Module GEOG2591: HANDLING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Department: Geography

GEOG2591: HANDLING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Prerequisites

• GEOG1232 (Introduction to Geographical Research BSc) or GEOG1222 (Introduction to Geographical Research BA)

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• This module aims to provide students with essential skills in acquiring, modifying, analysing and displaying geographical data.

Content

• This module will be delivered online and will introduce students to a range of spatial analysis techniques that are at the core of many research applications in physical geography, by drawing on a range of examples from geomorphology, hydrology, glaciology and ecology. The module consists of online lectures where the underlying theory and concepts behind different spatial analysis approaches will be taught, and online practical sessions during which students will apply those approaches using the appropriate software tools. This application of spatial analysis tools during practical sessions will focus on a research themes linked to expertise of staff. Students will be encouraged to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches within the context of different geographical phenomena or processes. Potential research themes may include, but are not limited to: ice sheets and glacier change, landscape evolution and digital elevation models, quantitative comparisons of geomorphic change, vegetation transitions, or the dynamic ocean.
• This module will:
• Provide core skills to allow students to use spatial analysis techniques as part of independent geographical research;
• Provide students with an understanding of the principles underlying the representation, measurement, and analysis of spatial phenomena, in addition to appropriate statistical methods;
• Provide students with an overview of core concepts underlying Geographic Information Science and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Provide exposure to research-appropriate software.
• Enable students to visualise and interpret the results of spatial data analysis;
• Make students aware of the different sources of error and uncertainty in spatial data and spatial data processing.

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the module, students are expected to:
• Have a broad, integrated knowledge and understanding of spatial analysis methods in physical geography, their principles and appropriate applications;
• Be aware of how best to access, use, interpret and evaluate spatial data within the context of research problems in physical geography;
• Have the ability to select suitable techniques for a given problem;
• Be able to describe, perform and evaluate a variety of spatial data analysis techniques with reference to a number of physical geographical examples.

• On successful completion of the module, students are expected to:
• Have a knowledge of the basic principles of geographical information science and systems;
• Be able to create maps and understand the role of map projections when working with spatial data;
• Demonstrate awareness of a range of spatial analysis tools;
• Demonstrate the ability to collect or download spatial data and incorporate it into GIS analyses;
• Input, interrogate, manipulate, and present spatial data.

• On successful completion of the module, students are expected to:
• Use industry standard and research-appropriate software packages to analyse spatial data, solve geographical problems and enhance employability;
• Formulate and evaluate questions, and identify and evaluate approaches to problem-solving using spatial data;
• Identify, acquire, evaluate and synthesise spatial data from a range of sources;
• Interpret and use numerical quantitative and statistical information effectively and appropriately;
• Develop good practice in data management;
• Demonstrate critical analysis and interpretation of data.

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

• Teaching will consist of weekly computer practical classes that are designed to be completed in 2 hours. Additional online lectures will provide an overview of the theoretical background to specific spatial analysis techniques to be applied during the practical component of the module.
• The weekly practical exercises are designed to provide significant ‘hands on’ experience with the tools and techniques introduced in the lectures and provide significant opportunities for formative discussion.
• Workshops at the end of the module will be used to answer general, specific and technical questions, guide students in the mastery of certain skills, and to support students in their summative project work.
• Summative assessments will enable students to demonstrate all the key skills and subject knowledge outlined in the ‘Learning Outcomes’ section of this document in order to solve geographical problems. The summative assessments mimic expectations that employers have when wide ranging spatial data needs to be combined, critically analysed and the findings presented in a clear, concise manner.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

· Formative feedback will be provided via regular discussion with staff and demonstrators during practicals and workshops. This will ensure key skills can be appropriately related to subject knowledge. · The DUO ‘Ask your instructor’ discussion boards will be used heavily to support learning and provide formative discussion on best techniques, and to solve technical problems with individuals as they work through their practicals and assessments.

■ 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