Higher Geography

Course Overview

This course aims to help you develop a range of important transferable skills including using, interpreting, evaluating and analysing a wide range of geographical information; interpreting and explaining complex geographical phenomena; using a wide range of maps and other data to process and communicate complex geographical information; and researching skills, including fieldwork.

Course Content

The course has three units. These are taught alongside each other to make links between the different elements of Geography. The content of each unit is exemplified using case studies.

1. Physical Environments

In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the interaction of the four “spheres” or subsystems of the Earth. You will investigate how energy is transferred around the globe by the Earth’s atmosphere; how vegetation in Scotland is influenced by the biosphere; and how water and ice has shaped Scotland’s glaciated, coastal and river landforms.

2. Human Environments

In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the impact human activities have on the environment. You will investigate how population data is gathered and analysed as well as how urban areas in Glasgow and Rio de Janeiro are adapting their housing and traffic strategies to accommodate changes in population. You will also examine how human activity can have a negative impact on fragile environments such as semi-arid and glaciated landscapes.

3. Global Issues

In this unit, you will develop an understanding of global geographical issues which demonstrate the interaction of physical and human factors. You will investigate the causes and impacts of global climate change as well as analysing mitigation and adaptation strategies. You will also assess theimportance of different sources of energy (e.g. oil and wind) and the crucial role they play in modern society.

Alongside these units, you will develop key skills in interpreting Ordnance Survey maps, graphs, tables and other data and apply these skills while analysing the suitability of a proposed development in the UK.

Assessment

The course assessment has two components.

1. Question paper 1 (100 marks), Question paper 2 (60 marks)

2. Assignment (30 marks)