MATSEC AM Geography study plan

Map the full MATSEC AM Geography syllabus against your own notes and flag every gap in Physical Geography

Explain plate tectonic theory and relate convergent, divergent and transform boundaries to named landform examples

Sketch and label the internal structure of the Earth and the rock cycle from memory

Define core geomorphological terms (weathering, erosion, mass movement) and use each correctly in a sentence

Describe the processes of weathering, erosion and mass movement and distinguish between them with examples

Analyse how rock type and structure influence landscape development in limestone and igneous terrains

Interpret simple geological cross-sections and sketch your own annotated one

Explain the formation of karst features such as swallow holes, stalactites and poljes

Explain the hydrological cycle including interception, infiltration, throughflow and groundwater storage

Compare drainage basin characteristics and calculate stream order and drainage density from given data

Relate river processes of erosion, transportation and deposition to channel and valley landforms

Evaluate flood hydrographs and identify physical and human factors that alter them

Explain atmospheric circulation, pressure belts and the causes of seasonal variation

Distinguish between weather and climate and describe the factors controlling temperature and rainfall

Interpret climate graphs and classify climates using a recognised system

Explain the formation of Mediterranean-type and arid climates with reference to the Maltese context

Explain soil formation factors and describe a soil profile using correct horizon notation

Relate vegetation types to climate and soil and assess human impact on ecosystems

Define the core concepts of population geography: birth rate, death rate, natural increase and migration

Interpret population pyramids and the demographic transition model

Explain settlement patterns, site and situation factors and the processes of urbanisation and counter-urbanisation

Analyse land-use models and apply them critically to a Mediterranean or Maltese settlement

Describe the structure and change of economic sectors and locate industry using Weber-type reasoning

Evaluate the costs and benefits of tourism development in a small island state

Explain the causes and consequences of uneven development and compare measures of development

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of aid, trade and debt relief as development strategies

Analyse resource use, energy mix and the sustainability debate with named examples

Interpret thematic maps, choropleth maps and scatter graphs and identify their limitations

Synthesise Physical and Human Geography by answering two full past-paper-style essays under timed conditions

Diagnose recurring weaknesses from marked answers and rewrite the weakest paragraph of each

Practise fieldwork-style questions: sampling methods, data presentation and evaluation of limitations

Recall key definitions, case-study facts and named examples in a rapid self-test