Geomorphology

Subject 121-018 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and two hours of practical classes per week including one day of fieldwork
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Usually completion of 25 points of geography, environmental studies or earth sciences at first year or an equivalent approved by the coordinator.

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Wayne J Stephenson
Subject Overview:

This subject outlines the development of geomorphology as a discipline, the different approaches used to study landforms and theory of landscape processes and evolution. Topics covered include the denudation system; weathering; hill slopes; fluvial processes and landforms; glacial processes and landforms; karst landscapes and processes; deserts and aeolian processes; the coastal system and processes; and landform change during the Quaternary. Emphasis is placed on understanding the geomorphological processes that shape these landscapes. Through lectures, practicals and field exercises students should develop skills in the use of a range of analytical techniques for investigating landform processes and change. Students should also develop an appreciation of the ways landforms and process can be incorporated into environmental management and land use planning.

Assessment:

Weekly practical classes 15%, an individual project of 1500 words 25% (due in the first half of the semester), an individual field report of 1500 words 25% (due in the second half of the semester) and a 2-hour examination 35% (in the examination period). Students must submit both written assignments within deadlines, submit 80% of the laboratory work within deadlines and attend the field trip to be eligible to pass the subject.

Prescribed Texts:
  • Fundamentals of Geomorphology (R J Huggett), Routledge 2003
  • The Dictionary of Physical Geography (D S G Thomas & A Goudie), (3rd ed) Blackwell 2000
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to evaluate and synthesise the literature relating to landforms and earth surface processes;

  • be able to write succinctly and accurately;

  • be able to conduct library based research;

  • be able to apply knowledge (about given examples) to new cases.

Notes:

Students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc) may receive science credit on the completion of this subject.

BSc students may receive second year level credit for this subject.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) and Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) and Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Natural Resource Management
Bachelor of Natural Resource Management
Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies)
Diploma in Arts (Geography)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Environmental Geographies, Politics and Cultures
Environmental Studies Major
Geography
Geography
Geography
Geography Major

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