PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY LAB

Catalog description

This laboratory course offers hands-on training in the tools, techniques, and skills used by environmental scientists. Students will practice navigating with a compass, reading and interpreting topographic maps, and conducting basic surveying to measure changes in topography. Field activities include stream cross-section mapping, infiltration studies, water quality testing, and fundamental soil horizon identification and description, providing direct experience with environmental data collection. In the computer lab, students will learn to summarize and graph data in Microsoft Excel, perform statistical analysis and data visualization in R Studio, and apply modern mapping tools through introductory GIS and GPS exercises. Alongside technical skills, the course emphasizes scientific writing and the ability to clearly communicate findings. By integrating fieldwork, lab analysis, and digital approaches, students will build confidence in data collection, analysis, and interpretation—preparing them to apply physical geography concepts to real-world environmental questions and future professional work.