An integrated, process-related, systems approach to studying the Earth & its spatial variability. Atmosphere – the structure & composition of the atmosphere & human influence on it; weather & climate. Biosphere – basic ecological concepts pertinent to populations, communities & ecosystems. Hydrosphere – the hydrological cycle, transport by running water, and coastal processes. Lithosphere – broad-scale lithospheric processes; the composition & dynamics of the Earth’s crustal system. Cartographic theory & map skills are taught as an integral component of the module.