Credit Hours - 3

This course deals with the linkages between the use of natural resources, development and environmental problems. The man-environment relationships are analysed using case studies from Ghana and other parts of the world. The course provides students with the opportunity to broaden their experiences of resource use in the world. The course is expected to enable students to appreciate how to ensure sound environmental stewardship at the individual and society levels. By the end of the course, students should be able to: 

1. Explain the concept of resources and explore worldwide distribution and uses of resources. 

2. Examine the role of natural resources in structural transformation of economies in sub-Saharan Africa. 

3. Explain the environmental and physical factors influencing the distribution of biodiversity in space and time, and the role of ecological disturbance and the theory of succession in tropical environments.

4. Explain the environmental impacts of natural resources extraction and how it can be mitigated. 

Course content

The course seeks to provide students with an understanding of the worldwide distribution and uses of resources, the role of natural and man-made environments, and the causes of environmental degradation. The course offers students the opportunity to understand the relationship between natural resources extraction and development. Students will gain an overview of factors that can enable natural resources to promote development or underdevelopment. 

Mode of Delivery

Classes will combine lectures and individual student presentations. Students are expected to attend lectures prepared to discuss the reading/themes in an informed manner.

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

This course is designed to introduce students to the analysis of world variations and distribution of soils and vegetation and the associated climates. It explains the processes of soil formation and outlines the features and agricultural potentials of different soil groups in Ghana. The course also deals with the environmental and physical factors influencing the distribution of biodiversity in space and time. The role of ecological disturbance and the theory of succession is also explained using examples in the tropical environment. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the interplay between soils, vegetation, and climates on a global scale, recognizing the complex relationships and dependencies that shape terrestrial ecosystems and human livelihoods.

2. Identify the processes of soil formation and differentiating the features and agricultural potentials of diverse soil groups, particularly within the context of Ghanaian environmental and agricultural landscapes.

3. Analyse and evaluate the environmental and physical factors that influence the distribution of biodiversity, gaining insight into the spatial and temporal dynamics of ecological diversity and the ecological implications for conservation and management.

4. Discuss the disturbance and the theory of succession, applying this knowledge to comprehend the mechanisms of ecological change and adaptation in tropical environments and their significance for ecosystem management and conservation efforts.

Course content

The course will introduce students to the analysis of global variations in soils, vegetation, and climates, providing an understanding of the interrelationships between these elements and their impact on ecosystems and human activities. It will highlight the processes of soil formation, delineate the characteristics and agricultural potentials of various soil groups in Ghana, and foster an appreciation for the significance of soil diversity in agricultural practices and land use planning. Emphasis will be placed on environmental and physical factors that influence the spatial and temporal distribution of biodiversity, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecological systems and the impact of environmental variables on biodiversity patterns. It will also discuss the role of ecological disturbance and the theory of succession, utilizing examples from tropical environments to illustrate the dynamics of ecological change and the mechanisms underlying ecosystem resilience and adaptation.

Mode of Delivery

Classes will combine lectures and individual student presentations. Students are expected to attend lectures prepared to discuss the reading/themes in an informed manner.

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

The advancement of digital technology has had a great influence on map production. Today, we have maps produced at cheaper and faster rates with greater flexibility with the computer than manual production. This course is designed to introduce students to the principles and methods of map making and equip them with the skills of producing quality and attractive maps with the aid of the computer. To achieve this, emphasis will be laid on cartographic information abstraction (i.e., generalisation processes) and map design/layouts. The course will include practical sessions, both manual and digital, on map making. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the impact of digital technology on map production, recognizing the advantages and flexibility of computer-aided map making over traditional manual methods.

2. Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing computer-aided design tools to produce high-quality, visually appealing maps, effectively applying cartographic information abstraction and layout design principles to create maps suited for various purposes.

3. Acquire practical skills in both manual and digital map making through hands-on sessions, enabling them to produce maps that meet industry standards and user requirements while understanding the generalization processes involved in map design.

4. Exhibit an understanding of the evolving landscape of map production, gaining the ability to adapt to technological advancements in map making and the capacity to produce maps that effectively communicate spatial information for diverse applications.

Course Content

The course will focus on the impact of digital technology on map production, highlighting the advantages of computer-aided map making over manual methods, and to provide an understanding of the principles and methods of map making in the digital age. Students will be equipped with the practical skills necessary to produce high-quality and visually appealing maps using computer-aided design tools, emphasizing cartographic information abstraction (generalization processes) and effective map design/layouts. It will also facilitate hands-on experience in both manual and digital map making, enabling students to develop proficiency in utilizing computer applications for map production while understanding the fundamental principles of cartography.

Mode of Delivery

Classes will combine lectures and individual student presentations. Students are expected to attend lectures prepared to discuss the reading/themes in an informed manner. There will also be practical sessions on data collection and map making.

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

The course is designed to introduce students to the principles and methods of map interpretation/reading and equip them with the skills for interpreting features and extracting information from maps. To achieve this, emphasis will be laid on map interpretation and information extraction (i.e., making measurements) from the map. Thus, the course will include practical sessions on map interpretation and measurements. Students will acquire practical skills in map interpretation and measurements through hands-on sessions, enabling them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios in construction, engineering, project management, business, transportation, tourism, and other relevant fields. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the principles and methods of map interpretation, recognizing the relevance of spatial data in the context of different industries and professional domains.

2. Interpret and extract information from maps, employing measurement techniques to analyse spatial data effectively for decision-making and planning.

3. Exhibit proficiency in extracting and utilizing information from maps for decision-making and problem-solving in professional settings

4. Develop a multidisciplinary perspective on the applications of maps and spatial information, understanding how these tools can be utilized in diverse industries and professional contexts to address complex challenges and facilitate informed decision-making.

Course Content

The course highlights the principles and techniques of map interpretation and spatial data analysis, with emphasis on extracting, analyzing, and applying geographic information from topographic maps. It introduces students to key concepts in map reading, including scale, symbols, contours, orientation, and spatial relationships, as well as measurement techniques such as distance, area, and direction. The course further explores the relevance of spatial data across multiple sectors, demonstrating how map interpretation supports planning, navigation, decision-making, and problem-solving. Major highlights include: principles of map design and interpretation; spatial measurement techniques; map symbolization and contour analysis; and the application of map reading skills in diverse fields such as construction, transportation, tourism, and environmental management.

Mode of Delivery

Classes will combine lectures and individual student presentations. Students are expected to attend lectures prepared to discuss the reading/themes in an informed manner. There will also be practical sessions on map work.

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

This course examines the processes and patterns in the Earth’s atmospheric system. Weather and climate affect our daily activities: transportation, commerce, agriculture, and nearly every aspect of our lives. The course will also examine how people impact the climate with a major aim of fostering a general understanding of science and the world around us and the fundamental basis of weather and climate. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental processes and patterns within the Earth's atmospheric system, emphasizing the impact of weather and climate on human activities and the environment.
2. Analyze the major components of atmospheric science, including radiation and energy transfer, atmospheric motion, and moisture, to comprehend their influence on weather and climate.
3. Discuss the global climate patterns and climate change, fostering an understanding of the interconnected nature of regional and global weather phenomena.
4. Apply knowledge of atmospheric science to comprehend the fundamental basis of weather, climate, and the impact of human activities on the environment, fostering a general understanding of science and its relevance to the world around us.
5. Foster a general understanding of science and the world around us, providing students with a fundamental basis for comprehending weather, climate, and the impact of human activities on the environment.

Course Content

The course highlights the major components of atmospheric science, including radiation and energy transfer, atmospheric motion, and moisture, to build a comprehensive understanding of weather and climate systems. It further examines global climate patterns, climate classification, and the dynamics of climate change, with attention to the human impact on atmospheric processes. Emphasis is placed on the spatial and temporal variability of weather and climate and their influence on human activities. Major highlights include: the energy balance of the Earth-atmosphere system; atmospheric circulation and weather formation processes; global climate zones; and the science and implications of climate change.

Mode of Delivery

Classes will combine lectures and individual student presentations. Students are expected to attend lectures prepared to discuss the reading/themes in an informed manner.

Credit Hours - 3

The course focuses on geomorphological processes and landforms, the integrated nature of processes that lead to the formation of landforms and features on the environment. Knowledge of these geomorphological processes will enable students appreciate the nature of the land and analyze why certain landforms occur in some places. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the integrated nature of geomorphological processes and their role in shaping landforms and features in the environment.
2. Evaluate the internal and external geomorphic factors and processes, demonstrating the ability to identify, classify, describe, and analyze landforms on the Earth's surface.
3. Analyze the relevance of geomorphic studies to the environment and assess the impact of geomorphological processes on landscapes and ecosystems.
4. Apply knowledge of geomorphological processes to appreciate the nature of the land and analyze the spatial distribution of landforms, gaining insights into the reasons behind the occurrence of specific landforms in different geographical locations.

Course content

The course involves examining the internal and external geomorphic factors and processes, origin, classification, description and analysis of process and landforms of the earth, and the relevance of geomorphic studies to the environment.

Mode of Delivery

Classes will combine lectures and individual student presentations. Students are expected to attend lectures prepared to discuss the reading/themes in an informed manner. 

Credit Hours - 3

The course focuses on geographic thinking from as far back as Classical Greece times to present. It discusses the contradictions and shifting positions of the geographic perspective prior to the development of the scientific method. Emphasis will be placed on key figures in Geography's history; principal trends, concepts, models and paradigms; and Geography's place in academia and society. The course will enrich students’ knowledge on the nature of geographic inquiry from a historical perspective as well as central themes in the discipline of geography. By the end of the course students should be able to: 

1. Explain the historical development of geographic thinking, including key figures, influential trends, and significant concepts in the discipline.
2. Critically analyze the contradictions and shifting positions of geographic perspectives prior to the development of the scientific method, and their implications for the evolution of geographical thought.
3. Evaluate the principal trends, concepts, models, and paradigms that have shaped geographic thinking, demonstrating an understanding of their significance and impact.
4. Assess the role of geography in academia and society, recognizing its influence on the understanding of the Earth's landscapes and environments from a historical perspective.

Course content

The course seeks to trace the historical development of geographic thinking from Classical Greece to the present, highlighting key figures and influential trends in the discipline. It also analyzes the contradictions and shifting positions of geographic perspectives prior to the development of the scientific method, and their impact on the evolution of geographical thought. Specific topics include the geographical subject matter, how geographers seek to tackle it and how it all began, the contributions of Greeks, Romans, Christians and Moslems, the age of discovery and its Impact on Geographical Thought and the thrust of modern geographical thinking including the concept of regions, environmental determinism and possibilism. 

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

Physical geography is the study of the Earth's physical characteristics, including its landforms, climate, and natural processes. It also examines the interactions between human activity and the environment, as well as the spatial relationships between people and their surroundings. The course builds on previous knowledge in Physical Geography acquired by students at the senior high school level. By the end of the course students should be able to:

1. Evaluate the interconnectedness of terrestrial, oceanic, and atmospheric systems and their influence on Earth's climates and landscapes.
2. Apply critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and interpret the Earth's interior, tectonic plates, and atmospheric processes.
3. Introduce students to terrestrial, oceanic, and atmospheric systems within the context of Physical Geography.
4. Synthesize knowledge gained to explain the complex interactions between terrestrial, oceanic, and atmospheric systems in shaping the Earth's physical environment.
5. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of Physical Geography concepts beyond the senior high school level.

Course content

The course seeks to build upon students' prior knowledge of Physical Geography acquired at the senior high school level. The purpose of the course is to engage students in a way that promotes critical and creative thinking with regards to the Earth’s interior, tectonic plates, the Earth as a system, and atmospheric processes. Students will not only be introduced to terrestrial, oceanic and atmospheric systems, but also will delve into understanding how these systems interact with one another to produce the climates and landscapes we see today on Earth. This field encompasses a broad range of topics, such as the Earth's interior, tectonic plates, atmospheric processes, and the interconnected systems that shape the planet's climates and landscapes.

Mode of Delivery

Classes will combine lectures and individual student presentations. Students are expected to attend lectures prepared to discuss the reading/themes in an informed manner.

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives:

This course serves as a foundational stepping stone for further exploration in the field of geography and related disciplines. It provides students with a holistic understanding of Human Geography, allowing them to appreciate the significance of spatial relationships and the interconnectedness of human activities on a global scale. It seeks to highlight the foundational concepts and approaches in Human Geography and the dominant themes of Human Geography. By the end of the course students should be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental concepts and approaches in Human Geography.
2. Analyze and evaluate the complex relationship between humans and their environment as studied in Human Geography.
3. Identify and discuss key themes within the field of Human Geography.
4. Apply knowledge gained to analyze real-world examples from global and African contexts within the realm of Human Geography.

Course Content

Human geography is a division of geography that investigates the connection between humans and their surroundings, focusing on the spatial arrangement of different occurrences and how human actions influence and are influenced by the physical environment. This area of study covers a broad array of subjects, such as population trends, cultural environments, urban expansion, financial progress, geopolitical geography, and societal concerns. Students also familiarize themselves with the dominant themes of Human Geography.

Mode of Delivery

Classes will combine lectures and individual student presentations. Students are expected to attend lectures prepared to discuss the reading/themes in an informed manner.

• LEVEL 100     

FIRST SEMESTER

Humanities/Education Required Course (HERC) 

UGRC 110: Academic Writing, I 

UGRC 150: Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning

GEOD 101: Introduction to Human Geography

 SECOND SEMESTER

Humanities/Education Required Course (HERC)

UGRC 110: Academic Writing, I

UGRC 150: Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning

GEOD 102: Introduction to Physical Geography

•  LEVEL 200

FIRST SEMESTER

UGRC 210: Academic Writing II

UGRC 220-238: Introduction to African Studies

GEOD 201: Introduction to Geographic Thought

GEOD 203: Weather and Climate

GEOD 205: Computer Assisted Cartography

 SECOND SEMESTER

UGRC 210: Academic Writing II

UGRC 220-238: Introduction to African Studies

GEOD 202: Geomorphological Processes and Landforms

GEOD 204: Introduction to Map Reading and Analysis

• LEVEL 300 

FIRST SEMESTER CORE COURSES

GEOD 301: Soils and Biogeography 

GEOD 303: Regional Geography of Africa (One region outside West Africa)

GEOD 305: Research Design and Qualitative Methods for Geographers

FIRST SEMESTER ELECTIVE COURSES

GEOD 307: Fundamentals of Remote Sensing

GEOD 309: Political Geography 

GEOD 311: Geography of Migration

GEOD 313: Historical Geography of Africa

GEOD 315: Geography of Globalisation

SECOND SEMESTER CORE COURSES

GEOD 302: Introduction to Resource Analysis

GEOD 304: Quantitative Research Methods for Geographers

GEOD 306: Regional Geography of West Africa with Special Reference to Ghana

SECOND SEMESTER ELECTIVE COURSES

GEOD 308: Geography of Gender and Development in Africa

GEOD 312: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems

GEOD 314: Climatology

GEOD 316: Environmental Sustainability 

GEOD 318: Geopolitics of Africa

• LEVEL 400

FIRST SEMESTER CORE COURSES   

GEOD 401: Regional Development

GEOD 403: The Extractive Industry and Development

GEOD 405: Spatial Analysis 

FIRST SEMESTER ELECTIVE COURSES

GEOD 407: Rural Resources Development: Theories, Concepts and Policies

GEOD 409: Population Studies

GEOD 411: Geography of Transport Systems

GEOD 413: Tropical Geomorphology

GEOD 415: Cities in the Global South

GEOD 417: Medical Geography

GEOD 419: Theories and Policies of Agricultural Change in Developing Countries

GEOD 421: Geography of Tourism

GEOD 423: Environmental Ecology

GEOD 425: Climatic Change: Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

GEOD 427: Pedology

GEOD 429: Industrial Location Theory and Practice

GEOD 431: Hydrology and Water Management

GEOD 433: Introduction to Disaster Risk Science

GEOD 435: Remote Sensing Applications

SECOND SEMESTER CORE COURSES

GEOD 400: LONG ESSAY

GEOD 402: Techniques of Regional Science

GEOD 404: Theory and Practice of Planning

SECOND SEMESTER ELECTIVE COURSES

GEOD 406: Skills for Rural Development Practitioners

GEOD 408: Population and Development

GEOD 412: Transport and the Space Economy

GEOD 414: Applied Geomorphology

GEOD 416: Urban Management Challenges in the Global South

GEOD 418: Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Health and Development

GEOD 422: Agricultural Systems in the Developing World 

GEOD 424: Tourism Development in the Third World

GEOD 426: Tropical Biogeography

GEOD 428: Climate and Society

GEOD 432: Soil Survey

GEOD 434: Industrialisation in the Developing World

GEOD 436: Environmental Hydrology

GEOD 438: Strategies for Disaster Risk Reduction

GEOD 442: Geography of Gender and Development in the Global South

GEOD 444: WebGIS: Technologies and Applications

GEOD 446: Spatial Statistics

Credit Hours - 3

Carbohydrates Metabolism: Digestion of carbohydrates, glycolysis and fate of pyruvate in different organisms; tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle; pentose phosphate pathway and fate of reduced coenzymes; catabolism of monosaccharides other than glucose; gluconeogenesis, Calvin Benson cycle, Cori cycle, glyoxylate cycle; glycogenesis and glycogenolysis; regulation of carbohydrate metabolism; Diseases of carbohydrate metabolism. Aerobic metabolism of pyruvate, starvation and obesity. The coenzyme role of B vitamins. Changes in nutritional requirement and metabolic rate in injury and disease. Lipids Metabolism: Digestion of triacylglycerols; the different lipases (lipoprotein lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase); fate of glycerol; beta-oxidation of fatty acids; fate of products (acetyl and propionyl CoA, ketone bodies, reduced coenzymes); synthesis of fatty acids triacylglycerol, cholesterol; regulation of metabolism. Protein Metabolism: Digestion of proteins, transamination, deamination and decarboxylation of amino acids and the fate of ammonia (urea cycle) and carbon skeleton; metabolism of specific amino acids (aromatic and sulphur-containing amino acids); synthesis of amino acids; in-born errors of amino acid metabolism; regulation of metabolism. Enzymes as biological catalyst: Enzyme kinetics and concept of rate-determining step. Enzyme specificity and allosteric regulation. Mechanisms of enzyme action and examples. Coenzymes and vitamins. Drugs and their effect on enzymes.

Credit Hours - 3

Carbohydrates Metabolism: Digestion of carbohydrates, glycolysis and fate of pyruvate in different organisms; tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle; pentose phosphate pathway and fate of reduced coenzymes; catabolism of monosaccharides other than glucose; gluconeogenesis, Calvin Benson cycle, Cori cycle, glyoxylate cycle; glycogenesis and glycogenolysis; regulation of carbohydrate metabolism; Diseases of carbohydrate metabolism. Aerobic metabolism of pyruvate, starvation and obesity. The coenzyme role of B vitamins. Changes in nutritional requirement and metabolic rate in injury and disease. Lipids Metabolism: Digestion of triacylglycerols; the different lipases (lipoprotein lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase); fate of glycerol; beta-oxidation of fatty acids; fate of products (acetyl and propionyl CoA, ketone bodies, reduced coenzymes); synthesis of fatty acids triacylglycerol, cholesterol; regulation of metabolism. Protein Metabolism: Digestion of proteins, transamination, deamination and decarboxylation of amino acids and the fate of ammonia (urea cycle) and carbon skeleton; metabolism of specific amino acids (aromatic and sulphur-containing amino acids); synthesis of amino acids; in-born errors of amino acid metabolism; regulation of metabolism. Enzymes as biological catalyst: Enzyme kinetics and concept of rate-determining step. Enzyme specificity and allosteric regulation. Mechanisms of enzyme action and examples. Coenzymes and vitamins. Drugs and their effect on enzymes.

Credit Hours - 3

Carbohydrates Metabolism: Digestion of carbohydrates, glycolysis and fate of pyruvate in different organisms; tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle; pentose phosphate pathway and fate of reduced coenzymes; catabolism of monosaccharides other than glucose; gluconeogenesis, Calvin Benson cycle, Cori cycle, glyoxylate cycle; glycogenesis and glycogenolysis; regulation of carbohydrate metabolism; Diseases of carbohydrate metabolism. Aerobic metabolism of pyruvate, starvation and obesity. The coenzyme role of B vitamins. Changes in nutritional requirement and metabolic rate in injury and disease. Lipids Metabolism: Digestion of triacylglycerols; the different lipases (lipoprotein lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase); fate of glycerol; beta-oxidation of fatty acids; fate of products (acetyl and propionyl CoA, ketone bodies, reduced coenzymes); synthesis of fatty acids triacylglycerol, cholesterol; regulation of metabolism. Protein Metabolism: Digestion of proteins, transamination, deamination and decarboxylation of amino acids and the fate of ammonia (urea cycle) and carbon skeleton; metabolism of specific amino acids (aromatic and sulphur-containing amino acids); synthesis of amino acids; in-born errors of amino acid metabolism; regulation of metabolism. Enzymes as biological catalyst: Enzyme kinetics and concept of rate-determining step. Enzyme specificity and allosteric regulation. Mechanisms of enzyme action and examples. Coenzymes and vitamins. Drugs and their effect on enzymes.