Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module GEOG1201: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS FOR GEOGRAPHY

Department: GEOGRAPHY

GEOG1201: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS FOR GEOGRAPHY

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to CFG0
Tied to F800
Tied to FR89
Tied to L702
Tied to LMV0
Tied to LR79
Tied to X1F8

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The module aims to equip students with a portfolio of appropriate foundational skills, including those in IT, to use in their Geographical work.

Content

  • The module will develop a range of skills necessary for Geographical work.
  • These will include: Effective use of library and associated resources.
  • Making best use of the World Wide Web for geographical work.
  • The ability to understand and apply basic statistics in geography.
  • Being able to use spreadsheets for processing and analysing geographical data.
  • Gaining experience of using a Geographical Information System.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On successful completion of this module students will be able to: Effectively use the library, www, and associated resources for independent geographical work, understand basic statistics and be able to use spreadsheets for data processing and geographical analysis.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Demonstrate basic skills in the use of a Geographical Information System.
Key Skills:
  • IT skills as above
  • Data analysis skills as above

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures will introduce basic concepts and techniques.
  • Students will develop understanding and experience of each of the skills by undertaking self-paced exercises on the web.
  • This will encourage independent learning at an early stage, and allow those with different skill levels to progress at appropriate speeds.
  • A range of assessment methods will be used including computer-based assessment, written submissions, and verbal presentation.
  • Computer-based assessments and written submissions will test factual knowledge.
  • Students will have ample opportunity to demonstrate the skills acquired in the independent learning element through presentations and written submissions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 8 Varies 1 hour 8
Seminars 1 2 hours 2
Practicals 8 Varies 6 hours 48
Other (helpdesk) 18 Approx weekly 30 minutes 9
Preparation and Reading 133
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Computerised Open Book Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Computerised examination using ITS facilities 2hours 100% new exam
Component: Practicals Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
practical 1 50%
practical 2 50%
Component: Component Weighting: %
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
%

Formative Assessment:

Computer-based test, Self-paced practicals, Group presentations.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University