Geography (Physical), BSc (Hons)

This course enables students to identify, monitor and manage environmental issues and natural geographical systems. It will aid students understanding of the landscape around us, not just in the UK, but internationally. This course offers a more specialised route than the broader BSc (Hons) Geography route and makes full use of the outdoor classroom offered by Brackenhurst campus.

This course will give you an understanding of geographical issues in the environment. You will gain the geographical skills and knowledge to enable you to pursue a diverse range of:

• career opportunities
• voluntary sector activities.

The topics covered include:

• land use
• water resources
• climate change
• all issues of public concern where geographers make a significant contribution to understanding and policy development as well as to management.

Why choose this course?

• You will have the opportunity to undertake fieldwork in South East Spain in Year One.
• This course will enable you to develop practical surveying skills in the field and Geographic Information System (GIS) skills
• You will experience the mixed habitats of woodland, wetland and streams, and farmland support study of natural geographical systems.
• You will use modern GPS equipment and GIS software in the field and campus computing suites.
• The academic expertise of teaching staff includes glaciology, natural hazards and water quality testing.

Want to know more?

• Book your place on an open day.
• Explore NTU's environmental management strategy
• Find out more about the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences.

Keep in touch with Geography (Physical) at the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences by following the team on Twitter and Facebook.

When does the course start?

Please see the academic calendar for term dates.

Where will I study?

Our rural study location is the ideal learning environment for Physical Geography. Supported by modern teaching and computing facilities, the estate provides an outdoor classroom for students to develop practical skills in the field. These are skills that are highly valued by potential employers.

We have a lively community of students at Brackenhurst supported by:

• modern accommodation
• a Students' Union and bar
• sports pitches
• a library - all on-site.

If you prefer city living, you can commute to Nottingham by bus in 45 minutes. We strongly suggest that you visit Brackenhurst on an open day to get a feel for life at NTU.

What will I study? Modules

Year One
Provides a strong practical introduction to the course as well as the principles of physical geography.

• Geographical Skills
  This module aims to develop understanding of the range of skills required in geography, such as geographical data collection, data analysis and report-writing.
• Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
  This aims to introduce you to earth surface systems and processes and develop your understanding of how the physical landscape is shaped.
• Climate, Soils and Vegetation
  The study of aspects of environmental science will enable you to better understand complex environmental issues such as global warming and eutrophication. You will develop the ability to analyse and interpret soils and to use these skills in the sustainable management of soil as a resource.
• Geographical Fieldwork (UK and Overseas)
  You will learn how to apply problem-solving techniques for a range of issues in an environment significantly different to the United Kingdom. Currently, fieldwork is undertaken both in the UK and in Almería Province, south-east Spain.
• Introduction to Geology
  Topics covered in this module, which will help you to understand geomorphology, include:
  • geological timescales
  • rock types
  • structural geology
  • palaeontology
  • mass extinction events and using geological maps

• Personal Development Skills
  This module is concerned with the development of transferable skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP). It will introduce you to nature of:

  • teaching
  • learning
  • assessment in Higher Education.

It will also help you with the transition to becoming an independent learner. You will develop the skills and qualities valued by employers.

Year Two
Develops skills in individual research and data analysis, and applies principles in a professional context.

• Research Design in Geography
  This module will familiarise you with a range of research methods and equip you with the skills needed to select and research a topic of your choice in geography for the dissertation in Year Three.
• Geographical Information Systems and Spatial Analysis
  This module introduces you to the mapping and analytical techniques used in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Applications of the technology across a wide range of topic areas will be explored.
• Fluvial Geomorphology and River Management
  This module introduces the physical basis of landform development in fluvial environments. It will examine the role of rivers and lakes in the transport and storage of water and sediment. Students undertake surveys and monitoring of fluvial systems.
• Glaciology and Glacial Geomorphology
  This module introduces the physical basis of landform development in glacial and former glacial environments. It will equip you to undertake fieldwork in glacial and former glacial environments. The module covers aspects of:
  • glacial thermal regime
  • glacial motion and erosion
  • the development of glacial landforms.
• Environmental Hazards and Disaster Management
  You will study natural and human-induced events which may directly threaten human life and economic well-being. You will assess the actions needed to reduce disaster potential and to manage the aftermath of hazards, including an examination of the role geospatial technology can play in hazard management.
• Global Climate Change
  You will study the science of climate change, consider the ethical conflict, analyse political arguments and apply reasoning to the resolution of this pressing environmental problem.

Year Three
Integrates and applies knowledge and skills gained to solve geographical and environmental problems. It allows students to specialise in areas of their particular interest and to undertake substantial project work both individually and in groups.

• Dissertation (final-year project)
  You undertake independent research, under supervision, in an area of physical geography of your choice.
• Politics, Issues and Ethics
  This module explores issues in and perceptions of environment and society in order to systematically identify and evaluate the philosophies influencing.
• Environmental Change
  You will learn about the climatic and environmental changes that have taken place during the last two million years of the earth's history.

Optional modules

Applied Hydrology and Water Resources
You will study the fundamental processes in catchment systems. Examples will be taken from research currently being undertaken within the School.

Dryland: Geomorphology and Life at the Margin
This module will provide an analysis of dry land environments by looking at their:

• spatial extent
• climate and geomorphology
• the issues faced by the 900 million people who live in them.

Biogeography
This module focuses on the spatial and temporal distribution of species and the major influences on these patterns at a variety of scales. An integrated approach is adopted, drawing on a range of scientific disciplines including:

• geography
• ecology
• geology
• climatology.

Contact hours

You will have 13 hours of scheduled contact time per week, of which approximately three and a half hours will be practical work.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by a variety of methods including the following.

Coursework 50%

• Reports – 50%
• Portfolio – 50%

Exams - 50%

What do the course fees cover?

The annual fee for your undergraduate degree course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. Below is an indication of those items that are covered within the fee.

What is included in the fee?

The annual fee for your undergraduate degree course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition.

• You will be given a pre-paid printing allowance of £20 (which currently equates to up to 400 sides of A4 black and white printing) for use in NTU Print Shops.
• We will supply you with laboratory equipment, coats and safety equipment, where required.
• You will not have to pay a tuition fee for you Year Abroad / Sandwich year when it is part of your course.
• Your tuition fees cover any additional administration fees for International Exchange.
• You will be given two tickets to the Graduation Ceremony (any additional tickets will incur a fee).

What is not included in the fee?

You will need to budget for the following:

• general printing of coursework in addition to the printing allowance
• books and texts
• accommodation and travel costs
• travel and accommodation costs involved in year abroad, sandwich year or any placements you take
• graduation social events
• additional field trip or field work costs where not borne by the School.

Are you an international student?

Find out more about entry requirements, fees and accommodation.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

Brackenhurst campus and Nottingham
Nottingham and its surrounding areas have a diverse range of physical environments for you to explore geography in action. You will also benefit from your studies taking place in the serenity of the excellent Brackenhurst campus. The first year of the course will give you a solid grounding in geography enabling you to make informed choices for Year Two and Three.

We provide an excellent pastoral environment where student learning is supported through dedicated friendly and approachable staff. You will also receive module guidance through a virtual learning environment. Our active staff research agendas enhance and feed directly into teaching provision. Most final year modules are delivered by staff with cutting edge expertise and research in their fields. We emphasise the acquisition of geographical skills, including:

• Geographical Information Systems
• computer mapping,
• surveying and laboratory work.

You will develop the transferable skills needed to increase your employability.

Find out more about our outdoor classroom.