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Subject details

At the completion of the subject students will be able to:

  1. explain the physical processes that have shaped and continue to shape our planet
  2. describe how physical geography interacts with and shapes human geography and evaluate key issues and threatening processes in environmental sustainability,
  3. critically discuss the global impact of human activities on the environment,
  4. apply data collection and analysis to examine the effects of human and non-human interactions.

  • Topics

    • 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

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online assignment submission
      • Standard Media
      • Web links

    • Online Materials

      • Resources and Links
      • Printable format materials
      • Online Assessment
      • Audio-Video streaming

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

No special requirements

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 environmental processes as well as, social and economic public policy outcomes.

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 Integrity module.

  • Essay (30%)
  • Online Quiz (30%)
  • Laboratory (40%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related degrees

undergraduate CUR-GPH-DEG-2018

Bachelor of Arts Geography