Physical Geography BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

The program emphasizes an integrated approach, combining geoscience, geology, geomorphology, ecology, biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental change. Students develop a profound understanding of the Earth's physical systems, analyze environmental impacts, and acquire skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and communication.

Program Outline

This holistic perspective equips students to comprehend modern environmental processes and the long-term development of landscapes and landforms.

Key Objectives:

• Develop a profound understanding of the Earth's physical systems and their interactions.
• Analyze the impact of natural hazards and human activities on the environment.
• Acquire skills in data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
• Hone critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Cultivate effective communication and teamwork skills.

Program Description:

The Physical Geography program boasts an enthusiastic and experienced team of geographers and environmentalists with diverse research interests. The program's location in Liverpool offers exceptional opportunities for fieldwork and study, taking advantage of the surrounding stunning upland and coastal landscapes.

Additional Features:

• Placement Year Option: Students can opt for a placement year, gaining valuable hands-on experience alongside their studies.
• International Fieldwork: The program incorporates international fieldwork opportunities, providing students with firsthand experience in diverse environments.
• Service and Leadership Award: Students can enhance their degree by participating in the Service and Leadership Award, developing valuable skills and leadership potential.
• Study Abroad: Students have the opportunity to study abroad at partner universities, expanding their global perspectives.

Outline:

Year One:

• World Regions: Understanding the World: Explores themes and topics related to global regions, including the environment, globalization, development, and tourism.
• Hazards, Risk and Society: Investigates vulnerability and resilience in relation to natural hazards from social and cultural perspectives.
• Exploring Geography and Tourism: Examines the interpretation and representation of places, natural and human processes, sustainable development, and data analysis.
• The Dynamic Earth: Introduces key concepts in geoscience and geology, covering the Earth's history and geological processes shaping landscapes.
• Applied Environmental Geoscience: Explores applied aspects of environmental geoscience, including environmental change, resources, and management.
• Earth Materials: Studies the formation and significance of various Earth materials, including minerals, rocks, fossils, sediments, and soils.
• Laboratory- and field-based Practical Investigations: Introduces students to mapping, cartography, statistics, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Laboratory- and field-based Environmental Investigations: Includes fieldwork opportunities to gain practical experience.

Year Two:

• Earth Surface Processes: Explores geomorphological and biogeographical processes and their contribution to landscape development.
• Research Methods: Introduces qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection and analysis.
• Environmental Policy, Planning and Management: Examines legislation, policy, planning, environmental impacts, and management.
• Landscape Assessment: Explores applied dimensions of environmental geoscience through landscape assessment techniques.
• Geospatial Data Analysis and GIS: Delves into geospatial data analysis and GIS applications.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Provides an in-depth understanding of species protection and conservation against threats.
• Experiential Learning Block: Offers a project-based learning experience through fieldwork, problem-solving tasks, work placements, or work-based learning.
• Fieldwork: Includes both residential and non-residential fieldwork opportunities.

Year Three:

• Earth’s Dynamic Environments: Advanced investigations of geomorphological processes and change in specific environments, such as glacial or coastal settings.
• History, Development of Current Practice of Geography: Explores the history and development of geography, followed by discussions on current research and practice in the field.
• Sustainable Futures: Examines themes surrounding the human-environment nexus, including sustainability, development, environmental resource management, climate change, and the Anthropocene.
• Environmental Change: Explores environmental change throughout Earth history, with a focus on the Quaternary period.
• Current Research and Practice in Ecology and Conservation: Examines current knowledge, research, and practice in ecology and conservation.
Students design and execute individual projects related to the field trip location.
• Honours Project (dissertation): Students undertake an independent research project, culminating in a dissertation.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through various methods throughout the program, including:

• Written exams: Assessing knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
• Coursework: Essays, reports, portfolios, and presentations evaluating analytical and research skills.
• Literature review: Assessing research and writing abilities.
• Academic posters: Demonstrating communication and presentation skills.
• Dissertation: Evaluating research, analysis, and writing skills at an advanced level.
Students receive written feedback on all assessments, with opportunities for discussion and clarification with their tutors.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety

• The tuition fees for the 2024/25 academic year are £9,250 for full-time undergraduate courses.
• If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,250.
• The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
• The International Tuition fees for 2024/25 are £12,500.