Level 3 Geography (L3GEO)
Overview
Te Iho Whenua – the connection between people and the earth - Geography is an exciting and interesting subject exploring the processes, connections and interactions between the physical (natural) and human environments. Throughout this course, you will build on and expand your personal experiences of natural and cultural environments using real and relevant contemporary geographic contexts. You will investigate the natural and cultural processes that shape our world, both locally and globally, this will develop an awareness of the connections between people and places. You will also undertake fieldwork investigations in different locations outside the classroom.
What will I learn?
How the Upper Clutha area was formed by glaciers and rivers. How the land is still changing today.
Where modern Pirates operate in the world and why it is so prevalent.
How NZ is working towards Pest Free 2050 and some controversial pest control methods used to eradicate pests. Field trip - Rakiura/Stewart Island.
How to conduct Geographic research about a topic of your choice that has a spatial focus.
How to create maps using geographic information systems (GIS)
You will learn by discussing things in class, presenting, going out into the field and measuring data, writing reports, using computer programmes such as ArcGIS.
What should I have done already?
You should have at least 14 credits in Level 1 or Level 2 Geography or University Entrance literacy and HOLA discretion.
Assessment outline
The results from the practice exams (week 8 & 9) will count towards any compassionate consideration where 'derived grades' are required and 'top-of-the-class' calculation. See the NCEA Student Handbook for more details.
Assessment regulations
The internal achievement standards will be assessed after the appropriate topics have been taught. There will be no reassessment opportunity for these standards. You will only be given the opportunity to improve on your efforts if you get small things wrong that can be fixed with no further teaching or learning occurring (resubmission) that will bring your grade from a Not Achieved to Achieved. Because there is no reassessment, if you do not submit the assessment on the due date you have failed the standards.
The externally assessed achievement standards will be formatively assessed using tests and exams during the year. The results from these assessments will count towards class placings and any derived grade applications if you are unable to sit final examinations.
It is vital that you read and understand the rules relating to NCEA in the section on NZQA Information.
Where does this course lead?
Geography can be taken as part of an Arts or Science degree at university. It also prepares students for vocational areas such as market research, tourism, town planning, geographic information systems (GIS), surveying, banking, teaching, wildlife management, agriculture, and most other jobs requiring research and communication skills.
Indicative costs
For all indicative course costs please see the course costs page.