Semester I

Dear Students,

I hope this message finds you well! I am excited to welcome you all to SPL1164 - Principles of Geomorphology for this academic term. This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the processes that shape the Earth's surface and the landforms that result from these processes. Throughout this course, we will explore various geomorphological concepts, including weathering, erosion, deposition, and the role of climate, tectonics, and human activities in shaping landscapes.

Our course will be both engaging and interactive, with a mix of lectures, practical exercises, field studies, and group discussions. Together, we will examine the geomorphological features found in different environments and understand their significance in natural resource management and environmental planning.

Please make sure to check the course outline, schedule, and reading materials available on the learning platform. I encourage you to actively participate in all class activities and reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification.

Looking forward to an exciting and productive semester ahead!

1. Brief description of aims and content

The aim of this module is to study the spatial patterns of landforms, soils, and their processes and impact on the landscape. The module will examine the relationships between geomorphological processes and human activities.

2. Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

1. Understand and explain components and system functioning of hydrosphere, , cryosphere and lithosphere and pedosphere of the earth.
2. Describe the Geomorphology of a given area

Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

3. Explain how the Earth works as the energy system with emphasis on the inputs of solar and internal Earth energy.
4. Collect basic data in the fields of Geomorphology

Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

   5   Apply skills learned for map reading, soil analysis, and landforms analysis data collection of Geomorphic and pedological process and conditions.

6. Analyze patterns and processes of the landscape during accurately conducted fieldwork.

General transferable skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

1. Collect, analyze, independently or in a group data of a given region and present them in a well structured report 

3 Indicative Content

• The Earth and its place
• Rock formation, types of rocks, rock properties; weathering processes and soil development; mass movements and ground stability; fluvial, coastal and Aeolian Geomorphology; karstic landscape development, etc.
• The figure of the earth, its gravitational and magnetic fields, seismology and deep structure of the earth, heat flow, methods of Geophysical exploration. The Geophysical basis of plate tectonics and sea floor spreading
• Types of soil, soil properties (composition and characteristics of mineral, organic, moisture and gaseous components), soil structure (soil aggregates, their stability and instability; soil porosity and the migration and diffusion of moisture and gasses), soil fertility and infertility, human use and misuse of soils (problems of soil degradation, erosion, of compaction)
• Techniques of field observation, recordings and analysis through mapping and written reports
• Geological profiles and mapping
• Observation and recording of physical aspects (in local context) on the field.

4. Learning and Teaching Strategy

• Lectures on spatial patterns of forms and landforms and soils.
• Individual or group assignments 
• Self study 
• Supervised fieldwork

5. Assessment strategy

• Partial Individual exam
• Individual or group assignment
• Final written exam

Brief Description of the Module