Subject details

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

  1. examine the principles of physical geography, sustainable development and environmental planning
  2. identify and evaluate key issues and threatening processes in environmental sustainability
  3. evaluate the likely impacts of climate change and resultant environmental uncertainty on planning for social environmental and economic sustainability
  4. apply critical skills in the interpretation and analysis of data
  5. synthesise the analytical skills by evaluating and reporting on a specific physical geography challenge.

  • Topics

    • Introduction to Physical Geography
    • Essentials of Geography (Earth StructurejGeological Time}
    • The Dynamic Planet
    • Tectonics, Earthquakes and Volcanism
    • River Systems and Landforms
    • Weathering and Landscapes
    • Soils, Ecosystems, and Biomes
    • The Oceans, Coastal Processes, and Landscapes
    • Water Resources/Global Climate Systems
    • Weather Patterns
    • Energy, Atmosphere, and Global Temperatures
    • Conclusion

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online Quizzes/Tests
      • Online assignment submission
      • Podcasting/Leacture capture
      • Standard Media
      • Streaming Multimedia
      • Web links

    • Online Materials

      • Quizzes
      • Online Assessment
      • Printable format materials

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

  • OtherDetails -

    Access to Google Earth

Explore the fascinating world of physical geography. 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, economic and 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.

  • LabAssignment (50%)
  • Online Quiz (20%)
  • Essay (30%)

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

postgraduate OUA-PSU-GCE-2018

Postgraduate Single Subjects