BSc (Hons) Physical Geography

Summary 2012/13

• The Department was ranked 2nd in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2011;
• Travel to a variety of fieldwork destinations in the UK and abroad;
• Develop a wide range of field and laboratory skills that will enhance your employability.

If you are interested in the environment around you and want to know more about how it was formed and how it is changing then this is the right degree for you. You will gain a detailed understanding of the physical environment, including geomorphology, hydrology, climatology and ecology.

You will investigate environmental issues from a local to a global level, becoming familiar with the impact of human activity on the Earth’s physical systems. Laboratory practical and field-based study are key parts of the learning process. You will also develop expertise in Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing using the latest industry standard technology.

2012 Entry Requirements

240 UCAS tariff points, normally to include Geography, Biology or Environmental Science, or a related subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

Summary 2013/14

• The Department was ranked 2nd in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2011;
• Travel to a variety of fieldwork destinations in the UK and abroad;
• Develop a wide range of field and laboratory skills that will enhance your employability.

If you are interested in the environment around you and want to know more about how it was formed and how it is changing then this is the right degree for you. You will gain a detailed understanding of the physical environment, including geomorphology, hydrology, climatology and ecology.

You will investigate environmental issues from a local to a global level, becoming familiar with the impact of human activity on the Earth’s physical systems. Laboratory practical and field-based study are key parts of the learning process. You will also develop expertise in Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing using the latest industry standard technology.

2013 Entry Requirements

280 UCAS tariff points, normally to include Geography, Biology or Environmental Science, or a related subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

Details

What will I study?

Year 1 provides a foundation in Physical Geography, as well as developing a range of subject-specific skills, fieldwork skills and key skills.

In Year 2, you will also develop an in-depth understanding of particular themes in physical geography including an understanding of the Earth's weather and climate systems, geomorphological processes and the varying nature and properties of soils. You will also enhance and further develop essential research skills in physical geography.

In Year 3, as well as covering subjects such as the nature of environmental change and the physical causes of geohazards, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and landslides, you will also complete an independent research project (dissertation). Our Geo-careers module will also be completed during this year. This will give you an opportunity to develop your career planning and management skills and give you a big advantage when applying for jobs.

How will I study?

Teaching is through a combination of laboratory and workshop practical activities, lectures, directed independent study, dissertation supervision, tutorials and fieldwork. We place an emphasis on strengthening the employability potential of our graduates through a range of subject-specific, key and career management skills, as well as the development of knowledge and understanding. Fieldwork, in the UK and abroad, is one of the most beneficial and enjoyable aspects of our degree programmes. Current fieldwork locations include Cumbria and Mallorca as well as local sites. You may also have the opportunity to participate in additional optional fieldwork visits to locations overseas.

Placement

Our optional Year 2 work-based learning module provides you with an opportunity to apply and simultaneously extend and refine the knowledge and skills you have acquired during your degree in a professional setting. It may play a key role in enhancing your career prospects.

Who will be teaching me?

We have highly experienced and knowledgeable staff who take pride in the quality of their teaching. All staff are research active which means that they keep up to date with current developments in their areas of interest and pass this knowledge on. We are a friendly and approachable department where you won't get lost in the crowd and we respond to your needs.

How will I be assessed?

A range of methods give you the opportunity to display your knowledge and understanding and to develop and demonstrate your competence in subject-specific and key skills. Physical Geography modules are assessed by either coursework only or a mixture of coursework and examination. Exams never count for more than 40% of the total mark for those modules that include an examination. Coursework includes practical portfolios, essays, project reports, field notebooks, individual and group oral presentations and poster presentations.

What are my career prospects?

A geography degree is recognised by employers for the extensive range of transferable skills that graduates have including IT and communication skills, project management, report writing, statistical analysis, group work and oral presentation skills. These skills are of great value to them and to you in your career. Physical Geography graduates are suited to careers in industry, environmental management, environmental monitoring and consultancy, remote sensing, mineral resources, landscape engineering or environmental education, postgraduate study, teaching (further study required) and research.

A Great Study Environment

The Department of Natural, Geographical and Applied Sciences at Edge Hill University provides a wide range of learning opportunities in a positive, friendly and supportive environment. Teaching facilities include lecture rooms and laboratories for physical geography, geology, information technology, remote sensing and geographical information systems, all of which have an extensive range of equipment and technical support.

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,400 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

Students returning to education may present their previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support their application.

Students with relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course can apply to join the programme at an advanced stage.

If you do not have a Mathematics GCSE, or lack the required grade, you can sit an Edge Hill equivalency test to gain the equivalent qualification.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an event.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Dr Nigel Richardson, Department of Natural, Geographical and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 584421
• Email: richardn@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Combinations

Combined

• BSc (Hons) Physical Geography with Geological Science (F8F6)
• BSc (Hons) Physical Geography with Information Technology (F8G4)
• BSc (Hons) Physical Geography with Management (F8N2)

Modules

Year 1

Introducing Physical Geographies provides an introduction to approaches, concepts, knowledge and skills in physical geography at a level appropriate to an introductory module in higher education.

Practising Physical Geographies investigates a range of field and laboratory methods and equipment for the recording of physical geographical phenomena.

Geographical Skills develops a number of geographical skills including map skills, aerial photography, satellite image interpretation, research skills, statistical analysis, and fieldwork skills. The module involves a residential field course.

Geo.com focuses on the handling, analysis and communication of spatial and graphical data and geo-information by providing an introduction to the principles, uses and practical skills of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), digital cartography and graphical software packages.

Year 2

Research Methods in Geography uses investigative research processes to enhance and develop essential geographical research methods and provide a broad base for future choices in terms of physical, human or environmental study.

Fieldwork in Geography. Within a foreign field setting, this module further enhances the field and research skills developed in years 1 and 2.

Digital Geographies is a fusion of Remote Sensing - the analysis and interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery, and Geographical Information Systems – the management, processing, analysis and presentation of spatial and non-spatial data from different sources. An understanding of these systems will help your career prospects and support your geographical learning.

Geomorphology provides you with an introduction to the processes which are responsible for the existence and continual modification of the landforms and materials which constitute the Earth’s surface.

Biogeography examines the spatial and temporal patterns of distribution of living organisms over the Earth’s surface, highlighting fundamental processes and causal factors which determine these patterns, and analysing the varying contributions to them made by human and physical phenomena.

Weather, Climate and Soils provides you with a detailed understanding of the climate system and the soil system. It covers a range of atmospheric processes through to the development of weather systems, with a specific focus on mid-latitude weather. The varying nature and properties of soils, and the soil processes which give rise to soil formation and development are then considered.

Work-based Learning provides a professional setting in which you can apply and simultaneously extend and refine the knowledge and skills acquired during your degree. It may play a key role in enhancing your career prospects.

Year 3

Dissertation. Through the dissertation experience you develop and apply a range of research and transferable skills in the planning, execution, and reporting of an individual research project.

Approaches and Concepts in Geography considers the history of geography, and the major geographical concepts, approaches and developments that have taken place in the discipline.

Geo-careers is designed to assist you in making the necessary transition from academia to the world of employment or postgraduate study. The module provides opportunities to develop career planning and management skills and, therefore, should enhance your employability and career prospects.

Climatic Change considers the nature and causes of climate variability and the methods used to reconstruct the record of past climates. It includes a detailed consideration of the evidence for a human-induced impact on climate at the present day and for the prediction of climate into the future and its potential impacts.

Coastal Zone Environments and Management examines recent and current changes affecting coastlines. Coastal zone environments are approached as repositories of recent environmental change and as dynamic systems responding to human activities.

Snow and Ice Environments considers both modern glacial environments, their processes, materials, landforms and fluctuations, and past glacial environments and the sedimentological and morphological evidence upon which they are based.

Postglacial Environments aims to develop an understanding of the nature of environmental change in terms of causes and spatial and temporal responses. It considers the techniques and methodologies used in reconstructing environmental change. You will also examine the focus of palaeo-environmental research in terms of significant findings and future goals.

Recent Environmental Change. The application of a range of techniques to sediments or peat allows the detailed reconstruction of a sequence of changes in the recent past. This can be used in the direct interpretation and evaluation of contemporary environmental problems. The present is seen as an expression of processes and trends which can be dated, interpreted and often quantified from the historical evidence contained in the various deposits.

Geohazards focuses on the relationships between the physical causes of selected geohazards such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides and flooding, the potential hazards produced and the responses to these risks.

Advanced Digital Geographies is a blend of GIS and remote sensing and is the systematic study and theory of digital representations of the Earth, and the processes that can be applied.