This course surveys basic concepts and vocabulary of earth science through the study of physical geography.   Concepts include the character, natural history, and physical processes at the Earth's surface. Lectures introduce basic features and actions of hydrology, soil science, and landforms. An appreciation of environmental change is emphasized; particularly since the end of the Pleistocene Epoch (Ice Ages); that is, the beginning of Recent geologic time. Several geographic tools, including topographic maps, aerial photographs, satellite imagery, soil analysis, rocks and minerals, microscopy, and field-sampling techniques are introduced in lectures and labs. General concepts of scientific methodology are introduced, including hypothesis formulation and testing and the method of multiple working hypotheses.  Three hours lecture and a lab each week.

The Fall 2011 course description and lecture schedule are now ready for downloading.  [Requires Acrobat Reader.]

       Overview of Course               Lecture Schedule

The textbook for Spring 2011 is Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation, Tenth Edition.  Prentice Hall.   It is available on Amazon.com but order it in advance so you'll have the book by the second week of the semester.   If you use the 8th or 9th edition it will be your responsibility to check for changes, consult the new materials if needed, and translate differences in page numbers on assignments.

The lab manual will be available from a local copy shop, TBA.  The lab description and schedule will be available next week.  Watch this location.          Fall 2011 Lab Schedule           Fall 2011 Lab Description

Learning Outcomes for Geography 201

 BlackBoard - for other course materials (requires password)
    Materials - Practice for Reading Contour Maps
       Biogeomorphology Laboratory web site
       Geomorphology Specialty Group (professional site)

          Google Earth Users Guide - For a quick orientation to navigating on Google Earth, go there and click on  'Getting Around'  where you will find pictures and instructions.