Module GEOG4018: ADVANCED METHODS IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Department: Geography

GEOG4018: ADVANCED METHODS IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide training in advanced research methods and practical experience of their application
• To develop advanced knowledge to facilitate the critical selection of appropriate research methods and be aware of their limitations
• To enable students to apply the skills and methods acquired through application.
• To demonstrate mastery of techniques and methods through effective written communication

Content

• Core Content
• Geospatial data - Spatial data structures, Mapping conventions, Cartography, Spatial data analysis
• Statistical Foundations - Data handling, Statistical analysis, Time series analysis, Data visualisation
• Geomatics - Survey and mapping with GPS, Terrestrial laser scanning, Interfacing field data with GIS, 3D morphology, DEMs and change
• Thematic Content
• Material Controls on Stability - Material stress, strain and failure, Geotechnical sampling in the field, Geotechnical characterization, testing and modelling
• Environmental Geochemistry - Developing conceptual site models for environmental risk assessment (desk study), Site walkover survey, Geochemical field sampling, laboratory analysis and screening of results
• Measuring the Past - Theoretical framework for environmental reconstruction from sediment analysis, Designing a field sampling campaign, Core logging, sample preparation and laboratory analysis

Learning Outcomes

• Detailed understanding and mastery of the range of advanced methods and practises used in Physical Geography research
• Higher knowledge and understanding of the critical selection of appropriate methods for a particular research problem theory and methods
• Advanced understanding of data acquisition, analysis, and presentation of physical geography data and effective integration

• Ability to place research within a wider academic context, and then to identify and develop an appropriate framework to carry out the research
• Critical appreciation of specific areas of Physical Geography literature
• Application of methods to specific geomorphological themes such as glacial, fluvial, hillslopes
• Advanced awareness of health and safety issues in the application of research methods

• Ability to write an advanced level methodological / technical report
• Advanced techniques, quantitative analysis and modelling appropriate to the topic of the research
• Promote effective communication through written communication

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

• Each three week block will consist of an introductory lecture framing the scope of the block. This will be followed by a series of staff-led practical sessions. Students will be directed to relevant literature and the practicalities of undertaking key methods. Formative feedback will be given verbally during each practical. Each block will have a drop in surgery session in the third week to allow for individual discussion and feedback.
• The majority of the teaching on this module is delivered in the practical session and field-based learning. During these sessions, formative feedback is provided verbally and directly to the student through the discussion of the work and results. This approach allows for concepts and ideas to be discussed and hence enables the provision of rich feedback to students on their learning. In particular, formative feedback will help students to focus on the key points of the research and so will assist in developing concise and accurate description of data, which is also a key part of the summative work.
• The summative assessments provide direct experience of using the advanced methods taught on the course using real-world problems, developing understanding and highlighting how the techniques can be used more widely. In addition, the assessments allow the students to be critical of the methods, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge of the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of different techniques. The summative assessments also give the students experience of developing succinct summaries of their work, both in written form using a conventional scientific report structures and also using poster-based summaries.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

The majority of the teaching on this module is delivered in the practical session and field-based learning. During these sessions, formative feedback is provided verbally and directly to the student through the discussion of the work and results.

■ 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