GEOG40440 Physical Geography of Cities

Academic Year 2016/2017

This course that will examine cities from the viewpoint of physical geography. Although less than 3% of the world's land area has been transformed to urban uses, more than 50% of the world’s population now live in these places. The form of cities and their functions have dramatically altered the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere at different scales.

The Physical Geography of Cities will meet for two hours each week. Students are introduced to 'urban physcial science' using the notion of metabolism - flows of energy and materials through urban systems and the disposal of wastes into the air, water and soil. The seminar will be based on student-led discussions of readings. An important component of the course will be discussions on these topics and the potential for redesigning cities to moderate their local, regional and global impacts.