Module GEOG2462: SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN GEOGRAPHY (40 CREDITS)

Department: Geography

GEOG2462: SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN GEOGRAPHY (40 CREDITS)

Prerequisites

• Introduction to Geographical Methods.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• GEOG2472.

Aims

• To provide a historical perspective on the development of geography as a discipline and philosophical reflection on the nature of physical geography.
• To enable students to learn the principals and practice of: good research design; rigorous data construction and interpretation; the presentation of research findings; and the appraisal and evaluation of research. This will be achieved through group, field and laboratory work.
• To enable students to acquire technical competence in a range of important research methods.
• To support students' dissertation preparation.

Content

• Lectures will cover historial and philosophical reflections on the nature of physical geography, key approaches to physical geography research including advanced quantitative methods and research design (following on from Level 1 IT and Skills for Geographers).
• Linked practical exercise on data analysis.
• Seminars giving examples of research design and implementation based on recent staff research projects (including research design, data collection, analysis and interpretation).
• Practical exercises on advanced techniques in physical geography. Students will choose 2 from a selection of practical exercises based on staff expertise. Possible examples include:
• 1. Environmental reconstruction using micropalaeontological and / or sedimentological techniques,
• 2. Sediment dynamics and slope stability,
• 3. Water quality analysis.
• Group project design, implementation and presentation based on Easter residential fieldtrip.
• Formulation of dissertation within Dissertation Advisory Groups.

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• demonstrate a critical awareness of the nature and development of physical geography as a discipline, and a basic understanding of the relationship between various approaches to the discipline;

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• design original investigations in physical geography,
• work within a group to collect field data relevant to testing an hypothesis,
• collect, analyse and present data from original and secondary sources.
• plan a substantial piece of independent geographical research on an approved topic.

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

• Lectures will be used to impart basic facts and information necessary to fulfil the aims of this course.
• Concepts introduced in lectures will be explored in more depth in seminars, practicals and tutorials.
• Practicals will provide students with experience and understanding of research design and technical expertise in a range of research methods applicable to independent research and will be assessed by the practical reports.
• Seminars will be used to give examples of independent research design, this will be further supported by fieldwork.
• Students will develop their individual and group working skills through a residential fieldtrip, this will also provide training and experience in project design implementation and presentation.
• Students ability to work in a group, design, complete and present the results of a research project (including a critical understanding of the research methodology employed, project formulation, data collection, analysis and interpretation) will be tested by the field trip report.
• The dissertation advisory group report will test the ability of the student to design an individual research project.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Data analysis practical report. Formative feedback is also provided on all summative coursework.

■ 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