Units: SG Geography

SG111 Physical Geography: Climates, Geology and Soils
This unit provides an introductory exploration of physical geography. Its main objective is to stimulate an understanding of both the global and the biophysical environment. Topics covered include: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere; the global envelope, circulation patterns and weather; climate and its impact on the distribution of plants and animals; the water cycle, surface and ground water, and the role of running water in the formation of fluvial landforms. Geomorphic processes including gravity, water, ice, wind and waves are also examined in regard to their influence on the surface of the earth. An investigation is made of the major landform units and biogeography of Australia and Western Australia in relation to their physiography, processes and evolutionary history.

SG121 Human Geography: Place, Environment and Society
This unit is an introductory exploration of human geography, the main objective being for students to gain an understanding of human populations as well as their effect on the physical environment. Topics covered include the study of human population characteristics such as numbers, composition and distribution as well as human settlements, cultures, economics and politics. Other aspects focus on the geography of nutrition, gender, language and religion. The unit has a predominantly global perspective and focuses on the competing demands placed on the earth's resources by different nations.

SG211/311 Coastal and Marine Systems
This unit provides a comprehensive study of the coastal and marine environment with particular reference to Western Australia. An understanding of the dynamic processes operating within coastal environments is used as a basis to an examination of the coastal geomorphology of Western Australia. A series of field trips and exercises complement the theoretical component to this unit.

SG283/383 Asia: Culture, Environment and Development
This unit explores the dynamic cultures of the Asia-Pacific region including those of South, East and Southeast Asia. Knowledge of the history of settlement, trade and utilisation of environments is considered an essential part of the study of development and political structures in the region. Contemporary problems and the future of the peoples of Asia are closely related to both human and environmental potential; it is in this context that the prospects for future sustainable development are considered.

SG384 Geographies of Regional Development
This unit critically examines the meaning of ‘development’ and considers this concept as an uneven process of geographical change throughout the developed and developing world.  Contemporary economic, social and environmental issues are examined in the context of their interrelatedness at regional scales.  Topics include poverty and inequality, policy approaches to development problems, environmental resources and limitations for development as well as the geographies of sustainable resource development and globalisation issues.  Students will learn to appreciate the complexity of development issues facing ‘Third World’ regions and to apply practical approaches to tackling development problems regionally both in Australia and internationally.