GEO 103 - Physical Geography

3 Credit(s)

Introduction to study of natural environmental systems of earth, the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere. Emphasis on the Earth’s natural systems, covering the characteristics of the Earth’s surface and the interaction of processes that produce a world pattern of distinctive environments significant to humanity. Topics include map fundamentals, the development of land forms, weather, climate, soils, and vegetation.

Course Type: Lecture
Tuition Tier: Base
Delivery Method:
In-Person
CORE42 MOTR Number - Name:
MOTR GEOG 100 - Physical Geography Core MOTR Image

Course Learning Outcomes:
CLO 1) Students will demonstrate the ability to place physical geography within the field, and apply the scientific method in generating, analyzing, and interpreting geographical data.
CLO 2) Students will read and interpret topographic maps
CLO 3) Students will describe the distribution of water on Earth and discuss the hydrologic cycle.
CLO 4) Students will demonstrate the ability to describe the structure of the atmosphere, recognize fundamental weather phenomena, and discuss the global distribution of air temperature and precipitation regimes.
CLO 5) Students will demonstrate the ability to discuss the factors and processes responsible for climate development and climate change, as well as those influencing the distribution of plants, animals, and soil formation on Earth.
CLO 6) Students will assess the significance of humankind as a factor in physical geography and evaluate human impacts on Earth’s physical systems