GSCE Course Outline

Physical Systems and Environments (Theme 1)

a) Geomorphic processes and landforms

• What are the landforms that make up a selected landscape like?
• What
• What evidence is there of how the landforms are influenced by 
  geology, past and present processes?
• How are they being influenced by human activity?

b) Atmospheric processes and climate

• How do weather conditions reflect processes in the atmosphere 
  at the local scale.
• The influence of local conditions including aspect, exposure, relief
  and surfaces on microclimates and weather;
• The factors responsible for spatial and seasonal patterns of 
  temperature and rainfall in the British Isles (latitude, land 
  and sea, relief and ocean currents) depressions and anticyclones;
• The climate of the British Isles and two contrasting types of 
  climate; Climatic change; possible reasons and consequences 
  for human activity.
• How does the global atmospheric system affect the climate 
  in particular places?

c) Physical environments and systems

• How can systems ideas help the study of:
  river basins;
  water in the atmosphere;
  habitats, including their soil and vegetation? 

Natural Hazards and People (Theme 2)

a) The nature and distribution of natural hazards

• What different kinds of natural hazards are there?
• Where do different kinds of natural hazards occur?

b) The processes responsible for natural hazards

• What physical processes are responsible for natural hazards?
• How do people's activities affect them?

c) The effects of natural hazards on people

• How do natural hazards affect people in parts of the world
  at different levels of development?
• How can people be protected from natural hazards?
• Can natural hazards be predicted and controlled?

Economic Systems and Development (Theme 3)

a) Economic systems

• How can systems ideas help the study of Economic activity?
• Where are economic activities located and why?
• Case Studies:
  NE England / S. Wales; the Lille region / Setubal; the Great 
  Lakes / Sunbelt regions of the USA; Guangdong province in 
  southern China, including Shenzhen.

b) Economic activity, growth and change

• How and why is economic activity changing?
• Why do some places experience growth while others decline?
• What are the effects of economic change on the quality of life
  in different places?

c) International disparities, trade and

• What variations in levels of development exist between countries?
• How and why do living standards vary?
• What links exist between states un terms of trade, investment
  and aid?

Population and Settlement (Theme 4)

a) Population distribution, structure and change

• Where do people live?
• Why do more people live in some places than others?
• How and why is the population of places changing?
• How and why does the age structure of populations vary?
• Whys is the balance between the numbers of people living 
  in rural and urban areas changing?

b) The location and function of settlements

• What affects the location of individual settlements?
• What factors influence social and cultural patterns in 
  towns and cities?

c) Land use within settlements

• Where are different activities located within settlements?
• How and why is land use within settlements changing?
• What factor influence social and cultural patterns in towns and cities?

d) The growth and decline of settlements

• Why are some settlements growing while others are declining?
• How are theses changes affecting the quality of life?

Preparation for the Decision Making Exercise