Physical Geography vs Geology class

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision between enrolling in a geology class or a physical geography class. Geology serves as a prerequisite for the advanced course Speleology, although the likelihood of taking Speleology is low. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding course content, which varies by institution, and recommend consulting with peers and reviewing textbooks. The physical geography course typically covers earth-sun relationships, climatology, geomorphology, oceanography, and plant and animal geography, serving as a foundation for higher-level courses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of course prerequisites in higher education
  • Familiarity with physical geography concepts such as climatology and geomorphology
  • Knowledge of geology fundamentals and its applications
  • Basic research skills to evaluate course instructors and materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specific syllabus and textbooks for geology and physical geography courses at your institution
  • Consult with students who have previously taken these courses for firsthand insights
  • Explore online evaluations of instructors to assess teaching quality
  • Investigate the curriculum for advanced courses like Speleology to understand its relevance
USEFUL FOR

Students considering a major or minor in geography or geology, academic advisors, and anyone interested in understanding the differences between physical geography and geology courses.

tree-lights
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I want to take either a geology or physical geography class; I don't know which one I would enjoy more. If I take geology, it fulfills a prerequisite for another class I would like to take, Speleology; but the likelihood of me taking this class is unlikely.

I have a general idea of the differences in subject matter, but can anyone maybe explain a bit more, such as the specific subjects you will learn and what you will have to do in lab? I am already taking a different geography class next semester (Intro to Sustainability - new fancy name for an ecology and society class).

I don't know, I would just like some opinions on the class before I register, if anyone can help.
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
tree-lights said:
I want to take either a geology or physical geography class; I don't know which one I would enjoy more. If I take geology, it fulfills a prerequisite for another class I would like to take, Speleology; but the likelihood of me taking this class is unlikely.

I have a general idea of the differences in subject matter, but can anyone maybe explain a bit more, such as the specific subjects you will learn and what you will have to do in lab? I am already taking a different geography class next semester (Intro to Sustainability - new fancy name for an ecology and society class).

I don't know, I would just like some opinions on the class before I register, if anyone can help.

An awful lot depends upon how the two courses are taught at your school--and who teaches them. I suggest you talk to students who have taken the courses and then browse through the textbooks for the two courses at the bookstore.

When I taught physical geography (back in the Neolithic), I started with earth-sun relationships, progressed to climatology, then introduced geomorphology and oceanography, and finally ended up with plant and animal geography (ecology in today's academia). The physical geography course was an introduction to and prerequisite for more advanced 200 and 300 level courses. However, I have no idea how they do it at your school. I would strongly suggest that the advice you can get from fellow students or your advisor is worth more than any advice you can get online.
 
I agree, I think it the evaluation of a class relies heavily on the instructor and how they teach the course. If your school provides online evaluations of teachers, I suggest checking those out first. When it comes down to it, though, I think that you should take the class that interests you most. In the end, you will succeed in something that you enjoy learning about.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
6K
Replies
41
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K