Module GEOG4023: RESEARCH PROJECT

Department: Geography

GEOG4023: RESEARCH PROJECT

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To enable students to apply the skills and methods acquired in the compulsory and optional modules to a specialist research topic in physical geography
• To acquire an advanced knowledge and understanding of a specialist field in physical geography
• To enable students to undertake a research-based project, designed to yield results of sufficient relevance and quality to allow submission to a journal (if appropriate) or to be of interest to stakeholders and practitioners

Content

• The research project enables students to develop and execute an extended piece of research on a specialised topic in physical geography. It is chosen in consultation with an allocated supervisor or supervisory team, and must be within the spirit and practical scope of the degree programme. The topic will be approved by the module convenor. Detailed guidelines on format and procedures will be provided in the degree programme handbook

Learning Outcomes

• In-depth understanding of a specialised topic in physical geography, in relation to the programme route followed, and through engagement with the literature and supervisors
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of a specialised area, including where appropriate theory and methods
• Advanced understanding of data acquisition, analysis, and presentation in the field of their research

• Ability to frame a piece of research within a wider academic context, and then to identify and develop the necessary capacity to conduct research under that framing
• Ability to carry out and report a piece of focused research
• Acquisition of sufficient research skills through the production of a report and oral presentation to prepare a student for doctoral-level research
• Critical awareness of a specific area of the literature
• Awareness of ethical issues in research, and of the importance of reflexivity about the role of the researcher

• Ability to write an advanced level report of a substantial nature
• Ability to write clearly and concisely, explaining why the chosen topic of research is important, critiquing previous research, and providing a coherent analysis and discussion of findings
• Ability to independently manage a research project (under guidance from and in dialogue with a supervisor), from the formulation of research questions, to the collection and analysis of data, to the presentation of the report
• Advanced quantitative data analysis appropriate to the topic of the research
• Exercise of initiative and skill in written and oral communication

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

• Teaching and learning will occur in both group and individual formats. Group sessions will consist of two timetabled meetings: one to introduce the aims and scope of the module and to discuss initial project ideas, and a second to allow students to present their dissertation proposals and receive formative feedback from the rest of the cohort. Individual supervision will provide a forum in which ongoing work can be discussed with a subject expert, and in which the student can acquire and enhance knowledge and understanding of a specialised field. Students will be directed to an existing body of literature relevant to the subject under study, and be advised on the potential sources of data and modes of analysis. Regular meetings between student and supervisor(s) will take place during the course of planning, research, and writing. These meetings may take place in the office, lab, or field, and may include hands-on training in appropriate research techniques. Supervision will normally be shared between 2-3 members of academic staff. NB. The specific timing of meetings will not be prescribed by the convenor or timetable, but will be agreed by student and supervisor based on general guidance for development of the research project
• The student will produce a project proposal and a resources form, and will receive formative feedback on these documents from the supervisory team. The student will present the proposal to the rest of the module cohort and will receive formative feedback on this presentation. The student will also receive formative feedback on an initial draft of the report. The timing and content of the proposal and resources form will be specified in the module guide
• Assessment will be by means of a project report of no more than 10,000 words (including footnotes but excluding references, figures, and tables). The report is an extended piece of work which will be written and organised in the style of an academic journal manuscript. It should be of sufficient scope and quality to allow submission to a peer-reviewed journal, if appropriate. The module and assessment will conclude with a 15 minute oral presentation of the research findings in a conference format towards the end of term 3 (and after submission of report and research paper)

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

The student will submit three pieces of work for formative assessment: 1) Research proposal (500 words) 2) Resources form, including logistical issues, health and safety considerations, equipment requirements, and costs 3) Initial draft of report

■ 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