Module description
This module is aimed at students with no previous knowledge of physical geography and aims to develop an understanding of the processes that have combined together through time to create the landscape we see today. Geological processes and the rocks they form create a base upon which the geomorphological component of the course is taught. The teaching of geomorphology concentrates on the geomorphological processes that create landform. This includes weathering, glaciation, periglaciation and river processes. This logically leads into a study of the processes involved in the hydrological cycle. The module concludes by outlining the processes involved in the formation of soils. Throughout the module the links between the physical landscape and human activities are emphasised.

Outcomes
Outcome 1
Geological processes that have created the landscape are recognised and explained.
Performance criteria:
a. An understanding of the differing nature of rocks is demonstrated.
b. An understanding of the principles of geological succession and geological time is demonstrated.
c. An understanding of the effects of geology on the landscape is demonstrated.
Ranges:
Rocks: Sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic.
Succession: Law of superposition, folding, faulting, time.
Landscape: Relative hardness/softness of rock, effects of folding and faulting.

Outcome 2
Geomorphological processes responsible for creating landscape features are recognised and explained.
Performance criteria:
a. An understanding of the geomorphological processes involved in erosion and the resultant geomorphological features is
demonstrated.
b. An understanding of depositional processes and the resulting geomorphological features is demonstrated.
c. An understanding of the importance of transport to the formation of geomorphological features is demonstrated.
Ranges:
Erosion: Glacial, fluvial, marine, aeolian
Deposition: Glacial, fluvial, marine, aeolian.
Transport: Glacial, fluvial, marine, aeolian.