Minutes
Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May)2:00
Resit Exam Diet (August)2:00
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, students should possess the following skills and knowledge:
1. A broad knowledge of the scope and main areas of Geomorphology
2. Ability to classify and describe landforms in a variety of environmental settings
3. Knowledge of systems theory as applied to geomorphology, specifically with regard to the concepts of feedback, thresholds, and equilibrium
4. Broad understanding of the theories of Uniformitarianism and Catastrophism, and appreciation and knowledge of the history of geomorphological research
5. Awareness of the significance of spatial and temporal scales in geomorphology
6. Ability to analyze geomorphological systems in terms of resisting and driving forces
7. Knowledge of surface processes important in the creation of landforms
8. Ability to quantitatively use and evaluate geomorphological data with numerical, statistical and cartographical methods
9. Ability to synthesize and communicate mainstream scientific findings by writing essays and by discussion in a small group tutorial format
10. Ability to analyze relationships between physical and human aspects of environments and landscapes
11. Ability to carry out routine lines of enquiry into geomorphological issues
Assessment Information
Class assessment: 4 tutorial assignments of 300 words each and 4 practical assignments.

Degree assessment: 1500 word essay = 35%, One two-hour exam (Multiple choice + problems and essay) = 65%. Resubmitted essay or resit examination where necessary.
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
KeywordsGEGR08002
Contacts
Course organiserDr Anthony Newton
Tel: (0131 6)50 2546
Email: Anthony.Newton@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMrs Catherine Campbell
Tel: (0131 6)50 9847
Email: cathy.campbell@ed.ac.uk
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© Copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh - 16 January 2012 6:09 am