© Dr. Natasha Neumann. Not to be copied, used, or revised without express written permission from the copyright owner.
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University of British Columbia Okanagan
Geography 108 – Introduction to Physical Geography I
Course Description
Principles and processes that govern the functions of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere,
and interactions between these environmental systems and human activity. Laboratory activities
emphasise technical and analytical skills development.
Timetable
(note that this schedule is subject to change)
Lecture
Date
1
13 May
2
15 May
20 May
3
22 May
Lecture Topic(s)
Introduction to Physical
Geography
Solar Energy and Seasons
The Atmosphere
Energy Balances
Victoria Day Holiday
Temperature
Atmospheric and Oceanic
Circulations
Text
Chapters
Lab Topic
1
2
No Lab
3
4
Lab 1: Earth-Sun
Relationships
5
6
Lab 2: Heat and temperature
4
27 May
Water and Atmospheric
Moisture
5
29 May
Mid-term Exam
Weather
8
6
3 June
Water Resources
9
7
8
5 June
10 June
Global Climates
Biogeography I
10
19
9
12 June
Biogeography II
20
10
17 June
The Human Denominator
21
11
12
19 June
24 June
Review
Final Exam
7
Lab 3: Atmosphere
composition, structure and
circulation
Lab 4: Mid-Latitude
Cyclones and Weather
Forecasting
Lab 6: Atmospheric Moisture
and Precipitation
Lab 7 Precipitation Analysis
Lab 8: Water Balance
Labs 9 and 10: Climate and
the Distribution of
Vegetation and Soils, and
Classification of Global
Climates
Lab 5: Climate Change and
Climate Modelling
Lab Review
Lab Final Exam
It is your responsibility to keep track of and meet all deadlines as noted in this syllabus.
UBC Okanagan’s learning management system is connect.ubc.ca
© Dr. Natasha Neumann. Not to be copied, used, or revised without express written permission from the copyright owner.
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Required Texts
Christopherson, R.; M.-L. Byrne; P. Giles. 2012. Geosystems: An introduction to physical
geography. Third Canadian Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall: Toronto. This is the latest
edition, so the University Bookstore will only have new copies of this textbook.
OR
Christopherson, R.; M.-L. Byrne. 2009. Geosystems: An introduction to physical geography.
Second Canadian Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall: Toronto. Used copies of this textbook are
available at the University Bookstore, and at the UBCSUO student union bookstore.
Okanagan College uses the same textbook.
AND
Geog 108 Laboratory Manual. Only available at the University Bookstore.
Instructor:
E-mail:
Phone:
Office Hours:
Dr. Natasha Neumann
Natasha.Neumann@ubc.ca
**when emailing me, include GEOG108 in the subject line.
(Do not contact me through Blackboard. I will not check this
account.)
(250) 317-0632
TBA
Schedule
This course has a lecture and a laboratory component.
Lectures: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm, ART 108
Labs: Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, ASC 271
Important Dates
Last day to withdraw without at W standing: May 17
Last day to withdraw with a W standing: May 31
Grading
Lab Assignments*
Final Lab Exam*
Mid-term Exam
In-Class Quizzes
Final Exam
15%
15%
30%
5%
35%
*Note that you have to pass both the lab and lecture components in order to pass the
course.
© Dr. Natasha Neumann. Not to be copied, used, or revised without express written permission from the copyright owner.
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Policies
Attendance: Because of the condensed format of this course, regular attendance to the lectures
and labs is strongly recommended. Students who regularly miss classes typically fail or do very
poorly. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to ensure you understand the material. I will
not repeat assignment instructions or review lecture material unless you have acceptable
documentation for missing that class (e.g. an official doctor’s note).
Class Conduct: Talking, texting, surfing the internet, and the general use of mobile devices
during lectures is a distraction to everyone and is disruptive to the learning environment. Please
turn off your entertainment-oriented mobile devices when you come to class. Laptops should
only be used for taking notes or in-class exercises.
Treat your peers with respect and courtesy. I will not tolerate an abusive environment. We all
have different views and backgrounds, and can have discussions based on mutual respect.
Examinations: There is a single mid-term examination worth 30% and a final exam worth 35%;
these are based on lecture and assigned reading material. Format includes multiple choice,
diagram labelling, and short- and long-answer. Note that the final examination is comprehensive.
The laboratory exam is based on materials covered in laboratory sessions; format includes
identification, short-answer questions and problem solving. The lab exam will be written during
your lab class on 19 June 2013.
Attendance for scheduled examinations is mandatory. Make-up exams are given only in cases of
documented illness or personal emergency. Please contact me within 24 hours of the exam to
make alternate arrangement.
Plagiarism and Cheating: Plagiarism and cheating are academic offenses that will not be
tolerated. A detailed description of academic integrity, including the policies and procedures,
may be found at http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?tree=3,54,0,0
If you have any questions about how academic integrity applies to this course, please
consult with me.
Disability Assistance: If you require disability-related accommodations to meet the course
objectives, please contact the Disability Resources Centre (UNC 215, 807-9263). For more
information about Disability Resources or academic accommodations, please visit the website at:
http://www.ubc.ca/okanagan/students/drc/welcome.html