GEOG 1160 - Introduction to Physical Geography - Landforms

6.0 Credits

Students learn about the physical processes that shape and reshape the face of the earth. Students are introduced to geomorphic forces that work from within Earth to create landforms and processes that operate at Earth’s surface to wear landforms away. Students pay considerable attention to the fact that many processes that create or destroy landforms also constitute natural hazards with which human societies must contend. College-level reading skills are recommended for success in this course.

Recommended: College-level reading skills

Lecture Hours: 5.0
Lab Hours: 3.0
Internship Hours: 0.0
Clinical or Practicum Hours: 0.0

Course Objectives

Explain the origins of the earth, its size, shape, motions and relationship to the sun and the other planets of the solar system.
Accurately interpret maps, including topographic maps.
Identify the operational characteristics of ecosystems, and the basic factors that control the distribution of plants and animals on earth.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of plate tectonics, vulcanism, and diastrophism, and of the role these internal geographic forces play in the creation of both landforms and natural hazards.
Describe both the operation and the effects of the external geomorphic processes, including weathering, mass wasting, and erosion.

View Class Schedule