EGS5045F - Geomorphology

Course Outline:

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the theory of geomorphological systems and apply this to an area or topic of their choice. The course is particularly targeted at Honours students who have selected physical geography topics for their dissertation. It gives them the opportunity to deepen some of their geomorphological literature relevant to their chosen project. Students are expected to interpret landscapes, identify formative processes and events, examine environmental changes at different spatial and temporal scales, place their area of study into the geological, Quaternary, climatic and applied context in order to appreciate geomorphologic concepts such as systems approach, complexity, relationships, feedbacks, thresholds, equilibrium and cycles. At the NQF 9 level students will be expected to back their literature review with data analyses including climatic or hydrological in nature and may also consider the application of GIS data and use Remote Sensing. At the NQF 9 level converting and preparing elements of course content towards the use for a publication would be expected.