Geography | BSc (Hons) | University of Lincoln

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

A Sustainable Lincolnshire 2022-23GEH1007MLevel 42022-23Lincolnshire has a diverse physical geography and faces a number of human and societal challenges making it an excellent laboratory to study global issues related to the health and safety of the inhabited earth within the Universitys local to global remit. Local fieldwork introduces students to contemporary issues in the social and natural environment through in-depth studies in the county of Lincolnshire. We visit three types of environment the urban, the rural and the coastal to study environmental hazards and economic and ecosystem sustainability and the interactions between these processes.CoreEarth Observation & GIS 2022-23GEP1006MLevel 42022-23The aim of this module is to teach students the fundamental theory and practical applications of Earth observation (remote sensing) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Geospatial technologies (involving remote sensing and GIS) have changed the way businesses and policymakers solve problems and the way scientists understand Earth system processes and hazards. These technologies are routinely used by people in their work and their daily life (e.g. via Google Earth). This module aims to introduce students to some of the important sources of geospatial data and the technologies underpinning them, and will highlight ways in which they are used both within geographical science and more widely. In addition students can gain hands-on, skills-based experience in processing and analysing data using GIS and Remote Sensing software. These are vital tools that will enable students to more rigorously assess the safety and health of the inhabited Earth.CoreEarths Changing Surface and the Anthropocene 2022-23GEP1007MLevel 42022-23This module aims to provide a grounding in the key aspects of Geomorphology, including fluvial, coastal, glacial, and hillslope geomorphology, and looks to build a firm foundation in understanding surface processes and hazards. It outlines a local to global framework of Earth surface processes and variability over space and time, drawing on case studies from both locally and across the world. There is therefore excellent complementarity with its sister module The Earth System Processes and Hazards, but with a stronger focus on Geomorphology and mass movements. These two modules taken together aim to develop essential knowledge and understanding that underpin the Department of Geographys distinctive and unifying flavour of the Safety and Health of the Inhabited Earth. The importance of taking the long view (e.g. Holocene and longer perspective) in order to understand Earths changing surface in the context of anthropogenic climate change will be emphasised.CoreFoundations of Human Geography 2022-23GEH1008MLevel 42022-23This module will help students to better comprehend what it means to do geography, think like a geographer, and be a geographer. It examines the fundamental notions that distinguish human geography as a unique social science and chronicles how human geographers have come to identify themselves, starting from the ground up. It explores why the history of geography is so important to understanding how human geographers examine and ask questions about the world. This module provides geographical context to the more particular subject modules found in later years of the degree programme. Students will be able to recognise evolving notions employed by geographers in their attempts to comprehend human-environment linkages after completing this module. Learners will also comprehend and apply fundamental map and mapping principles. Students will be able to think about how people and societies perceive and act in their surroundings, as well as the interactions that result from such views. Learners will also be able to grasp the crucial role that ecological thought has had in the formation of human geography, as well as examine the shifting uses of natural resources and environmental adaptations that have happened across cultures and time periods.CoreLearning From Geographical Engagement 2022-23GEH1009MLevel 42022-23The aim of this module is to introduce students to how geographical knowledge is created, developed and communicated. Students will engage with a series of weekly lectures that focus on key skills and knowledge that students will require throughout their degree. You will be introduced to the tools required to search and evaluate academic literature relevant to your studies, the philosophical constructs around which geographical knowledge is based and how to effectively communicate using approaches that you will encounter during your degrees such as essay writing, report writing, posters and presentations. Students will also engage with a series of weekly seminars in which journal articles on different geographical topics will be introduced. These will cover cutting edge topics and be delivered by a combination of staff from the Department.CorePeople, Places, Patterns and Processes 2022-23GEH1006MLevel 42022-23Certain forces are shaping the structure of human populations and societies in the 21st century. The aim of this module is to help students gain foundational understanding of these different forces as well as their effects on human population structure. Students will get an opportunity to explore different aspects of population dynamics across developed and developing societies. From this quantitative starting point, students will be progressed into qualitative exploration of different place identities and attachments, cultural changes, and representations of places at a global scale. Teaching sessions will focus on people, their individual and collective characteristics, spatial distributions, and the undercurrents that account for these spatial patterns. In a broad sense, the module reflects the diversity of geography and it is closely aligned to spatial demography. Consequently, in addition to gaining insights into theoretical basis of population geography, students will also be exposed to the technical foundations of demographic data analysis through hands-on software training.CoreSustainable Environments & Ecosystems 2022-23GEH1003MLevel 42022-23The aim of this module is to introduce students to the links between ecosystems and human health. The module focuses heavily on the role of human activities in changing ecosystems, covering aspects of human impacts on ecosystems as well as policy and regulatory actions to improve and safeguard vital ecosystems. Impacts are assessed in terms of both human and wider environmental factors such as quality of life and access to safe and healthy resources as well as biodiversity, landscape assets and climate resilience. Local and global case studies will be drawn to assess issues such as the sustainable design of built environments, sustainable approaches to waste management and threats linked to overconsumption of natural resources and excess pollution. By exploring a range of relevant case studies we will question assumptions about environmental/ecosystem interactions and equip students with the necessary critical knowledge and overview for deriving real-world solutions to a representative range of current environmental problems.CoreThe Earth System: Processes & Hazards 2022-23GEP1005MLevel 42022-23The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the general principles of physical geography for students with diverse backgrounds. Using a systems-based approach to physical geography, four environmental systems will be examined: geosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. The final part of the module will consider the interactions between physical systems and also the causes and consequences of system change, such as climate change, over time and space. The occurrence and impacts of some key natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and droughts) will also be considered, which will facilitate an improved appreciation of the safety and health of the environment.CoreClimatology and Quaternary Science 2023-24Level 52023-24This module will examine the environmental changes, particularly climate, at global, regional, and local scales of the past and present. Students will gain an understanding of these changes and processes that have implications for past, and present climate and environments. The first part of this module will cover climate and environmental change over the last 2.6 million years of Earths history (Quaternary period). Students will gain knowledge in how natural variability can be distinguished from human activity, and the contribution of both observational analysis and modelling to understand environmental change. The second part of this module will give students an understanding of global climatology and meteorology on contemporary (present-day) timescales. It covers the main characteristics of, and processes behind, climate and weather from global through regional to local scales. A field excursion, practicals and seminar sessions will provide tools and techniques to investigate climatology and Quaternary science. The critical appraisal collected field and practical datasets will develop students critical thinking and analysis skills of past, and present climate and environmental change.CoreCultural, Historical and Economic Geography 2023-24Level 52023-24Geography examines the relationship between societies and the natural and cultural landscapes they inhabit. Cultural and historical geographies explore the roots of contemporary challenges within societies, including in colonial and post-colonial contexts. From this perspective, students will consider how historical processes of marginalisation persist in the modern world, and how todays social and environmental challenges can be more fully understood through a cultural lens. Economic geography explores the economic processes that influence the relationship between societies and wider landscapes, including sites of production and consumption and economic disparity. Factors that influence the economic landscape of regions include traditional economic factors (land, labour, and capital) as well as social, cultural, behavioural, and institutional factors. Thus, in addition to cultural and historical factors, students are also introduced to traditional as well as more contemporary ways of thinking about economic landscapes. Overall this module synthesises diverse perspectives to equip students with in-depth understandings of the interrelated factors that produce contemporary inequalities, and explain colonial and post-colonial legacies of inequality.CoreEarth Observation, Modelling & Visualisation: Representing Reality & Understanding Change 2023-24GEH2009MLevel 52023-24The ability to model the behaviour of natural and human systems, and their interaction, is an increasingly vital tool in understanding both these systems and the consequence of changes such as population growth or climate change; it is therefore essential for assessing the safety and health of the inhabited Earth. This module uses lectures and computer practicals to introduce the numerical modelling of geographical processes and systems. The science and art of model formulation, construction, and testing will be covered in detail. Students will use a number of specially-written models from various areas of physical and human geography.CoreGeographical Data Analysis Methods 2023-24GEP2010MLevel 52023-24This module equips students with highly employable data analysis skills which they will use both in their studies and their careers beyond. Students will learn from a lectures series and accompanying practical classes. As part of the module students will deliver a project related to real-world geographical problems.CoreHazards and Society 2023-24GEH2010MLevel 52023-24Modern societal development has created new exposures and risks to such hazards that are not fully understood, or may be perceived in different ways even within the same community. Such vulnerabilities are often only brought into view in the aftermath of a disaster, when losses of life, capital and livelihoods have already occurred, making it vital to assess the physical and social dimensions of hazards in order to increase preparedness. This module is focused around a field-week that will explore the theme of hazards and their relationship to society from both an environmental and human standpoint. This interdisciplinary perspective on hazards and society will offer new insights into the challenges facing contemporary societies in a specific region, while also providing insight into the opportunities offered by geographical research. An overriding aim of the module is to understand how various forms of geographical knowledge can better prepare us for the challenges of environmental hazards and global change more broadly. The aim of this module is to provide experience in practising real geography through field exercises, data collection and interpretation, and presentation of data. This field-week will strengthen students ability to identify research problems, design and execute data collection strategies, and present well-reasoned and coherent interpretations of findings.CoreHuman Impacts on the Environment 2023-24Level 52023-24This module uses the concepts surrounding environmental health to introduce students to a wide range of critical environmental issues facing the world today. Using a range of global and regional environmental problems, incorporating case studies on climate change, natural resources, land-use change and agriculture, pollution, degradation and threats to environments, ecosystems, and society. Students will critically explore the causes, consequences, and impacts of humans on environmental health issues, as well as learn how to question assumptions about the underlying processes.CorePhysical Geography Theory and Research 2023-24GEP2009MLevel 52023-24Independent research is a valuable skill in geography and prized by employers. In this module you learn how to conduct independent research by undertaking a series of research projects including using laboratory and fieldwork-based techniques. These will teach you the theory and philosophy behind physical geographical research. By the end of the module you will create and interrogate your own dataset to develop your own understanding of an environmental problem.CoreBiogeography & Planetary Health 2023-24GEP2002MLevel 52023-24This module introduces the key concepts of biogeography and planetary health. The aim of the module is to develop students understanding of the impacts of climatic- and human-induced changes on the distribution and functioning of biomes and terrestrial ecosystems. The module consists of three broad themes. The first theme consists of an introduction to the course and examples of human and climate-induced change from a local to global context. The second part covers the techniques that are used to monitor and quantify ecosystem health and predict changes in current ecosystem patterns. The final theme of the module covers the implication of these changes and strategies to mitigate or cope with these changes.OptionalPlacement (Level 2) 2023-24GEH2007MLevel 52023-24The Level 2 placement provides students with the opportunity to develop their professional skills by spending time with a relevant local employer. Students will spend 150 hours working under the direct supervision of the employer. Tasks will be developed to give the student an insight into the professional working environment in the wider field of geography. Students will then prepare an essay on their professional learning experience, with reflections on how elements of the Geography syllabus relate to at least one core area of their work experience. The Department of Geography counts with an established network of local employers that offer placements on regular basis, and an experienced Placement Officer who helps students finding the most adeguate organization for their placements.OptionalSoG International Study Year 2023-24GEH2011MLevel 52023-24The School believes that an option to study overseas is a valuable educational opportunity for our students. Provision of this option supports the educational aims of the School of Geography and enhances the distinctiveness of its degrees at Lincoln. The optional year is intended to: - enable students to benefit from studying within a cross cultural environment; - expose students to a wider academic and cultural experience; - enhance their future employment opportunities; - by increasing their cultural and professional mobility. This module is optional for students within the School. Study Abroad is a year long module which enables students to spend a year studying abroad at one of the Universitys approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their second year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the year abroad. During the year spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. Upon their return, as part of the assessment for this modules, students are required to critically reflect upon their experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.OptionalSoG Work Placement Year 2023-24GEH2002XLevel 52023-24OptionalCatchment Hydrology and Geomorphology 2024-25Level 62024-25This module will give students an advanced understanding of (1) catchment hydrology, including ecohydrology, and hydrological responses of catchments to climate and land use changes, with an emphasis on global challenges of water resources management, and (2) theoretical background of fluvial geomorphology and morphodynamics, including river and flood management strategies. The first part of the module covers global hydrology, including consideration of the physical characteristics of rivers and their geographical variation, and related aspects of river-catchment science and the role of the water resources in the wider environmental system. The second part focuses on the geomorphology of catchment and river systems, and the expected changes that river ecosystems are likely to experience under the influence of direct anthropogenic perturbations and global change.CoreClimate Change: Processes, Politics & Policy 2024-25GEH3013MLevel 62024-25This module examines the physical, social and political characteristics, and the physical causes, of natural and anthropogenic climate change. These key themes will be explored in terms of how society has responded to the physical processes and impacts of climate.CoreCoastal Systems and Global Change 2024-25Level 62024-25This module will focus on the processes governing coastal systems, including river mouth systems, coastal wetlands and open coasts, the ecosystem services that they deliver, and the expected changes that coastal systems are likely experience under the influence of climate change and increasing anthropogenic influences. The theoretical background knowledge on coastal systems, their exposure to global change, as well as mitigation and adaptation strategies will be complemented by hands-on practical sessions, including the use of state-of-the-art computer models and the collection and analysis of primary field data. A particular emphasis of this module will be on developing an in-depth understanding of how coastal systems may help coastal communities to adapt to climate change, an approach that is widely referred to as ecosystem-based management.CoreEnvironmental Management 2024-25GEP3012MLevel 62024-25This module examines a range of interdisciplinary environmental management techniques that are used to address critical environmental, human and planetary health issues. Students will gain an understanding of the most appropriate techniques and solutions using a range of global, regional and local environmental case studies. There is a strong emphasis on practice-based skills with guest lectures from practitioners in the field, practical and seminar classes. An innovative assessment will give students the opportunity to be involved in actively influencing sustainable behaviour in the younger generation and giving them a chance to become the teacher. This approach is especially useful in the third year as it exposes students to a wide range of career options in environmental science management and policy/regulation.CoreGeography Dissertation 2024-25Level 62024-25The Dissertation is an extended piece of original research work on a geographical topic of students' own choice that is carried out under the guidance of a staff mentor. It allows students to draw together and build on the skills and subject expertise they have developed throughout their time at University. Students will be expected to either collect original material for investigation and/or to carry out original analysis of secondary data. Students' allocated supervisor will guide and advise them in their work.CoreGlobal Change Biology 2024-25ECL3005MLevel 62024-25This module will consider human-caused environmental change that affects a substantial part of the globe and biological systems. Biological responses to these human induced changes will be considered in terms of how organisms, species, and communities may acclimatise, adapt, or change. Specifically, we will consider how organisms can respond genetically and phenotypically, and how and why communities may change in their species and functional composition. After consolidating understanding of the causes of, and biological responses to, global change, we will consider what these impacts mean for ecosystem structure and function, the development of novel ecosystems, and approaches for conservation and ecosystem management under global change. This module will cover a range of differing causes of global change e.g. biological invasions or urbanisation, but content will be flexible to remain relevant to current and emerging challenges.OptionalOverseas Fieldwork 2024-25GEP3005MLevel 62024-25This module will put into practice knowledge gained in previous modules, and - by focusing on the physical and human processes that have shaped the environment and will influence future change - it will provide experience of process interpretation and understanding in an unfamiliar setting. The module is designed to allow students to work within an overseas environment and carry out a study that will result in the design, implementation, and production of a research report that is mainly based on student-led fieldwork. Introductory lecture sessions will take place in Lincoln prior to fieldwork. Knowledge and understanding on the actual field class can be gained via enquiry-based learning, followed by group/individual data collection and follow-up analysis, set in the context of wider research, and student-centred research presentations. Follow-up sessions will provide the opportunity to analyse and create a written presentation of research findings. Currently, the Overseas fieldwork module takes place in Chile, although this is subject to change. Students who choose to participate in the optional field trip are responsible for covering their travel to the site.OptionalPlacement (Level 3) 2024-25GEH3009MLevel 62024-25The Level 3 placement will require a student to carry out a specific project for local employer. The student is expected to undertake a specific project task to address a particular requirement of the host organisation. The aims and extent of the consultancy project is agreed between the host organisation, the module leader and the student prior to the commencement of the placement. This might include consultancy research, analytical research, public engagement or the development of a new teaching class/activity. The approach, outcome and an evaluation of the project are finally presented in the form of a professional report and a poster. The Department of Geography counts with an established network of local employers that offer placements on regular basis, and an experienced Placement Officer who helps students finding the most adequate organization for their placements.OptionalSoil Biology 2024-25ECL3003MLevel 62024-25This module provides a critical insight into the study of the biological diversity of soils, including their ecological and functional roles, to understand about best management and conservation practices. Students can learn about key issues affecting important soil processes and the methods for measuring and managing soil biodiversity.Optional

Key Information

BSc (Hons) Geography

Key Information

Welcome to BSc (Hons) Geography

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How You Study

What You Need to Know

Field Work

Placement Opportunities

How you are assessed

An Introduction to Your Modules

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Entry Requirements 2022-23

United Kingdom

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