College Course Content Summary
Course Prefix and Number -- Course Title
GEO 200: Introduction to Physical Geography (3 cr.)
VCCS Course Description
Studies major elements of the natural environment including earth sun relationship, landforms,
weather and climate, natural vegetation and soils. Introduces the student to types and uses of
maps.
General Course Purpose
To offer the opportunity to take a lower level geography course that focuses on major
environmental topics concerning the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere, and how each
interacts with the biosphere. We are further concerned with the interactions between the
environment and human society and the resulting impact on both.
Course Prerequisites
ENG 111 eligible
Course Outcomes
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
General
 Utilize a systems theory approach to explore the functions of the atmosphere,
hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere
 Identify and explain the functions and components of maps and other geographic tools and
technologies
 Identify how human activities modify the environment within the systems explored
Atmosphere
 Explain the earth-sun geometry, the seasons, and atmospheric structure
 Interpret the earth’s radiation balance and global temperature and circulation patterns
Hydrosphere
 Explain the basic fundamentals of energy transfer in the atmosphere
 Explain the hydrologic cycle, and identify the state of the world’s current water supply
 Define global climates and weather systems
Departmental Approval: Spring 2014
Lithosphere
 Explain the composition of the Earth’s interior and be able to discuss the theory of plate
tectonics
 Differentiate between physical and chemical weathering and their effects on the Earth’s
surface and identify the landforms made by running water, wind, and ice
Biosphere
 Demonstrate basic knowledge in soil properties and distribution
 Identify ecosystem components, including carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen cycles
Major Topics to be Included
Geography Essentials (Maps, GIS, and Remote Sensing)
A. Atmosphere
1. Solar Energy and the Seasons
2. Earth’s Modern Atmosphere
3. Atmosphere and Surface Energy Balances
4. Global Temperatures
5. Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulations
B. Hydrosphere
1. Water and Atmospheric Moisture
2. Weather
3. Water Resources
4. Climate Systems and Climate Change
C. Lithosphere
1. The Dynamic Planet
2. Tectonics, Earthquakes, and Volcanism
3. Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement
4. River Systems and Landforms
5. Eolian Processes and Arid Landscapes
6. The Oceans, Coastal Processes, and Landforms
7. Glacial and Periglacial Processes and Landforms
D. Biosphere
1. Geography of Soils
2. Ecosystems
3. Terrestrial Biomes
4. Earth and the Human Denominator
Departmental Approval: Spring 2014