Geography and Environment

Code:

GEOGR085

Acronym:

GA

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geography

Instance: 2025/2026 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geography
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Geography

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
GEOGR	86	study plan	1	-	6	41	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

• Apprehend the concepts of change and evolution of the Earth as a dynamic system.


• To know the geological time scale and the main events that conditioned the Earth's evolution.


• Understand and frame the information related with the principles and theories linked to plate tectonics.


• To understand the concepts of geodiversity and georesources.


• To understand the concept of biodiversity.


• Review and discuss the diversity and interdependence of natural and man-made environments.

Learning outcomes and competences

• Understand that the Earth functions as a system that articulates all environment and anthropogenic components;


• To apply the fundamental basics, related geologic, morpho-structural and biogeographical characteristics of the planet, in spatial and temporal terms;


• Analyze the information available for each theme, building a coherent and integrated body of theory;


• Elaboration of practical exercises, playing them based on theoretical concepts.


• To develop a critical attitude to geographical knowledge, oriented to the interrelationship between environmental and anthropic factors.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Not applicable.

Program

THEORETICAL

1. The Earth, a planet evolving. 1.1. The Earth System and its subsystems; 1.2 Geological time scale and elementary principles of stratigraphy; 1.3 Key events associated with the evolution of the Earth.

2. Plate Tectonics. 2.1 Inner earth structure; 2.2 The theory of plate tectonics; 2.3 Types of contacts and their implications; 2.4 Natural hazards associated with tectonic movements; 2.5 Vulnerability and resilience of the exposed elements

3. Geodiversity and georesources. 3.1 Definition and concepts; 3.2 Petrogenetic cycle; 3.3 Rock-forming minerals; 3.4 Magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; 3.5 Sustainable exploration, enhancement of geo-resources and territorial development.

4. Biodiversity. 4.1. Biosphere organization and functioning; 4.2. Major Biomes and their distribution; 4.3. Impacts of human activities on ecosystems and biodiversity.

PRACTICAL

1. Key elements of Topographic and Geological Maps; 1.1. Analysis and interpretation; 1.2. Elaboration of support exercises.

2. Macroscopic identification of minerals and rocks.

Mandatory literature

COSTA, J.B. ; Estudo e classificação das rochas por exame macroscópico, Fundação Caloust Gulbenkien, 2008
GRADSTEIN, F.; OGG, J.; A Geologic Time Scale, Cambridge University Press, 2006
KELLER, E.; Introduction to environmental geology, Pearson, 2012
MONTGOMERY, C. A.; Environmental geology, McGraw Hill, 2020
PIDWIRNY, M.; Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Web edition , 2006
SMITHSON, P.; ADDISON, K.; ATKINSON, K.; Fundamentals of the Physical Environment, Routledge, 2008
STRAHLER, A. ; Geologia Física, Omega, 1997

Complementary Bibliography

CASTREE, N.; DEMERITT, D.; LIVERMAN, D.; RHOADS, B.; A Companion to Environmental Geography, Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 2009
WILLIE, P.J. ; A Terra. Nova Geologia Global, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, 1995

Teaching methods and learning activities

Diverse teaching and learning methods will be used, combining theoretical presentations (in PowerPoint), viewing and discussing documentaries and carrying out application exercises, to allow students to apprehend and fulfil the previously mentioned skills. Laboratory sessions for the identification of rocks and minerals will be also implemented. In carrying out practical activities, it is intended that students explore basic topographic and geological cartography. Theoretical documents, exercises, as well as all the support material for this UC will be available in Moodle. The materialization and application of the contents taught will be done during a field trip to places close to FLUP.
The assessment is distributed with a final exam, involving: the individual elaboration of a portfolio with all exercises of the practical component (weight of 30% in the final grade); a written test with a weight of 70%.

keywords

Natural sciences > Environmental science > Earth science

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Teste	70,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de projeto	23,00
Estudo autónomo	98,00
Frequência das aulas	41,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

A mark higher than 10 in both the theoretical and practical components.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final classification = Final exam + Practical work

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable.

Internship work/project

Not applicable.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Final exam + Practical work classification

Classification improvement

Final exam + Practical work classification