Faculty Syllabus

This course introduces the student to an area of study that brings together and interrelates the important elements of the physical environment of humans. Students will explore the Earth's physical systems with an emphasis on weather and climate, water, ecosystems, geologic processes and landform development.

The student is required to take four (4) objective-type (multiple-choice) tests. In addition, there will be online homework assignments at the end of each chapter, and a short answer essay project. The final grade will be based on the student’s average of the four tests, and the short answer essay project. The test scores will form 75%, and the short answer essay project 25% of the student’s final grade. The homework assignment will be worth 15 points which will be added to the student's score on each test.

Textbook: McKnight’s Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation

13th Edition, 2022

Authors:    Darrel Hess, Redina Finch, Illustrated by Dennis Tasa

Chapter 1:  Introduction to Earth                                     May 29 & 30 

Chapter 2:  Portraying Earth                                           Jun 3 & 4

Chapter 3:  Introduction to the Atmosphere                    Jun 6 & 7

Test 1                                                                              Jun 12

Chapter 4:  Isolation and Temperature                           Jun 13 & 14

Chapter 5:  Atmospheric Pressure and Wind                 Jun 18 & 19

Chapter 6:  Atmospheric Moisture                                  Jun 21 & 24

Test 2                                                                              Jun 27

Chapter 7:  Atmospheric Disturbances                           Jun 28, Jul 1 & 2

Chapter 8:  Climate and Climate Change                       Jul 5 & 8

Short Answer Essay on Discussion Board                      July 5

Chapter 9:  The Hydrosphere                                         Jul 10 & 11

Test 3                                                                              Jul  16

Chapter 10:  Cycles and Patterns in the Biosphere        Jul 17, 18 & 19     

Chapter 11: Terrestrial Flora and Fauna                         Jul 23 & 24

Chapter 13  Introduction to Landform Study                   Jul 26, 29 & 30

Test 4                                                                               Aug 2

Introduction to Physical Geography GEOG 1301 is designed to:

Provide students with a basic knowledge of the earth’s environment and its components and the interrelations among the various environmental elements, provide a general education that assists students to think critically, and to apply the basic knowledge, skill and principles of physical geography to everyday life and their careers, and prepare students for transfer and success in a baccalaureate degree granting institution.

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

Describe what Geography and Physical Geography are.

Understand the physical principles and processes governing the circulation and characteristics of the atmosphere and climates on Earth.

Understand the principles of geomorphology and the processes that shape the landscape.

Understand the distribution and dynamics of organisms and their environments.

Understand the directional and locational systems employed on the surface of the Earth and to use and analyze maps.