GEO 103 - Introduction to Physical Geography

1. Physical geography tools and terminology
2. Earth's origins and energy systems
3. Atmospheric systems and weather
4. Climates and biomes
5. Earth history and geomorphology of landforms
6. Plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanism
7. Fluvial, marine, glacial and Aeolian landform processes
8. Human-environment interactions and environmental change

1. Employ tools of a geographer to test physical geography concepts. (1-8)
2. Diagram earth's energy and atmospheric systems, and summarize ocean-atmosphere interactions. (2,3)
3. Relate atmospheric processes, temperature patterns and moisture to weather and atmospheric disturbances. (2-4)
4. Classify climate zones and biomes and discuss climate anomalies. (4,8)
5. Use scientific theories to investigate earth's history, structure and surface landforms. (5-7) 
6. Describe the impact of fluvial, Aeolian, marine and glacial processes on landforms. (5,7)
7. Synthesize geographic theories and recent research on human-environment interactions. (1,3,4,6,8)

1. Demonstrate thoughtful and precise writing skills by completing at least 1500 words of monitored writing.