Geography

Course summary

Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and physical processes in both time and space. The course aims to identify trends and patterns in these interactions. It also investigates the way in which people adapt and respond to change, and evaluates actual and possible management strategies associated with such change. Geography aims to describe and explain the similarities and differences between different places. These may be defined on a variety of scales and from the perspectives of a different range of actors, with varying powers over decision-making processes. Within individuals and societies subjects, Geography is distinctive in its spatial dimension and occupies a middle ground between social or human sciences and natural sciences. The Geography course integrates physical, environmental and human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both socio-economic and scientific methodologies. The course takes advantage of its position to examine relevant concepts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. This helps students develop life skills and have an appreciation of, and a respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints and ideas. All students study the Core Topics of Population Distribution, Global Climate and Global Resource Consumption. All students also study Option Topics on Freshwater and Geophysical Hazards. They will all complete a fieldwork study. Higher Level students will study the additional Food and Health topic as well as the Core Extension topics: Power, Places and Networks; Human Development and Diversity; and Global Risks and Resilience.