The Earth, its position in space, and the intertwined processes that shape it.  The study of the relationships between and the spatial location of the various earth systems including the atmosphere, its weather and climate regions, the hydrosphere; oceans, clouds, rivers; the biosphere and the solid earth, its landforms and the forces that change them. (GEOG 1)

Course Student Learning Outcomes - GEOG 0001 - Physical Geography

CSLO 1 - Evaluate effects of gradient upon stream velocity characteristics, which in turn affect a stream's ability to either erode or deposit its load. Likewise evaluate lower reaches stream landform features, but in this case relating velocity to meandering stream characteristics, such as point bars and cut banks. Apply to delta landforms as well.

CSLO 2 - Compare and contrast differing tectonic plate motions and boundaries to common landforms that result (E.g. violent composite volcanoes at convergent plate boundaries with oceanic- continental plates).

CSLO 3 - Distinguish earth's movements as they relate to causes of seasons, changes in daylight, and global insolation budget.

CSLO 4 - Predict primary climatic controls of a place on earth based on several broad categories (e.g. latitude, ocean proximity, wind and ocean currents, etc).

CSLO 5 - Describe common map projections pros and cons as they relate to: direction, distance and shape or size. For example, students should know that the famous Mercator projection is best used for compass direction but not used to show size or shape of Greenland, which is greatly increased in size (in some cases double what it should be).

CSLO 6 - Illustrate layers of the earth, including material, approximate depth, and rigidity. For example, the inner core is completely solid and made of iron, while the mantle is 1800 miles thick and plastic-like nearing the crust.