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Unit outline_

GEOS1002: Introductory Geography

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study provides a geographical perspective on the ways in which people interact with each other and the physical world, focussing on the processes that generate spatial variation and difference. Students will consider the development and characteristics of natural environments across the globe, and will explore how these environments both constrain, and are influenced by, humans. In the process, they will learn about the biophysical, political, economic, cultural and urban geographies that shape contemporary global society. Each of these themes will be discussed with reference to key examples, in order to understand the ways in which the various processes (both physical and human) interact. The unit of study is designed to attract and interest students who wish to pursue geography as a major within their undergraduate degree, but also has relevance to students who wish to learn how to think geographically about the contemporary world.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
GEOS1902 or GEOG1001 or GEOG1002
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Dan Penny, dan.penny@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Dan Penny, dan.penny@sydney.edu.au
Bill Pritchard, bill.pritchard@sydney.edu.au
Rebecca Cross, r.cross@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Vosawale Lesuma, vosawale.lesuma@sydney.edu.au
Stephen Lound, stephen.lound@sydney.edu.au
Henrico Saeran, henrico.saeran@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Examination
Short and long answer questions
45% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Online task Practical Tasks
practical tasks
12% Multiple weeks Various
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small continuous assessment Tutorial Papers
Short tutorial papers 4 x 5%
20% Multiple weeks 500-700 words each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Tutorial quiz Early Feedback Task
Based on the outcomes of your work in the Wk 2 practical #earlyfeedbacktask
3% Week 02
Due date: 11 Aug 2024 at 15:21
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO2
Assignment GIS Report
Analysis of data and production of maps using GIS
20% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59
Maps + 1200 word report
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

A response at the HD level will demonstrate unusual flair for the subject area. A comprehensive understanding of the material should be apparent, and clear critical evaluation of the subject area supported by evidence and examples. There must be no factual errors. More than this, the student should demonstrate clear evidence of wider knowledge and reasoning. The student must demonstrate wide and independent reading (beyond that specified or required by the question) and the use of high-quality, peer-reviewed information to support their arguments.

Distinction

75 - 84

A response at the D level will demonstrate high-level aptitude for the subject area. The work should indicate a strong understanding of the material, incorporating all of the relevant factual information as specified by the question. Evidence of critical evaluation should be apparent. There should be no significant factual errors. Some evidence of independent and original thinking should be apparent. There must be evidence for the use of a wide range of credible, peer-reviewed sources to support arguments made.

Credit

65 - 74

A response at the C level will demonstrate a good understanding of the subject area, incorporating most of the relevant knowledge or facts as specified by the question. There is evidence of a sound understanding of the material, and that this understanding has been successfully applied to the assessment task. There may be some limited evidence of critical independent thinking and/or originality of thought. There should be few significant factual errors, and the work should incorporate most of the relevant factual information as specified by the assessment task. There must be evidence of a range of sources, most of which must be credible, peer-reviewed sources.

Pass

50 - 64

A response at the PA level will demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the subject area.
The work should include some of the relevant knowledge or factual information. While the response is judged to adequately answer part or the entire question posed, there may be some significant factual errors and omissions. A limited range of sources is apparent, a large proportion of which will be non-peer reviewed. Citation and referencing may be inconsistent through the assessment task and there may be several errors in fact, formatting or style.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction: Thinking Geographically Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Fluvial Geomorphology Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Geomorphology: reading the landscape Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Biogeography Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Biogeography, tectonics, fire and conservation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Climate Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Australian Climate Drivers and Natual Hazards Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Geographical Thinking About Nature Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Socio-Ecological Systems Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Space Place Identity and Culture Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Indigenous Geography Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Qualitative Methods in Human Geography Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Social and Cultural Geography Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Qualitative Methods in Human Geography Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Rural Geography Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Geography of the World Economy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Economic Geography Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 GIS Practical Task Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Global Development Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 GIS Practical Class Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Urban Geography Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 GIS Practical Class Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Digital Geography Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Conclusion & Exam Preparation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Tutorial readings are provided on Canvas for each tutorial paper assessment.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate a clear understanding of geography as an academic discipline, including an awareness of its history and development
  • LO2. demonstrate a familiarity with the core concepts that define the study and practice of geography while acknowledging the dynamic and situated nature of Geographical thought
  • LO3. apply geographical thinking to a range of complex environmental, economic, political and cultural issues
  • LO4. locate, critique and synthesise diverse views, information and sources issues relevant to environmental and social issues
  • LO5. resolve geographical questions by ethical means, applying evidence-based knowledge and appropriate research techniques
  • LO6. communicate geographical perspectives and knowledge effectively to specialist and non- specialist audiences using appropriately selected written, oral and visual means
  • LO7. contribute effectively as a member or leader of diverse teams working in geographical or multidisciplinary contexts.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Previous emphasis on single large items of assessment has shifted toward smaller, continuous assessment that allows students more frequent feedback to guide them through semester.

Additional information about assessments, weekly readings and the weekly tutorial task will be provided on Canvas at the beginning of the semester.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances 
  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory 
  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories 
  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door 
  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory 
  • As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.