School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences

Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2012 academic year unless otherwise specified.

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This subject is taught by the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences

Overview

Physical Geography is the study of natural features, resources and environmental processes at the surface of the Earth. It aims to explain the pattern of landforms, soils, vegetation, hydrology, coastal features and climate by understanding the processes operating at the surface of the Earth.

The interactions between humans and the natural environment are studied using a systematic approach. You will gain the tools to apply knowledge of natural hazards, Earth surface processes and sustainable resource and land use across a wide range of situations.

Both undergraduate and postgraduate level degrees in Physical Geography are administered within the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.


Undergraduate Information

BSc major requirements Physical Geography

  1. GEOG/ESCI 111, GEOG 112, GEOG/ENVI 114, and 15 MATH or STAT points
  2. GEOG 214, GEOG 215, GEOG 220, GEOG 223, ESCI 202, 241
  3. GEOG 318, GEOG 319, GEOG 323, ESCI 301

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Postgraduate Information

Please visit our postgraduate study pages for information about postgraduate qualifications in Physical Geography.

How To Find Out More

You can order more information on this subject by registering on our Request for Study Material database.

Victoria's Student Recruitment, Admission and Orientation Office offers advice on courses and help with planning your degree.

Contact the Science Faculty Office for information on Admission, qualifications and courses, course advice and selection criteria, exemptions and prerequisites and your Application to Study.

Physical Geography courses are taught within the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Cotton Building, blocks A and B.

Suzanne Weaver
Administrator
Phone: 04 463 6108
Email: suzanne.weaver@vuw.ac.nz


List of Courses


400 Level Courses

PHYG 414 – Climate Change: Lessons from the past

PHYG 415 – Special Topic A: Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Systems (GIS)

PHYG 416 – Special Topic B

PHYG 417 – Hydrological Processes and Modelling

PHYG 418 – Geomorphology and its Application

PHYG 419 – Natural Hazards and Risk: Processes and Impacts

PHYG 420 – Water Resources

PHYG 423 – Field Geomorphology

PHYG 440 – Directed Individual Study

PHYG 489 – Research Project


500 Level Courses

PHYG 580 – Research Preparation

PHYG 591 – Thesis


600 Level Courses

PHYG 690 – Physical Geography for PhD


800 Level Courses

PHYG 889 – Project