2007 Handbooks

This is the core 100 level unit for study in Physical Geography. This unit focuses on regional Sydney-scale environmental processes and provides a balance with the global scale processes taught in The Planet Earth (GEOS112) and Foundations for Resource and Environmental Management (GEOS118). Using local bushland as a laboratory, a combination of theory, measurement and some simple modelling skills are taught through on-site measurements of microclimatology, water, vegetation and soils. The fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems are also introduced to bring this information together, to aid an understanding of the integrated biophysical environment. Issues of change within the catchment conclude the unit, focusing on urban microclimates, water quality and riparian vegetation. This unit is fundamental to all natural sciences, but particularly geoscience and ecology. The content is relevant for various environmental science and management careers including environmental consultancies and local and state government, where many Physical Geography students find employment.

For students with off-campus Internet access, this unit can be taken in external mode.