The course provides an overview of the interrelated components of the physical environmental system. The role of the interrelationships of biotic, climatic, geomorphic and human activities and the implications of the exploitation of the physical environment by human beings are described and discussed. Emphasis is on the examination of the elements and controls of the atmospheric systems as well as the dynamics of the earth’s atmosphere; the structure and composition of the earth, rock types and land-forming processes/agents; the distribution of the world’s vegetation and factors underpinning the distribution; and soil types, soil formation process, soil fertility, soil degradation and soil conservation.

Objective: The objective of this course is to build the capacity of students to understand the global perspective of Earth surface processes, and the interdependent linkages between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.

Mode of Delivery: The course will be delivered through lectures, field work, laboratory exercises and group presentations.