Geography stage I courses

The introductory Human and Physical Geography courses are considered core courses for anyone contemplating a major in Geography. At least one of these two courses is required for a Geography major. Both these courses are offered in first and second semester to allow some flexibility in designing your course of study. Anyone who has no previous experience of Geography will find these courses appropriate. However, they are also recommended to those who have studied Geography at Year 13, as they will introduce new topics and techniques.

If you have any queries over these courses, please consult:

Mel Wall
Room 670, Building 201, City Campus
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 87949
Email: m.wall@auckland.ac.nz

or

Joe Fagan
Room 679, Building 201, City Campus
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 85381
Email: j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz

Please note: The letter 'G' in the course number indicates that this course is also offered as a general education course.

This course examines the relationships between various components of the natural environment and includes climate, hydrology, coastal and fluvial geomorphology, and biogeography using environmental processes as an integrating theme. Topics covered include the atmospheric and hydrological systems, channel processes and stream patterns, physical forces shaping the coast, glacial processes, and environmental change.

This course is taught in: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C)

Coordinator: Joe Fagan
Format: three 1 hour lectures and one 2 hour laboratory fortnightly
Points: 15
Assessment: 40% coursework (labs 20%, test 20%), 60% final examination
Timetable S1 C: Check SSO

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This course examines the relationships among personal geographies and global geographies of uneven development, economic and socio-cultural change. Using a variety of examples from New Zealand and the world we illustrate the connections between local places and global issues.

This course is taught in: Second Semester, City Campus (S2 C)

Coordinator: Mel Wall
Format: three 1 hour lectures and one 2-hour lab fortnightly
Points: 15
Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% final examination
Timetable S2 C: Check SSO

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An introduction to space-modifying technologies such as Geographic Information Systems, transport, and communications and their historical significance. Practical exposure to current digital technologies through laboratories, texting and web interaction, and an introduction to the social impact of the technologies through media such as cyberspace, cellular phones and location based systems. Critical perspectives on new technologies, society and space, and the representation of such technologies in popular and academic writing.

This course is taught in: Summer School, City Campus (SS C)

Coordinator: Pip Forer
Format: 2 one hour lectures and one 2 hour lecture, plus one 2 hour lab per week
Points: 15
Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% final examination
Timetable SS C: Check SSO

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What makes a great city? This course explores ‘urbanism’ in both historical and contemporary cities to determine the essence of urbanity and the way that citizens (and visitors) experience city life. Since the majority of the world’s population live in cities the study of the city is a study of the contemporary human condition, yet city life remains distinguishable from other forms of human settlement, and while there are many cities, there are fewer ‘great cities’, and the reasons for this are not simply related to size or apparent wealth. The dynamics and character of cities are considered in terms of their built environment, economic systems, population, human and cultural diversity and planning policies and practices.

This course is taught in: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C)

Coordinator: Mel Wall
Format: three 1 hour lectures per week
Points: 15
Assessment: 40% coursework, 60% final examination
Timetable S1 C: Check SSO

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An introduction to geologic, atmospheric and geomorphological hazards, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, droughts, storm surge, tsunami and landslides. Physical and socioeconomic Impacts are considered along with methods available for hazard mitigation in the New Zealand context.

This course is taught in: First Semester, City Campus (S1 C)

Coordinator: Nick Richards
Format: two 1 hour lectures per week, plus five laboratories to be completed during the semester
Points: 15
Assessment: 40% coursework (labs 20%, two tests 10% each), 60% final examination
Restriction: GEOLOGY 110
Timetable S1 C: Check SSO

Course homepage