Physical Geography
UndergraduateCUR-GPH1102025
Map the physical geography of the planet as it relates to urban, rural and regional environments. Unearth tectonic plates and river systems. Look up to the sky and study weather patterns. Highlight the issues that affect sustainability planning.
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 23 Nov 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 2 June 2025,
- 1 Dec 2025
- Price from
- $1,230
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Physical Geography
About this subject
At the completion of the subject students will be able to:
- explain the physical processes that have shaped and continue to shape our planet
- describe how physical geography interacts with and shapes human geography and evaluate key issues and threatening processes in environmental sustainability,
- critically discuss the global impact of human activities on the environment
- apply data collection and analysis to examine the effects of human and non-human interactions.
- Introduction to physical geography: the physical-environmental-social basis of our world
- Essentials of Physical Geography (earth structure, geological time)
- The dynamic planet
- Tectonics, places and volcanism
- River systems and landforms
- Weathering and landscapes
- Soils, ecosystems and biomes
- The oceans, coastal processes and landscapes
- Water resources and global climate systems
- Weather patterns
- Energy, atmosphere and global temperatures
- Conclusion: revisiting our earth
This subject provides an introduction and exploration of the main principles of physical geography applied to urban, rural and regional environments. A range of topics are examined in relation to both natural and human environmental processes. The subject recognises and appreciates diverse indigenous knowledges of physical landscapes. A strong fieldwork component provides opportunities for problem-based learning in professions that require a broad understanding of physical geography, such as education, rural and urban Landcare, environmental planning and geotourism.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integritymodule.
- Online Quiz (20%)
- Essay (30%)
- Report (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
7 student respondents between 19 Aug 2024 - 10 Mar 2025.
100%of students felt the study load was manageable
100%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
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What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Undergraduate Certificate in Geography
UndergraduateCUR-GPH-CTF
UndergraduateCUR-GPH-DEG
UndergraduateCUR-JPN-DEG
Bachelor of Arts (Korean Studies)
UndergraduateCUR-KOR-DEG
UndergraduateCUR-CHN-DEG
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