Geography Study Notes

In this area of study students undertake an overview of global land cover and changes that have occurred over time. Students investigate two major processes that are changing land cover: melting glaciers and ice sheets, and deforestation. They analyse these processes, explain their impacts on land cover and discuss responses to these land cover changes in two different locations in the world – one location for each process. Students evaluate two different global responses to the impacts of land cover change, one global response for each process. Outcome 1 On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse processes that result in changes to land cover and evaluate the impacts and responses resulting from these changes.

In this area of study students select a local area and use appropriate fieldwork techniques and secondary sources to investigate the nature, processes and impacts of land use change. This change may have recently occurred, be underway or be planned for the near future. Outcome 2 On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse land use change and evaluate its impacts.

In this area of study students undertake an overview of global population distribution and growth before investigating the dynamics of population change over time and space. Through the study of population dynamics, students investigate growth and decline in fertility and mortality, together with population movements. Students study forced and voluntary, and internal and external population movements and how they can be long term or short term. To illustrate the dynamics of population, students examine examples from within and between countries with different economic and political conditions and social structures. Students develop understanding of the Demographic Transition Model and its applications, and the Malthusian theory of population. Outcome 1 On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse and discuss population dynamics on a global scale.

Students undertake investigations into two countries with significant population trends in different parts of the world: a growing population of one country and an ageing population of another country. Students place these trends and resulting issues and challenges in their world regional context. Issues resulting from these population trends include, among others, meeting the differing economic and social needs of the people for each country and the needs of the environment. Students investigate issues arising from each population trend and the challenges that arise in coping with the issues. Students study the interconnection between these issues and challenges with population dynamics. Students evaluate the effectiveness of strategies in response to these issues and challenges. Strategies can be selected from government and/or non-government organisations. Comparison of strategies is undertaken within each selected country. Outcome 2 On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the nature of significant population issues and challenges in selected countries and evaluate strategies in response to these.