LEVEL I

GEOG1131 HUMAN GEOGRAPHY 1: POPULATION, MIGRATION & HUMAN SETTLEMENT

(3 credits) Semester 1 Level I

Prerequisites: Passes in at least two CAPE subjects and Geography at CSEC or its equivalent

Syllabus: Modern approaches to the study of population geography. The human and physical factors determining population distribution and dynamics; theories of population change, including Malthus' and neo-Malthusian thoughts; and the demographic transition theory. The sources of, and problems associated with, population statistics; how to measure fertility, mortality and migration; and population projection techniques. Family planning and population control efforts around the world; the status of women and its crucial role in population dynamics; major causes of death around the world, including AIDS; the role of migration in population dynamics; culture, population and the environment. Historical and contemporary perspectives on urbanization in both the industrialized world and the developing world, and theories on the geographical distribution of human settlement.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%

One-hour multiple-choice review test 10%

Three practical assignments 20%

Tutorial assignments 10%

PRESCRIBED TEXTS

• Knox, P. L. & S. A. Marston (2010) Places and Regions in Global Context: Human Geography , 5 th

Ed n , New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

• Weeks, J. (2008) Population: An Introduction to Concepts and Issues . Belmont, CA: Wadsworth

RECOMMENDED READING

• Daniels, P., Bradshaw, M, Shaw, D & J. Sidaway (2005) An Introduction to Human Geography , 2 nd Edn.,
• Thomas-Hope, E. (2002) Caribbean Migration . Kingston: The University of the West Indies Press
• Potter, R.B., Barker, D., Conway D. & Klak, T. (2006) Contemporary Caribbean . Pearson/Prentice Hall: London

USEFUL WEBSITES:

http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/idb/informationGateway.php http://www.geography.ccsu.edu/kendra/population.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPiDrUrIZZU http://statinja.gov.jm/population.aspx http://www.prb.org (the Population References Bureau, Washington DC)

GEOG1132 HUMAN GEOGRAPHY 2: WORLD ECONOMY, AGRICULTURE & FOOD

(3 credits) Semester 2 Level I

Prerequisites: As for GEOG1131

Syllabus: The processes of economic development and globalization, and the economic interdependence of countries in the modern world. Basic theories, concepts, and methods for describing, measuring and analyzing patterns of economic and social development. The main factors that have contributed to uneven patterns of economic development, such as the distribution and exploitation of natural resources, and the process of industrialization, technological change and globalization. The section on agriculture and the food industry illustrates in depth many issues related to economic development and globalization, including the role of agribusiness in food production and food consumption, and the impacts of traditional and modern agricultural production systems on the environment. The geographical dimensions of world hunger and malnutrition in relation to the structure of the world economy and world agriculture. Prospects for future agricultural development.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%

One-hour multiple-choice review test 10%

Three practical assignments 20%

Tutorial assignments 10%

PRESCRIBED TEXTS

•  Knox, P. L. & S. A. Marston (2010) Places and Regions in Global Context: Human Geography , 5 th

Ed n , New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

•  Stutz, F.P. & Warf, B. (2007) The World Economy: Resources, Trade and Development, 5 th Edn. Pearson/Prentice Hall

RECOMMENDED READING

•  Daniels, P., Bradshaw, M, Shaw, D & J. Sidaway (2005) An Introduction to Human Geography , 2 nd Edn.,

•  Robinson, G. (2004) Geographies of Agriculture: Globalisation, Restructuring and Sustainability , Pearson/Prentice Hall Pearson/Prentice Hall

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.wfp.org (the UN World Food Program)

www.globalissues.org

www.foodfirst.org

www.bbc.co.uk

www.newscientist.co.u

www.fao.org

www.agbioworld.org

www.cgiar.org

GEOG1231 EARTH ENVIRONMENTS 1: GEOMORPHOLOGY & SOILS

(3 credits) Semester 1 Level I

Prerequisites: As for GEOG1131

Syllabus: Modern approaches to geomorphology and soil science. The main geomorphic processes in the context of endogenic and exogenic systems from a global perspective. The geomorphology section examines and describes endogenic systems and processes. The internal structure of the Earth and the geographic patterns of global relief of the solid surface in the context of plate tectonics. The relationship between global tectonics and the patterns and styles of volcanic activity. The passive control of rock type and geological structure in relation to landscape form and process. The soils section examines and describes the main exogenic systems and processes. The geographical patterns and types of rocks. Aspects of soil science from a geographical perspective through an examination of the main soil-forming factors, and analysis of physical and chemical soil-forming processes. Exogenic systems in relation to the main geomorphic agents of water, wind and ice in the context of fluvial, slope, aeolian, karst, glacial and periglacial systems.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%

One-hour multiple-choice review test 10%

Three practical assignments 20%

Tutorial assignments 10%

PRESCRIBED TEXTS

•  Smithson, P. , Addison K. and Atkinson, K. (2008) Fundamentals of the Physical Environment (Fourth Edition). Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-39516-8.

RECOMMENDED READING

•  Anderson, R. and Anderson, S. (2010) Geomorphology: The Mechanics and Chemistry of Landscapes (First Edition). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-51978-6.

•  Birkeland, P. (1999) Soils and Geomorphology (3 rd Edition). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-195-507886-2.

•  Buol, S.W., Southard, R.J., Graham, R.W. and McDaniel, P.A. (2003) Soil genesis and Classification (Fifth Edition). Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-813-82873-2.

•  Grotzinger, J. and Jordan, T.H. (2010) Understanding Earth (Sixth Edition). W. H. Freeman. ISBN 978-1-429-21951-8

•  Huddart, D. and Stott, T (2010) Earth Environments: Past, Present and Future (First Edition). Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, UK. ISBN 978-0-471-48533-9.

•  Huggett, R. (2011) Fundamentals of Geomorphology (3rd). Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-56775-0.

•  Schaetzl, R.J. and Anderson, S. (2005) Soils: Genesis and Geomorphology (First Edition). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81201-6.

•  Strahler, A. (2011) Introducing Physical Geography (Fifth Edition). John Wiley & Sons Inc. ISBN 978-0-470-13486-3.

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.usgs.gov/educators (On Line books on plate tectonics and volcanoes ).

www.volcanoes.com

www.bgrg.org

www.soils.usda.gov

GEOG1232 EARTH ENVIRONMENTS 2: CLIMATE & THE BIOSPHERE

(3 credits) Semester 2 Level I

Prerequisites: As for GEOG1131

Syllabus: A modern holistic approach to the study of the earth system. Introduction to climate science: the processes operating within the atmosphere and biosphere, including general circulation of the atmosphere, ocean-atmosphere interactions, and global climate systems. Emphasis on the impacts and consequences of human-environment interactions. Spatial and temporal variability of these processes on local, regional and global scales. The primary causes, both natural and human, and consequences of climate change and the impact of a changing climate for communities both within and outside the Caribbean region. Particular emphasis on the impacts of climate change on the biosphere, as well as their implications for agricultural systems. Introduction to the study of biogeography, focussing on the geographical features of biodiversity at different geographical scales, and reviewing ideas about ecosystem processes and vegetation disturbance and succession.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%

One-hour multiple-choice review test 10%

Three practical assignments 20%

Tutorial assignments 10%

PRESCRIBED TEXTS

•  Holden, J. (2008) An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment . Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2 nd Edition.

•  Smithson, P., Addison, K. and Atkinson, K. (2008) Fundamentals of the Physical Environment, 4th edn. London and New York. Routledge.

RECOMMENDED READING

•  Ahrens, C.D. (2007) Meteorology Today , Brooks/Cole, 8 th Edition.

•  Bell, M. and Walker, M.J.C. (2005) Late Quaternary Environmental Change: Physical and Human Perspectives . Longman, 2 nd Edition .

•  Bradbury, I. (1996) The Biosphere . Chichester. John Wiley and Sons.

•  Christopherson, R.W. (2009) Geosystems. Pearson Prentice, New Jersey, 7 th Edition.

•  Houghton, J. (2008) Global Warming: The Complete Briefing . Cambridge University Press, 3 rd Edition.

•  Huddart, D. and Stott, T. (2010) Earth Environments, Past, Present and Future . Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester.

SELECTED INTERNET RESOURCES:

•  Course web pages: www.caribbeanenvironments.com

•  Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) webpages: www.ipcc.ch

•  National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration: http://www.noaa.gov/

•  National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov

•  United States Geological Survey: www.usgs.gov

•  Climate change pages of the Royal Society: http://royalsociety.org/landing.asp?id=1278

•  NASA Environment pages: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/index.html

PART II LEVEL II

GEOG2131 URBAN GEOGRAPHIES

(3 credits) Semester 1 Level II

Prerequisites: GEOG1131 and GEOG1132

Syllabus: An introduction to key concepts, theories and empirical studies in the field of urban geography. The course deals with a variety of contemporary and relevant issues pertaining to urban growth and development, including patterns and processes of global urbanization; urban housing challenges and solutions; global urban consumerism; neighbourhood dynamics and changes; urban governance and social justice; cities and climate change; migration, race and ethnicity; and the built environment. The course draws upon a variety of examples and case studies, especially from the developing world.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 50%

Coursework 50%

2500-word project report 20%

Tutorial assignment 10%

One-hour in-course test 20%

PRESCRIBED TEXTS

• Kaplan, D.H., J.O. Wheeler & S.R. Holloway (2004), Urban Geography . Wiley, New York.
• Knox. P. & L. McCarthy (2011) Urbanization: an Introduction to Urban Geography . Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 3rd Edn.
• Pacione, M. (2005), Urban Geography: A Global Perspective , Routledge, London/New York, 2 nd Edn.

RECOMMENDED READINGS

• Bicknell, J. et al. (2009) , Adapting Cities to Climate Change: Understanding and Addressing the Development Challenges. Earthscan, London.
• Bridge, G. & S. Watson (2005), A Companion to the City . Blackwell, London.
• Clark, D. (2003), Urban World/Global City . Routledge, London/New York, 2 nd ed,
• Hall, T. (2001), Urban Geography . Routledge, London/New York, 2 nd ed.
• Johnston, R.J., D. Gregory, G. Pratt & M. Watts (2004), Dictionary of Human Geography . Blackwell, London, 4 th ed.
• Knox. P. & S. Marston (2003), Human Geography: Places and Regions in Global Context . Prenctice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 2 nd ed.
• Potter, R.B., D. Barker, D. Conway & T. Klak (2004), Contemporary Caribbean. Pearson Education/Prentice-Hall, Harlow.
• Potter, R.B. (ed.) ( 2000), The Urban Caribbean in an Era of Global Change . Ashgate, Aldershot.

ONLINE RESOURCES

• Course web page: www.caribbeansocieties.com
• UN Habitat: www.unhabitat.org
• UNEP World Cities Population Data Base (WCPDB): http://gcmd.nasa.gov
• Population Reference Bureau: www.prb.org

GEOG2132 GEOGRAPHIES OF DEVELOPMENT

(3 credits) Semester 2 Level II

Prerequisites: GEOG1131 and GEOG1132

Syllabus: The course seeks to explain the dynamic nature of the development process and its impact on economies, societies and the environment in the context of an increasingly globalized world. It introduces relevant ideas, theories and concepts from social science disciplines, but focuses on how geographers bring spatial concepts and geographical models to bear on the theory and practice of development. It links theories and concepts with development policy through case studies. The spatial dynamics of the global economy are highlighted through the lens of economic globalization. Sections highlight world industrialization, international trade and trade liberalization, and rural development. Special emphasis is placed on the Caribbean region in relation to the problems of sustainable development in small island developing states; environmental issues such as environmental degradation and climate change; and tourism development models.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 50%

Coursework 50%

Internet-based research report 20%

Tutorial assignment 10%

One-hour in-course test 20%

PRESCRIBED TEXT

• Potter, R.B., T. Binns, J.E. Elliot & D. Smith (2008), Geographies of Development . Pearson/Prentice-Hall, Harlow, 3 rd ed.

RECOMMENDED READINGS

• Barker, D. & D.F.M. McGregor (eds.) (2003), Resources, Planning and Environmental Management in a Changing Caribbean . UWI Press, Kingston.
• Daniels, P., M. Bradshaw, D. Shaw & J. Sidaway (2008), An Introduction to Human Geography . Pearson/Prentice-Hall, Harlow, 3 rd ed.
• Dicken, P. (2011), Global Shift: Mapping the Changing Contours of the World Economy . Guildford Press, London, 5 th ed.
• Knox, P.L., J. Agnew & L. McCarthy (2008), The Geography of the World Economy . Arnold, London.
• McGregor, D.F.M., D. Barker & S. Lloyd Evans (eds.) (1998). Resource Sustainability and Caribbean Development . UWI Press, Kingston
• McGregor, D.F.M., D. Dodman & D. Barker (2009). Global Change and Caribbean Vulnerability: Environment, Economy and Society at Risk? UWI Press, Kingston.
• Murray, W.E. (2006), Geographies of Globalization . Routledge, London.
• Potter, R.B., D. Barker, D. Conway & T. Klak (2004), Contemporary Caribbean . Pearson Education/Prentice-Hall, Harlow.

USEFUL WEBSITES

• www.un.org/en/development/
• http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/gni/
• www.livelihoods,org
• www.sidsnet.org
• www.itdg.org
• www.canari.org

GEOG2231 EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES

(3 credits) Semester 1 Level II

Prerequisites: GEOG1231 and GEOG1232

Syllabus: The course examines modern approaches to the analysis and interpretation of geomorphic processes and landforms in the context of coastal, fluvial and slope systems, and provides an in-depth examination of geomorphology in tropical settings.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 50%

Coursework 50%

Two practical assignments 10%

2500-word field report 10%

Two 1250-word essays 10%

One-hour in-course test 20%

PRESCRIBED TEXTS

• Bird, E.C.F. (2008), Coastal Geomorphology: An Introduction . John Wiley, Chichester.
• Charlton, R. (2008), Fundamentals of Fluvial Geomorphology. Routledge, Oxford.

  RECOMMENDED READINGS

• Anderson, R. & S. Anderson (2010), Geomorphology: The Mechanics and Chemistry of Landscapes . Cambridge University Press.
• Andre, R. (2003), River Processes: An Introduction to Fluid Dynamics . Arnold, UK.
• Bridge, J.S. (2003), Rivers and Floodplains: Forms, Processes and Sedimentary Record. Blackwell, Oxford.
• Gupta, A. (2011), Tropical Geomorphology. Cambridge University Press.
• Knighton, D. (1998), Fluvial Forms and Processes: A New Perspective. Arnold, UK.
• Masselink, G. & M.G. Hughes (2011), Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology. Arnold, UK.
• Ritter, D.F., C. Kochel & J.R. Miller (2011), Process Geomorphology. Waveland Press, Illinois.
• Selby, M.J. (1993), Hillslope Materials and Processes. Oxford University Press.
• Thomas, M.F. (1994), Geomorphology in the Tropics: A Study of Weathering and Denudation in Low Latitudes. Wiley, UK.

  USEFUL WEBSITES

www.geomorphology.org.uk

www.usgs.gov

www.physicalgeography.net

GEOG2232 ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

(3 credits) Semester 2 Level II

Prerequisites: GEOG1231 and GEOG1232

Syllabus: An interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental change, looking at examples of the complex interactions between human activity and the different environmental spheres (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere). Core components include global environmental change, sea-level change, natural climate variability, anthropogenic climate change, 21 st -century climate projections, and tropical forest dynamics. The course examines the primary causes, both natural and human, and the consequences and impacts of environmental change both within and outside the Caribbean region.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 50%

Coursework 50%

Two 1500-word essays 30%

Two group PowerPoint presentations 20%

PRESCRIBED TEXTS

• Holden, J. (2008), An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment . Pearson/Prentice-Hall, 2 nd ed.
• Huddart, D. & T. Stott (2010), Earth Environments, Past, Present and Future . Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester.

RECOMMENDED READINGS

• Ahrens, C.D. (2007), Meteorology Today . Brooks/Cole, 8 th ed.
• Bell, M. & M.J.C. Walker (2005), Late Quaternary Environmental Change: Physical and Human Perspectives . Longman, 2 nd ed.
• Houghton, J. (2008), Global Warming: The Complete Briefing . Cambridge University Press, 3 rd ed.
• Lowe, J. & M. Walker (1997), Reconstructing Quaternary Environments . Addison Wesley Longman, 2 nd ed.
• Ruddiman, W.F. (2008), Earth's Climate: Past and Future . Freeman, New York, 2 nd ed.
• Williams, M., D. Dunkerley, P. de Deckker, P. Kershaw & J. Chappell (1998), Quaternary Environments . Arnold, 2 nd ed.

SELECTED INTERNET RESOURCES

• Course web pages: www.caribbeanenvironments.com
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) web pages: www.ipcc.ch
• National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration: http://www.noas.gov/
• National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
• United States Geological Survey: www.usgs.gov
• Climate change pages of the Royal Society: http://royalsociety.org/landing.asp?id=1278
• NASA environmental pages: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/index.html

GEOG2331 RESEARCH METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY

(3 credits) Semester 1 Level II

Prerequisites: GEOG1131 and GEOG1132 and GEOG1231 and GEOG1232

Syllabus: The course aims to provide some basic knowledge of the key aspects of the history and philosophy of geographical enquiry, and to provide the theoretical and practical skills required to develop and conduct a research project in geography. Training in the application of geographical research methods and techniques, data collection, data and statistical analysis, and the technical presentation of results. Training in how to define a research topic, how to identify relevant literature, how to prepare a research proposal, and how to present data.

Evaluation: Coursework 100%

One-hour in-course test 25%

Five research skills assignments 75%

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TEXTS

• Clifford, N.J. & G. Valentine (2010), Key Methods in Geography . Sage Publications, London.2nd Edn.
• Holt-Jensen, A. (2009), Geography History and Concepts: A Student Guide . Sage Publications, London, 4 th Edn.
• Holloway, S., Rice, S.P. & G. Valentine (2009) Key Concepts in Geography , Sage Publications, London, 2nd Edn.
• Ebdon, D. (2006), Statistics for Geographers. Blackwell, Oxford, 2 nd Edn.
• Flowerdew, R. & D. Martin (2005). Methods in Human Geography . Harlow: Prentice-Hall, 2 nd Edn.

RECOMMENDED READINGS

• Babbie, E. (2007), The Practice of Social Research . Cengage Learning, Wadsworth.
• Berg, B.L. (2007), Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences . Pearson, Boston, 6 th ed.
• De Vaus, D. (2002), Surveys in Social Research . Allen & Unwin, London.
• Fowler, F. (2009), Survey Research Methods . Sage Publications, London, 4 th ed.
• Johnston, R.J. (1991), Geography and Geographers: Anglo-American Human Geography since 1945 . Arnold, London, 4 th ed.
• Johnston, R.J. et al. (2005), Dictionary of Human Geography . Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.
• Kneale, P. (2003), Study Skills for Geography Students . 2 nd ed.
• Martin, G. & P. James (2005), All Possible Worlds: A History of Geographical Ideas . Oxford University Press, 4 th ed.
• Parson, T. & P.G. Knight (2005), How to do Your Dissertations in Geography and Related Disciplines. Routledge, London, 2 nd ed.

GGEO2332 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS

(3 credits) Semester 2 Level II

Prerequisites: Two of [GEOG1131/GEOG1132/GEOG1231/GEOG1232] or

Two of [GEOL1101/GEOL1102/GEOL1103/GEOL1104]

Syllabus: The course introduces students to the theory and general principles of GIS and to practical skills and hands-on experience in its use: the fundamental concepts and basic functions of a GIS; the properties of GIS maps; the structure of a GIS database; coordinate systems and map projections; methods of performing simple vector and raster spatial analysis. In lab exercises students will work with ArcMap to visualize geographic data, create maps, query a GIS database, perform spatial analysis using common analytical tools, and solve geographical problems using a systematic approach. The course introduces the core functionality of GIS software packages such as ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination: 50%

Coursework: 50%

Six laboratory assignments 30%

One-hour in-course test 20%

GGEO2233 WATER RESOURCES

(3 credits) Semester 1 Level II

Prerequisites: [GEOG1231 and GEOG1232] or [GEOL1102 and GEOL1104]

Syllabus: An in-depth study of the hydrological cycle, evaporation/transpiration, and rainfall-runoff relationships in hydrogeology. The factors affecting evaporation and evapotranspiration from free water surfaces and soils. Different estimates and measurements of evaporation and evapotranspiration and soil moisture storage and movement. The nature and origin of different types of aquifers, their geological properties, the various types of groundwater flows to wells, flows within aquifers under steady/nonsteady conditions. Techniques of hydrogeological investigation, including drilling and pump testing. The hydraulics of surface water systems and seasonal variability of the flow pattern in streams and rivers. Flooding and drought. Special emphasis on the water resources of Jamaica and other Caribbean islands.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination: 50%

Two-hour practical examination: 30%

2 one-hour in-course tests: 20%

PART II LEVEL III

If two of these Level III courses are selected, they must be from different groups. If three or more courses are chosen, all groups must be represented in the selection.

GEOG3301 GEOGRAPHY OF THE CARIBBEAN

(4 credits) Semester 1 Level III

Prerequisites: Three of [GEOG2101, GEOG2102, GEOG2201, GEOG2202]

Syllabus: Analysis of physical and cultural patterns within the Caribbean area. A geographical evaluation of the origin, development and present-day outlines of settlement, cultures, resource use, economic structure, and growth problems of selected Caribbean countries.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%

Coursework 40%

GEOG3401 GEOGRAPHY RESEARCH PROJECT

(4 credits) Semester 2 Level III

Prerequisites: GEOG2301 and any three from [GEOG2101, GEOG2102, GEOG2201, GEOG2202]

Syllabus: A 7000-word research project approved by the Department.

Evaluation: Research project typed and bound 100%

GROUP A: HUMAN LANDSCAPES

GEOG3103 TROPICAL AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS & DEVELOPMENT

(4 credits) Semester 1 Level III

Prerequisite: GEOG2101 or GEOG2102

Syllabus: An advanced course on the geography of agricultural systems, focusing on the relationships between population, resources and the environment. Agricultural decision-making in theory and practice as applied to small-scale farming and as applied to problems in the agrarian sector in developing countries.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%
Coursework 40%

GEOG3106 GEOGRAPHIES OF TOURISM

(4 credits) Semester 2 Level III

Prerequisite: GEOG2101 or GEOG2102 or HOD permission

Syllabus: A focused examination and understanding of the ways in which tourist practices are intricately interwoven with space and place. In particular, students will explore the different ways that tourism can be understood, and the significance that this has in relation to contemporary concerns about travel, globalization, representation, and development. Through an examination of a selection of theoretical perspectives and case studies (e.g., colonialism and travel writing, mass tourism in the Caribbean, and ecotourism), the course will critically analyze how we understand concepts such as leisure and recreation, and how relationships between and across people and places exist in different ways.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%

Coursework 40%

GROUP B: THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

GGEO3201 GEOMORPHIC PROCESSES & LANDFORMS

(4 credits) Semester 2 Level III

Prerequisite: GEOG2201 or GEOL2003

Syllabus: An advanced course in the study of landforms and geomorphic processes, with particular emphasis on Caribbean examples. Limestone geomorphology, volcanic geomorphology, coastal geomorphology, applied geomorphology, geomorphological field and laboratory techniques.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%
Coursework 40%

GGEO3203 CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE TROPICS

(4 credits) Semester 2 Level III

Prerequisites: GEOG2202 or GEOL2003 or GEOL2004 or HOD permission

Syllabus: A theoretical and practical basis for understanding present-day tropical environments and the causes of global environmental change, as well as for assessing the scale of human interference in natural environmental processes.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%
Coursework 40%

GROUP C: TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS

GGEO3301 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS & REMOTE SENSING

(4 credits) Semester 1 Level III

Prerequisites: Any two from [GEOG2101, GEOG2102, GEOG2201, GEOG2202], or any two from [GEOL2001, GEOL2002, GEOL2003, GEOL2004], or HOD permission

Syllabus: An introduction to the concepts, techniques and applications of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS). The course provides a background for further enquiry into GIS and RS technologies, as well as equipping students with practical expertise needed for operational GIS and image processing. The course has three main parts: first, the theory and principles of GIS and RS are covered in a lecture setting; secondly, supervised hands-on practical exercises are run in the laboratory; and, thirdly, projects are undertaken by students to apply the knowledge and skills to a specific problem. Areas covered by the course include (but are not limited to) data acquisition and processing, data automation, database management, spatial analysis, image processing, mapping and modelling.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 50%

Laboratory exercises 40%

Project 10%

GEOG3302 URBAN & REGIONAL PLANNING

(4 credits) Semester 2 Level III

Prerequisites: GEOG2101 or GEOG2102

Syllabus: The origin and growth of urban and regional planning. Planning, principles and methods. Emphasis is on the contribution of geographic theory and methods to the planning process.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%

Coursework 40%

GGEO3302 DISASTER MANAGEMENT

(4 credits) Semester 2 Level III

Prerequisites: GEOG2201 or GEOG2202 or GEOL2004 or HOD permission

Syllabus: An introduction to the basic principles and techniques in disaster management. A study of theory, hazards, vulnerability, response capability, risk assessment, disaster scenarios, disaster management, preparedness, prevention, emergency response, and simulation. Basic concepts of geology, geomorphology, tectonics and geophysics in the study of natural hazards, with special reference to the Caribbean. Hazards and risks related to volcanic activity, earthquakes, landslides, hydrometeorological processes; flooding and hurricanes. Hazard mapping. Approaches to natural hazard loss-reduction.

Evaluation: Two-hour written paper 60%