6 ECTS credits
175 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1003822ANR for all students in the 1st semester at a (A) Bachelor - preliminary level.
In a first chapter physical geography is introduced as a science. In the same chapter the fundamental aspects of the systems approach, as applied in geomorphological studies, are introduced. This systems approach is reflected in the course structure:
Chapter 1: Physical Geography: a systems approach
Chapter 2: The System Earth
Chapter 3: The Weathering System
Chapter 4: The Denudation System
Chapter 5: The Slope System
Chapter 6: The Fluvial System
Chapter 7: The Glacial System
Chapter 8: The Coastal System
In the practical exercises the student acquires some basic skills in geomorphology:
- working with topographic maps (topographic cross section through a valley, length profile of a river, delimitation of a river basin, planimetry)
- working with GPS, compass, topographic measurements, drilling with auger drill
- written and oral reporting
- group work
A one day excursion is organised in a week-end day during the semester. The date of the excursion is communicated to the students at the start of the semester.
The integral text of the course as well as the ppt slides are published on the learning platform. The guidelines and the required data for the practical are also provided through the learning platform.
Complementary study material:
This course offers an introduction into physical geography, with emphasis on geomorphology.
The structure of the course is based on the systems approach and focuses on the study of external processes (the endogenous processes are considered in the ‘Global Geomorphology’ course)
The course aims to develop a critical attitude and the abilty of abstraction and synthesis. The specificity of physical geography as a scientific discipline is discussed.
The basic knowledge and skills that allow students to analyse problems with a specific geographical dimension with a spatial approach, are developed.
During practical execises groupwork abilities are developed.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 66% of the final mark.
PRAC Practical Assignment determines 34% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Practical Assignment category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The evaluation consists of the following parts:
Partial marks for the oral exam or the practical tasks, if the student obtains at least half of the score for this part, are transferred to the second session and to the next academic year.
The student can relinquish his partial mark, provided s/he reports this to the lecturer and assistant by e-mail not later than 15 August (2nd session) or 1 October (no transfer to the next academic year).
Once the student has indicated that he will abandon his partial mark, he will irrevocably lose the partial mark.
Oral Exam: Oral exam on the basis of open questions. The list of question is provided to the students about one month before the exam.
WPO Practica report : Report of practicals and excursion.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Biology: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Geography: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Geography: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)