GEOG 103 Introduction to Physical Geography: Landforms and Soils

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Course Syllabus for GEOG 103 Online
COURSE NAME
TERM/YEAR:Winter 2025
Introduction to Physical Geography: Landforms and Soils
CLASS SCHEDULE
ONLINE
INSTRUCTOR:
CONTACT INFORMATION: Dr. Bruce Martin
OFFICE HOURS:
Zoom Office hours, Wednesdays 1-4 pm, I will respond to emails within 24 hours on weekdays. I am available by Zoom, by appointment.

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A study of the physical and biological processes governing the evolution and distribution of landforms, soils,and vegetation of the Earth, and the impact of humans. Laboratory exercises required.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is an introduction to geomorphology, the scientific study of landscape. In the course, studentswill be introduced to earth materials, the nature and formation of major landform features on the earth's surface, processes that continue to shape the physical landscape, and soils.

This course will provide students with a foundation for further courses in physical geography. The coursewill also be very beneficial for students interested in other disciplines which consider the naturalenvironment (such as agriculture, ecology or engineering), or fields which deal with human/environmentinteraction (such as education, social sciences, history, anthropology or architecture).

Course Pre-requisite(s):

None. Geography 103 is complementary to Geography 102. Neither course has any prerequisite. Neithercourse is a prerequisite for the other.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the successful completion of this course the student should have:
1. A basic understanding of the physical processes and dynamics that have shaped, and continue to influence, the natural landscape.
2. An understanding of issues associated with human interaction with the natural landscape and naturalenvironment.
3. Reflection on social and personal ethical issues related to the landscape and natural environment.
4. An awareness of basic techniques and skills used in physical geography, including tools such astopographic mapping and geographic information systems.
5. An introduction to the discipline of physical geography and its relevance to a variety of fields ofstudy.
6. A basic understanding of Christian perspectives on the natural sciences.

REQUIRED TEXTS & RESOURCES:

1. Christopherson, R.W., Birkeland, G.H., Byrne, M-L., and Giles, P.T. Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography, 4th (or 3rd) Canadian Edition. Toronto: Pearson. ISBN 9780134854052. This is now only available digitally (although there may be resale paper copies available. Details are on Canvas and the course website. Once you have purchased the eBook (good for 24 months), you can choose to purchase a paper copy for a reduced cost.

There is also a link for purchasing the text in the “Welcome” section on the course Canvas page.

This is also the text for GEOG 102. If you take (or have taken) GEOG 102, you will not have to buy another text!

Used copies of older editions may be available. Check with other students.

2. Online notes are posted on the website. A schedule of readings is in the Course Calendar.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

This course is a Distance Education course. Most students respond very positively – they can work on their own time and in their own way. But it does require a different approach to learning. You will have the privilege (or challenge, depending how you look at it) to be more self-directed in your learning. There are several implications of which you need to be aware as you commit to the course:

Practical Implications:


  • The workload for this course is equivalent to any other 3 credit hour class offered on the Corpus Christi/UBC campus. In a normal course, over 13 weeks, the expected workload is 3 hours of lecture (online notes) and 3 hours of reading (textbook). This is an accelerated course, meaning you can expect 4.5-6 hours of lecture (online notes) and 4.5-6 hours of textbook reading.
  • You will be expected to be diligent in reading the course notes and text as these will be the chief sources of information.
  • Internet access is absolutely essential as a source of information (the lectures are all online), to chat with the instructor about course content and assignments, to chat with other students, and to access other websites with information relevant to the course.
  • You will need to complete assignments absolutely on time.


Personal Implications:
  • You will need to be self-directed and self-motivated to complete the course requirements.
  • You will need to be disciplined to complete the assignments on time.
  • Study Groups can be one of the most effective – and enjoyable – methods of learning. You are welcome to get together with other students.
  • You will not spend as much time in class as a traditional course, but more time in personal study.
  • You will have the opportunity to direct your own learning times and styles.
  • You will learn some invaluable skills and discipline in time management and self-directed learning.

GRADE DISTRIBUTION:

The grading schema for the course is as follows:


GRADE %
ID
 1
Reading Assignments
3


Labs
 21
Midterm Exam
 33
Final Exam
 33
Zoom Attendance
 3
Online Discussion
 7

COURSE POLICIES

It is the responsibility of every student to read and understand the College Policies. The College Policies on Academic Honesty, Academic and Exam Accommodations, Grading Practices, Student Conduct, Technology Usage, and more can be found here: http://corpuschristi.ca/about-us/academic-policies

In addition to the College Policies, this course also upholds the following specific policies and practices:

ATTENDANCE / PARTICIPATION:

Students are expected to “attend” all classes. In the online environment this means reading all the content and participating actively in the discussions. Students should advise their instructors of anticipated absence from the course or absence due to illness.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Students with documented disabilities who may require accommodations must contact the UBC Centre for Accessibility (https://students.ubc.ca/about-student-services/centre-for-accessibility) as soon as possible.

PERMISSIONS FOR VIRTUAL LEARNING:

By continuing in this course, you acknowledge and agree to the utilization of online video conferencing for academic purposes only. The video conferencing system complies with all requirements of the Personal Information Protection Act SBC 2003, c.63 (PIPA) regarding collection use and disclosure of information. You acknowledge that collection and possible use of data by Zoom for allowable activities under PIPA. For “Zoom Best Practices” see UBC’s Zoom student guide

ACADEMIC HONESTY AND USE OF ARTICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI):

Students are expected to meet the standards of academic honesty set by Corpus Christi College. As the College’s Academic Honesty Policy states, “[a]cts of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating on a test, midterm, or examination, improper collaboration, or duplication of the work of another. Some of these actions are so serious that they may lead to expulsion or suspension, while others may result in a grade of zero on an assignment or for a course.” Please familiarize yourself with policy here.
Academic dishonesty also includes the use of generative AI for coursework you are submitting as drafts or for grading purposes. Any unauthorized AI usage (whether in assignment draft or not) means a '0' for the assignment. The student's name will be passed on to the Dean for disciplinary action.
ASSIGNMENTS:
To satisfy the requirements of this course, students will carry out the following assignments:
1. ID Requirement
Students MUST upload a PDF of their photo ID (in English) through Canvas using the folder provided. This is essential to verify your identity for exams. Acceptable ID is your student card, driver’s license, Canadian residency/work permit or equivalent.

It is College policy that all students must provide photo ID to verify your identity when you write exam. If you do not send this, we cannot verify your identity, and you will receive “0” on the exams.

Please save it with its title being YOUR NAME with which you are registered on Canvas, so I know it’s you. Please put your surname (family name/last name), a space, then your first (given) name. For instance, I would save my ID pdf as “Martin Bruce.pdf.”

All files will ONLY be used for ID during exams and will be deleted at the completion of the course.
2. Reading Assignments
There will be regular reading assignments from the course notes and text, as indicated in the calendar. You will be asked, as part of every lab, to indicate whether you have or have not done the readings. Because this will be the chief source of information in the course, reading is essential.
3. Zoom Sessions
There are required Zoom sessions throughout the semester. See the Course Calendar and Canvas for details.
Attendance is required and will be recorded.
4. LabsLaboratory exercises are required and will be evaluated. Labs are “Quizzes” on Canvas. You will have to do each lab in one sitting as there is no way to allow a restart. Allow 2-3 hours per lab. You will need your online notes and your textbook to be successful. Yes, these are open book. Late labs are not accepted.
Maps for the Labs are here:
  • 21H/16 (21H16 Amherst)(or an alternative version here)
  • 83C/3 (83C03 Columbia Icefield)?
5. Mid-term examination: Thursday, FEBRUARY 13, 6-7 p.m.
Please clear your schedule. The timing in this course is so tight before your Winter Break; alternate arrangements are not possible.
The mid-term exam will be based on lecture material and readings covered in the first half of the term. It will be based on:
  • Chapters 1, 12-15 of Geosystems and online notes 1, 12-15

The exam will be a Quiz on Canvas. As per College policy, the exam uses a lockdown browser. You will be monitored by Zoom (using a second device like your phone, showing you and your desk).

You must be on the Zoom call and keep your CAMERA ON at all times. Please turn your MICROPHONE OFF.

If you are NOT on the Zoom call, or I cannot see you and your workspace/desktop on Zoom, you will receive “0”

A study guide is here: https://rossway.net/ccc103/corpus-christi-college-geography-103-mid-term-study-guide/

6. Participation in a moderated discussion group
Over the term you will be expected to join in an online discussion with your classmates. During the year you are responsible for participating in and keeping an eye on the discussion. You are responsible to make one entry per week (see the calendar for any exceptions). I will post suggested topics. Or you can create your own. There is no set time you must be online. Rather, interact with other posted comments or post your own (it is more of a forum for posted comments than a live chatroom).
Please do NOT use AI, like CHAT GPT. I am NOT interested in an AI-generated answer. I am interested in your PERSONAL reflections. A personal answer will get maximum points. An AI answer will result in a “0” and your name being passed on to the Dean for potential discipline.
7. Final examination
The date of the exam is scheduled by the Registrar. Please consult the most recent edition of the Final Examination Schedule to confirm the date and time. Please note that instructors are not at liberty to reschedule final examinations. Students who propose not to take a final examination at the scheduled time must apply for rescheduling to the Registrar’s Office before the last day for withdrawal from classes. The final exam will be based on lecture and lab material and readings covered from the mid-term exam until the end of the term. The final exam will cover:
 Chapters 16-19 of Geosystems 4CE and online notes 16-19
 Eolian and Deserts online notes
 Theological Issues online notes
A study guide is here: https://rossway.net/ccc103/geography-103-final-exam-study-guide/
The exam will be a Quiz on Canvas. As per College policy, the exam uses a lockdown browser. You will be monitored by Zoom (using a second device like your phone, showing you and your desk).
You must be on the Zoom call and keep your CAMERA ON at all times. Please turn your MICROPHONE OFF.
If you are NOT on the Zoom call, or I cannot see you and your workspace/desktop on Zoom, you will receive “0”
LATE PAPERS:
If a student misses a test or an assignment because of unexpected illness, he or she must provide the instructor a note signed by a physician stating the date and time of the visit to the doctor’s office.
EXTENSIONS:
Extensions are only permissible due to illness, with a doctor’s note. Please plan accordingly.

MISSED TESTS:

Exams can only be rescheduled due to medical reasons, with a note from a physician.

GRADING SCALE:

LETTER GRADE
 NUMERICAL EQUIVALENTS
 GRADE POINT
 GRASP OF SUBJECT MATTER
 OTHER QUALITIES EXPECTED OF STUDENTS
A RANGE:
 Excellent: Student shows original thinking, analytic and synthetic ability, critical evaluations, broad knowledge base.
A+
 90-100
 4.33
 Extraordinary 
 Strong evidence of original thought, of analytic and synthetic ability; sound and penetrating critical evaluations which identify assumptions of those they study as well as their own; mastery of an extensive knowledge base. Superior grasp of subject matter with sound critical evaluations; evidence of extensive knowledge base.
A
 85-89
 4.0
 Excellent
 Clear evidence of original thinking, of analytic and synthetic ability; sound critical evaluations; broad knowledge base. Strong grasp of subject matter with sound critical evaluations; evidence of broad knowledge base.
A-
 80-84
 3.67
 Very, very good
B RANGE:
 Good: Student shows critical capacity and analytic ability, understanding of relevant issues, familiarity with the literature.
B+
 76-79
 3.33
 Very good
 Good critical capacity and analytic ability; reasonable understanding of relevant issues; good evidence of familiarity with literature
B
 72-75
 3.0
 Good
B-
 68-71
 2.67
 Satisfactory
 Adequate critical capacity and analytic ability; reasonable understanding of relevant issues; evidence of familiarity with literature.
C RANGE
 Acceptable to minimum.
C+
 64-67
 2.33
 Acceptable
 Very basic critical capacity and analytic ability; some understanding of relevant issues; some evidence of familiarity with literature.
C
 60-63
 2.0
 Barely Acceptable
C-
 55-59
 1.67
 Needs Improvement
D
 50-54
 1.0
 Minimum Pass
FAILED
F
 0-49
 0
Failure to meet the above criteria

COURSE SCHEDULE
The following schedule may be altered according to the instructor´s judgment. See the online course calendar on the website, http://rossway.net/ccc103/, for specific dates.

Week
 Date(s)
 Course Content
 Readings For Each Class
 Other Information
1
 Jan 6-11
 Website, syllabus, and Introduction to Geography
 online notes 1a/1b, text Chapter 1
2
 Jan 13- 18
 The Dynamic Planet online notes and text
 Chapter 12
3
 Jan 20- 25
 Tectonics/earthquakes/volcanos
 online notes and text Chapter 13
 Lab 1 due Jan 21
4
 Jan 27- Feb 1
 Weathering/mass movement
online notes and text Chapter 14
 Lab 2 due Jan 28
5
 Feb 3-8
 Rivers 
 online notes and text 15
 Lab 3 due Feb 4
6
 Feb 13 6-7 p.m.
 Midterm Exam

7
 Feb 15- 23
 Winter Break

8
 Feb 24- Mar 1
 Oceans and coastal landforms 
 online notes and text 16
9
 Mar 3-8
 Glacial/periglacial landforms
 online notes and text 17
 Lab 4 due Mar 4
10
 Mar 10- 15
 Soils
 online notes and text 18
 Lab 5 due Mar 11
11
 Mar 17- 22
 Eolian landforms and Deserts
online notes
 Lab 6 due Mar 18
12
Mar 24- 29
 Ecosystems
 online notes and text
 19
13
 Mar 31- Apr 5
 Theological Issues
 online notes

Appendix
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RELATED COURSES AT CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE:
GEOG 102 (3): Introduction to Physical Geography: Weather and Climate
GEOG 206 (3): Geography of British Columbia
GEOL 105 (3): Introduction to Physical Geology

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