About GEOG 1200 OL1

Introduction to the fundamentals of weather, climate, landform evolution, and plant distribution using a systems approach. Focus on variation in processes over space and time.

Notes

Asynchronous online

Section Description

Course Description Weather, Climate and Landscapes is an introduction to physical geography, the study of the earth’s atmosphere, weather and climate, water resources, landforms and ecosystems. In this course, we will explore the composition and function of the atmosphere, the flow of energy and mass between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere and lithosphere, and the resulting climate patterns. We will explore how evidence of past climate can tell us about our current and future world. We will also examine how weather and climate influence those processes which shape the surface of the earth and influence ecosystems. Themes of global climate change and environmental change are explored in each unit. Finally, we will seek to understand how these processes affect and are affected by human activity. This course fulfills a three-credit Catamount Core science distribution requirement (N1, no lab) in the College of Arts and Sciences. There are no prerequisites for this course. It also satisfies a major requirement for the Geography major and the Geosciences major, as well as for the Global Climate and Environmental Change concentration in Environmental Sciences (ENSC). It is also a pre-requisite for GEOG 2205, 2230, 2250, 2715, 3230 and 3250. Course Learning Goals 1. Students will be able to describe key system components within the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and biosphere and explain how processes (comprised of these component) operate within these systems (comprehension). 2. Students will be able to construct and apply conceptual and mathematical models illustrating earth’s processes, including the flow of energy and mass within and between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and biosphere, and at different scales. (application) 3. Students will apply these models within the context of current and future global climate and environmental change to predict/hypothesize future outcomes. (application, analysis) 4. Students will be able to synthesize knowledge of atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and/or biosphere components and processes to interpret and explain the spatial distribution of environmental variables on the earth’s surface. (comprehension, application, synthesis) 5. Students will be able to illustrate, analyze and interpret environmental science data. (application, analysis, evaluation) 6. Students will be able to articulate “why (physical) geography matters” in relationship to environmental challenges, justice, and equity. Catamount Core Curriculum Designation N1: Natural Science (without lab): Students completing a course fulfilling the N1: Natural Science (without lab) requirement will: 1. Demonstrate familiarity with scientific thought, observation, analysis, experimentation, and formal hypothesis testing in relation to the general field or topic of the course. 2. As appropriate to the level and field of the course, make informed judgments about scientific information and arguments related to the natural world. 3. As appropriate to the level and field of the course, use appropriate theories and models to predict change in natural systems over time.

Section Expectation

Course Modality This course is designated as an online course. Course content will be organized into modules (i.e., weeks) with associated lectures, readings, videos, and quizzes. For the summer 2025, course content will be delivered online through online written lectures, explanatory videos, and quizzes. All course content will be available on the course Brightspace (BS) page. Students will submit quizzes and exams on Brightspace. Exams will be given online, including the final exam on the last day of classes. Weekly Preparation To prepare for daily topics, you are asked to review the readings on or before the day they are due. It is suggested that you briefly review the readings for major themes, headings, vocabulary, and images prior to class and then fully read and take notes on the assigned readings after completing the lecture. The course and associated quizzes and exams will focus on the lecture content. The readings are meant to supplement your understanding. Readings provide a summary of important course material. Associated videos and online content will highlight important themes and current topics. Weekly preparation is necessary to complete the quizzes and exams. On Brightspace, you will find PDF documents under each module (Introduction, Lecture, Summary). The PDF documents are also good tools for studying, picking out major themes, vocabulary, and understanding “why geography matters.” Course Resources Text & supplemental readings Alan F. Arbogast. 2017. Discovering Physical Geography. (4th edition), John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Student may select EITHER the loose leaf textbook (new ~$130) or an E-Book (with access code) (new ~$95) from the UVM Bookstore. Students can place their orders online (http://uvmbookstore.uvm.edu/). Students are also free to explore other options on sellers like Amazon.com (variable price depending on new or used) or you may order the textbook directly from Wiley (from $51 (rental)-$122 (E book purchase)); https://www.wiley.com/en-us/search?pq=Discovering%20Physical%20Geography%7Crelevance Students may also use the 3rd edition of the textbook (used edition). Page numbers of both the 3rd and 4th edition will be provided on the course Reading List. A copy of the textbook will be available for 2-hour loan at the UVM Howe library lending desk, if you are on or near campus. Internet Access & Required Platforms Requirements It is expected that you have the capability of logging onto Brightspace and to MSTeams (e.g., office hours, additional videos) on a consistent weekly basis. You will need a working camera on your computer or other device if you use MSTeams. All materials that are not in the text are available on Brightspace (streaming videos, website URLs, supplemental readings) or on MSTeams (additional videos).

Evaluation

Grades in the course will be based on quizzes and exams as follows: Quizzes: 50% x 6 Exams: 50% (Exam 1, 15%, Exam 2, 15%, Exam 3, 20%)

Important Dates

Note: These dates may change before registration begins.

Note: These dates may not be accurate for select courses during the Summer Session.

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Deadlines
Last Day to Add
Last Day to Drop
Last Day to Withdraw with 50% Refund
Last Day to Withdraw with 25% Refund
Last Day to Withdraw

Resources

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