Undergraduate Courses

The Department since its establishment in 1948, continues to provide leadership and academic excellence in Geography and Resource Development. As a result, it enjoys increasing high patronage from undergraduate and graduate students. The Department is a teaching and research leader in development and innovative transfer of knowledge acquired through rigorous scientific investigations of the bio-physical and human environment. The Department successfully offers courses at BA, MSc, M.Phil and PhD levels in such areas as Climatology, Geomorphology, Cartography, Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (RS/GIS), Transportation, Population, Gender and Health; Historical Geography, Rural Resources Development, Tourism Development, Urban Studies, Regional Development, etc. Senior members in the Department carry out research and extension activities in these areas. The Department hosts a number of State-of-the-art laboratories, including the Remote Sensing GIS Laboratory (RSAL) and the Ecological Laboratory (ECOLAB), which continue to assist in building capacity of students and staff in teaching and research.

 

Course Code Title
GEOD 318 GEOPOLITICS OF AFRICA

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives 

The course aims to provide an understanding of the changing Political Geography of Africa, explain the contemporary geopolitical scene with regard to intra-state and inter-state relations and explore the geographical influences on Africa's external relations:  pre-colonial polities and state formation in Africa; colonialism and partition; interaction between the geographical environments and political processes and their consequences for the formation, functioning and inter-relations of states in Africa; colonization and de-colonization, regional co-operation and African unity, Africa's geopolitical relations; colonial policies and development; patterns of decolonization; nature of African boundaries and related problems; nationalism and Pan-Africanism; national integration - centripetal and centrifugal forces; causes of territorial and boundary disputes; settlement of territorial and boundary disputes; regional cooperation and African unity; Africa and globalization. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Discuss the historical legacies, contemporary power structures, and regional interactions that influence Africa's geopolitical position in the global arena.
  2. Evaluate the political, economic, and social dynamics that shape the geopolitical landscape of the African continent, fostering a nuanced perspective on African geopolitics.
  3. Analyze the implications of resource conflicts, regional integration, colonial legacies, and the role of external actors in shaping Africa's geopolitical dynamics, utilizing critical thinking skills to address contemporary geopolitical challenges.
  4. Critically engage with theoretical frameworks and case studies to understand the complexities of African geopolitics and its implications for global affairs, demonstrating proficiency in applying geopolitical perspectives to African geopolitical issues.

 

Course content

The course covers topics such as the historical legacies, contemporary power structures, and regional interactions that influence Africa's geopolitical position in the global arena, the political, economic, and social dynamics that shape the geopolitical landscape of the African continent, the implications of resource conflicts, regional integration, colonial legacies, and the role of external actors in shaping Africa's geopolitical dynamics, addressing contemporary geopolitical challenges.

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 316 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

This course introduces and analyses the integrated relationship between human, development, and environment as a central topic of Geography.  The course focuses on contemporary environmental issues and the challenges of understanding and responding to them in a sustainable manner.  Students will discuss key debates in environment and development issues and critically examine the nature, drivers, and politics of sustainable and unsustainable development. It aims at building students’ understandings of the processes of environmental change about human wellbeing and development, and equips students with the required skills for environment and development policy and analysis. The course presents unique geographical insights on the framings of environmental problems and challenges students to critically examine pressing real-world issues and proposed solutions. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the principles and challenges related to sustainable environmental management, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human activities, ecosystems, and natural resources.
  2. Evaluate the interdisciplinary approaches and policy frameworks aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, fostering a nuanced perspective on sustainable development and conservation practices.
  3. Analyze the implications of climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable urban planning, utilizing critical thinking skills to address contemporary environmental challenges.
  4. Engage in practical exercises and case studies to gain proficiency in applying sustainable environmental management principles to real-world scenarios, demonstrating competency in environmental sustainability practices.

 

Course content

The key topics to be discussed will include the principles and challenges related to sustainable environmental management, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human activities, ecosystems, and natural resources; policy frameworks aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, sustainable development and conservation practices, implications of climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, sustainable urban planning, and addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 315 GEOGRAPHY OF GLOBALIZATION

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives 

This course introduces students to the nature and impacts of globalisation from a geographical perspective. It seeks to analyze the spatial dimensions, processes, and impacts of globalization, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global systems and local spaces. It will also focus on the economic, political, cultural, and environmental dimensions of globalization, fostering a nuanced understanding of the uneven geographical outcomes and power dynamics that shape global integration and disintegration. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the spatial dimensions, processes, and impacts of globalization, with a focus on the interconnectedness of global systems and local spaces.

2. Evaluate the economic, political, cultural, and environmental dimensions of globalization, fostering a nuanced perspective on the uneven geographical outcomes and power dynamics that shape global integration and disintegration.

3. Analyze the spatial manifestations of globalization, addressing issues such as transnational flows, urbanization, global supply chains, and the role of geographical factors in shaping global inequalities and opportunities, utilizing critical thinking skills to address global challenges.

4. Critically engage with theoretical frameworks and case studies to understand the complexities of the geography of globalization and its implications for contemporary global challenges, demonstrating proficiency in applying geographical perspectives to global issues. 

 

Course content

Key areas of focus will be the concept of globalization on the economic, cultural, population growth and migration and environmental implications of the process in both developed and developing countries. Emphasis is placed on how the processes of globalization operate to create, maintain, and deepen poverty, inequality and social justice amongst social groups at the local and national levels.

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 314 CLIMATOLOGY

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

Climatology is an examination of the science of climate. The course puts emphasis on the processes that govern the Earth's climate rather than on the statistics of the climate itself. The course covers the flow of energy, mass, and water in the atmosphere as driven by incoming solar radiation and mediated by the basic physics of the Earth system. It explains the linkages between incoming solar radiation and the flow of energy, mass and water in the atmosphere.  It aims to build a solid understanding of the science of climate and the causes of climate variability and change. By the end of the course, students should be able to: 

1. Explain the processes that drive climate systems, including atmospheric circulation, weather phenomena, and climate change.

2. Evaluate the influence of climatic factors on ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and human settlements, fostering a nuanced perspective on the interconnectedness of climate and human societies.

3. Analyze the implications of climate change for global climate governance and sustainable development, utilizing critical thinking skills to address contemporary environmental challenges.

4. Engage in empirical studies and practical exercises to gain a profound understanding of climatic processes and their significance in addressing contemporary environmental challenges, demonstrating proficiency in climatological analysis and interpretation.

 

Course content

The topics to be discussed will include the processes that drive climate systems, including atmospheric circulation, weather phenomena, and long-term climate change, the influence of climatic factors on ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and human settlements, emphasizing the interconnectedness of climate and human societies, the implications of climate change for global climate governance and sustainable development, fostering a nuanced understanding of contemporary environmental challenges.

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 313 HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF AFRICA

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

This course will provide an in-depth understanding of how Northern Africa and Eastern Africa offer specific regions of study. It seeks to analyze the geographical evolution and spatial dynamics of Africa's historical landscapes, emphasizing the interactions between human societies, environments, and historical processes. The various methodological approaches to Historical Geography and the technical and conceptual advances in the field are examined in relation to spatial analysis.  There is also a critical analysis of the historic-spatial patterns of the Human Geography of Africa from the prehistoric period through to contemporary times. It critically engages with historical sources and geographical methods to gain insights into the historical trajectories of African societies and their impact on the continent's spatial organization. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the geographical evolution and spatial dynamics of Africa's historical landscapes.
  2.  Evaluate the impact of colonization, trade routes, cultural diffusion, and environmental changes on the spatial organization of African societies throughout history, fostering a nuanced perspective on the historical geographies of Africa.
  3. Utilize multidisciplinary approaches and spatial analysis techniques to understand the complex relationships between human activities, landscapes, and the historical geographies of Africa, demonstrating proficiency in historical geographical analysis.
  4. Critically engage with historical sources and geographical methods to gain insights into the historical trajectories of African societies and their impact on the continent's spatial organization, demonstrating proficiency in applying historical geographical perspectives to African historical landscapes.

 

Course content

The course uses multidisciplinary approaches and spatial analysis techniques used to understand the complex relationships between human activities, landscapes, and the historical geographies of Africa. The topics include methodological development in historical geography, temporal explanation in geography, the status of historical geography, the dynamic of population growth, the development of the agricultural landscape, spatial and economic structures in relation to long-term external influences and development, and an analysis of historic-spatial patterns in Africa including the impact of colonization, trade routes, cultural diffusion, and environmental changes on the spatial organization of African societies throughout history.

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 312 FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

This is an introductory course in GIS designed to introduce students to the core principles, concepts, and applications of GIS in geographical analysis, spatial data management, and cartography. It will introduce students to the fundamental principles and concepts of GIS, emphasizing its significance in geographical analysis and spatial data management. It also seeks to equip students with the skills to utilize GIS technology for spatial data visualization, geospatial analysis, and cartographic representation in geographical research and applications. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental principles and concepts of GIS and their significance in geographical analysis and spatial data management.

2. Utilize GIS technology for spatial data visualization, geospatial analysis, and cartographic representation in geographical research and real-world applications.

3. Acquire proficiency in data acquisition, manipulation, and interpretation using GIS software, demonstrating the ability to analyze spatial patterns and create thematic maps.

4. Apply GIS techniques to address real-world geographical challenges, demonstrating proficiency in problem-solving and decision-making skills in diverse fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and social sciences.

 

Course Content

The course is meant to expose students to the world of GIS, its unique data types, data sources, data preparation and analysis to solve real world problems. It is also meant to provide hands-on practical applications using real world data so that students can appreciate the world of GIS and its capabilities in solving complex problems. Specific topics to be covered include GIS data, data types and data quality, data capture techniques such as digitizing and the use of GPS, mobile mapping techniques, creation and editing of attribute table and visualization of spatial data.

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 311 GEOGRAPHY OF MIGRATION

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

This course highlights the geographic dimensions of migration and mobility. Geographers are interested in the process because of the interconnections and spatial linkages that are formed when people move. The numbers of flows and channels that are created because of migration have risen dramatically in the past two centuries, and the result is the constant transformation both of sending and receiving areas. The course provides a comprehensive explanation of the geographical dimensions of human migration, focusing on the causes, patterns, and impacts of population movements within and across regions. By the end of the course, students should be able to: 

1. Explain the geographical dimensions of human migration, with a focus on the causes, patterns, and impacts of population movements within and across regions.

2. Evaluate the interplay between geographical factors, social dynamics, and policy implications related to migration, fostering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of human mobility.

3. Analyse the spatial, economic, and social aspects of migration, addressing issues such as urbanization, labour mobility, displacement, and the cultural implications of migration, utilizing critical thinking skills to address migration-related challenges.

4. Critically engage with theoretical frameworks and empirical case studies to understand the complexities of migration and its implications for contemporary geographical and social challenges, demonstrating proficiency in applying geographical perspectives to migration issues.

 

Course content

In this course, students will be exposed to the patterns, causes, and consequences of migration. It will focus on the interplay between geographical factors, social dynamics, and policy implications related to internal migration, international migration, refugee movements, and diaspora communities. Key issues such as the role of globalisation in international migration processes, people’s motivation to move long distances, often across several international borders, the geographical dimensions of human migration, emphasizing the causes, patterns, and impacts of population movements within and across regions will be discussed. 

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 309 POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

Political Geography offers exploration of the spatial dimensions of politics, power, and governance, providing students with understanding of the interactions between geographical contexts and political processes as well as the significance of political borders, territoriality, and geopolitics in shaping state behavior and international relations. It focuses on the spatial dimensions of politics, power, and governance, emphasizing the influence of geographical contexts on political processes By the end of the course students should be able to: 

1. Explain the spatial dimensions of politics, power, and governance, with a focus on the influence of geographical contexts on political processes.

2. Evaluate the significance of political borders, territoriality, and geopolitics in shaping state behavior and influencing international relations, fostering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of political geography.

3. Analyze the role of geographical factors in state formation, nationalism, and the geopolitics of resources at local, national, and global scales, utilizing critical thinking skills to address geopolitical challenges.

4. Critically engage with theoretical frameworks and case studies to understand the complexities of political geography and its implications for contemporary geopolitical challenges, demonstrating proficiency in applying geographical perspectives to political issues.

 

Course content

This course examines issues relating to spatial demarcations and institutions governing territorial governance. Topics to be examined in this course include the meaning and scope of Political Geography; elements of Political Geography; basic principles and key concepts of the interactions between geographical space and political process; formation of states, the viability of states, national integration, colonialism and decolonization, nature and functions of boundaries; demarcation, territorial sovereignty, administrative institutions, and structures; introduction to conflicts, conflict resolution and international organizations and multinational organizations in geo-politics.

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 308 GEOGRAPHY OF GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

Geography of Gender and Development in Africa provides an in-depth examination of the intersections between gender, development, and geography within the African context. The course discusses the concept of gender and the dynamics of socio-economic change within the context of development. Specifically, it discusses the concept of gender as a development issue and examines the spatial variations of gender inequalities in societies. It also analyses gender and social relations in spatio-cultural and temporal perspectives with implications for promoting gender equality and sustainable development. Africa provides the basis for the course, though gendered aspects of development from other countries are used for comparative purposes. By the end of the course, students should be able to: 

1. Analyse the intersections of gender, development, and geography within the African context, addressing the unique experiences of women and men across the continent.

2. Evaluate the social, economic, and political factors that shape gender dynamics and influence development outcomes in African societies.

3. Examine the implications of gender roles, access to resources, and livelihood strategies on sustainable development in Africa.

4. Critically engage with theoretical frameworks, case studies, and empirical research to understand the complexities of gender and development in African societies.

 

Course content

The course will focus on the intersections of gender, development, and geography within the African context, with a focus on the diverse experiences of women and men across the continent. The social, economic, and political factors that shape gender dynamics and influence development outcomes in African societies, and its implications on gender roles, access to resources, and livelihood strategies will be discussed. Specific topics will include: The concept of gender and other related concepts, gender inequalities globally and particularly in African societies, the importance of addressing gender inequalities in particularly African societies and ways of engendering key development issues in African societies.

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 307 FUNDAMENTALS OF REMOTE SENSING

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

This course in Remote Sensing is designed to introduce students to the collection of information about Earth and its resources using satellites, aircrafts and other space borne vehicles. It seeks to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of image interpretation techniques and geospatial analysis methods in the context of remote sensing applications as well as the fundamental principles and technologies of remote sensing and their significance in geographical and environmental studies. It also intends to equip students with the skills to acquire, process, and analyze remote sensing data for environmental monitoring, natural resource management, and urban planning applications. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental principles and technologies of remote sensing and their applications in geographical and environmental studies.

2. Apply remote sensing data acquisition, processing, and analysis techniques to address environmental monitoring, natural resource management, and urban planning challenges.

3. Utilize image interpretation techniques and geospatial analysis methods to extract meaningful information from remote sensing data for geographical and environmental applications.

4. Critically evaluate and apply remote sensing techniques to address real-world geographical and environmental challenges, demonstrating proficiency in problem-solving and analytical skills within the context of remote sensing applications.

 

Course content

The course covers a wide range of related topics which can be divided into three categories.  Category one covers the nature and properties of electromagnetic radiation and how it is affected by interactions with atmosphere and the Earth surface.  Category two covers the operational spaces borne sensors and their sensing capabilities. Category three focuses on methodologies developed to assist in the thematic extraction of information using a computer-based image processing system.

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 306 REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY OF WEST AFRICA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO GHANA

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

Regional Geography of West Africa with Special Reference to Ghana offers a thorough exploration of the geographical, cultural, and socio-economic landscapes of West Africa, with a specific focus on Ghana. It presents the geographical, cultural, and socio-economic dynamics of West Africa, with a specific focus on Ghana. It also looks at the impact of historical, environmental, and political factors on the development and challenges of Ghana within the context of the West African region. By the end of the course, students should be able to: 

1. Explain the geographical, cultural, and human landscapes of West Africa, with a specific focus on Ghana.

2. Evaluate the historical, environmental, and political factors that have shaped Ghana's development and challenges within the West African region.

3. Apply geographical concepts and analytical frameworks to analyze urbanization, natural resource management, and demographic patterns within Ghana and its regional significance.

4. To engage critically with case studies and current research to develop a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of Ghana's regional geography with the broader West African context.

 

 

Course content

The course highlights, describes and explains the main features of the physical landscape of West Africa and specifically Ghana. It also compares, contrasts, and discusses in detail the major economic activities of the West African region and Ghana in particular. It therefore analyses the historical evolution of the region, the physical, geographical and political characteristics of the sub-region paying particular attention to Ghana. The economic activities, transportation, population and settlement patterns are also discussed. It assists students to utilize critical thinking skills to engage with case studies and current research, developing a nuanced perspective on the interconnectedness of Ghana's regional geography with the broader West African context

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 305 RESEARCH DESIGN AND QUALITATIVE METHODS FOR GEOGRAPHERS

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

Research Design and Qualitative Methods for Geographers offers a comprehensive exploration of qualitative research methodologies and their application in geographical inquiry. The course seeks to help students develop their skills to be able to conceptualise, plan, design and execute social science research projects. Students will therefore be exposed to the debates, ethical considerations and epistemological issues surrounding the main social science research paradigms. Students will also be taught how to formulate research problems and choose appropriate methodology to investigate their research questions. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in designing and conducting qualitative research relevant to geographical inquiry.

2. Apply a range of qualitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques to address geographical questions and challenges.

3. Discuss the ethical considerations and challenges associated with qualitative research in geography.

4. Critically evaluate and communicate qualitative research findings within the context of geographical studies, showcasing a nuanced understanding of the application of qualitative methods in geography.

 

Course content

The course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of qualitative research design and its relevance to geographical inquiry. It will equip students with the skills to plan and execute qualitative research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques. Specific topics will include qualitative research design, the ethical considerations, types of qualitative methods and their advantages and disadvantages, challenges associated with qualitative research in geography.

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 304 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS FOR GEOGRAPHERS

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives 

This course introduces students to quantitative methods in Geography with the aim of providing the background skills necessary for statistical interpretations of geographic phenomena. It covers methods and models that have been developed for processing and analysing questionnaires. By the end of the course, students should be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in designing and executing quantitative studies relevant to geographical research.
  2. Apply statistical analysis and visualization techniques to interpret and communicate geographical data effectively.
  3. Utilize geographic information systems (GIS) and other quantitative tools to address geographical questions and challenges.
  4. Critically evaluate and communicate quantitative research findings within the context of geographical studies, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the application of quantitative methods in geography.

 

Course content

The course will provide students with a foundational understanding of quantitative research methods and their relevance to geographical inquiry. It will equip students with the skills to design and execute quantitative studies, including data collection, statistical analysis, and visualization techniques. Students will be introduced to the application of geographic information systems (GIS) and other quantitative tools in geographical research. Topics to be covered include statistical methods such as hypothesis testing, univariate statistics, bivariate statistics and multivariate statistics. Specifically, techniques including measures of central tendency, correlation and regression, chi-square tests, and skills in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) are covered. 

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 303 REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY OF AFRICA: ONE REGION OUTSIDE WEST AFRICA

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives

This course introduces students to the spatial variations in resource endowments and development in Africa with special reference to East Africa. The economic, social and political systems and development of the region are discussed with a focus on Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The course provides students with the opportunity to broaden their experiences of the key economic activities in the East African region and their roles in the region’s socio-economic development.  By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Analyse Africa’s physical and human geographies, history, political processes and cultures
  2. Identify, describe and explain the main features of the physical landscape of East Africa
  3. Compare, contrast, and discuss in detail the major economic activities of the East Africa region and their relationship to the socioeconomic development of countries within the regional, continental and global context.
  4. Work around a regional geography problem and make a joint presentation of results/ideas/knowledge.

 

Course Content

The course focuses on the physical geographical background of the African continent, the human geographical characteristics of the African continent. Specifically, it highlights the key physical features (geology, relief, drainage, vegetation, soils and climate) of East Africa and also familiarise with their impact on economic development in the region. It also highlights the political systems in East Africa from pre-colonial era to present day. Contemporary issues such as population trends in the East African region and analysis of potential future growth patterns as well as key economic activities (agriculture, transportation, mining, tourism) in the East African region and their roles in the socio-economic development of countries are also discussed. Finally, it discusses the regional integration in East Africa, the basis for and associated challenges.

 

Mode of Delivery

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

GEOD 302 INTRODUCTION TO RESOURCE ANALYSIS

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.

GEOD 301 SOILS AND BIOGEOGRAPHY

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.