Module GEOG2462: Scientific Research in Geography

Department: Geography

GEOG2462: Scientific Research in Geography

Prerequisites

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

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• GEOG2472 Social Research in Geography

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 principles 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

Content

• Lectures will cover historical and philosophical reflections on the nature of physical geography, key approaches to physical geography research including quantitative methods and research design
• Linked practical exercise on data analysis
• Practical exercises on advanced techniques in physical geography. Students will choose 2 from a selection of project exercises. Possible examples include:
• 1. Environmental reconstruction using micropalaeontological and / or sedimentological techniques
• 2. Evaluating and / or predicting sea-level rise/flooding and their potential impacts
• 3. Water quality analysis
• 4. Measuring recent glacier change/tropical deforestation using remote sensing data
• Group project design, implementation and presentation based on Easter residential fieldtrip

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

• Design original investigations in physical geography
• Work individually and within a group to collect 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

• Data collation and analysis
• Project design and implementation
• Group work and presentation skills (fieldtrip presentation)

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
• Understanding of the nature and development of physical geography as a discipline will be tested by the fieldtrip report
• Concepts introduced in lectures will be explored in more depth in workshops, 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
• Workshops and fieldwork will provide experience of independent research design
• Students will develop their individual and group working skills through practicals and a residential fieldtrip, which will also provide training and experience in project design implementation and presentation
• The fieldtrip report will test the students' ability to work in a group, designing, completing and presenting the results of a research project (including a critical understanding of the research methodology employed, project formulation, data collection, analysis and interpretation)
• Formative assessment consists of a data analysis exercise in Term 1 which tests key skills in data handling and analysis; a group-based oral presentation of fieldtrip projects prior to the trip in Term 2; and a fieldtrip notebook during the residential fieldtrip to develop skills in data collection techniques and careful and critical note taking.
• The summative assessment consists of the following key elements (two practical exercises, fieldtrip presentation, and fieldtrip report) which respectively assess the key learning outcomes: research design and hypothesis testing; collect, analyse and present data from original and secondary sources; group work and oral skills; and data collection, analysis and critical interpretation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Data analysis exercise (Term 1). Fieldtrip presentation – receive feedback on draft field project in Term 2 fieldtrip preparatory sessions Fieldtrip notebook – receive feedback during residential fieldtrip Important Information Note on Easter Residential UK Fieldtrip for 2025/26 There will be a residential fieldtrip associated with this course. There is a choice of three trips, one to the Lake District and two to the Isle of Skye in NW Scotland. The fieldtrips will take place during the Easter Vacation 2026. Provisional dates for each trip are to be confirmed in due course. Students should keep the entire 2026 Easter Vacation free and NOT make other travel plans until Scientific Research fieldtrip sign-up has been completed. This usually takes place at the start of Term 2 2026. Please note that the Department may not be able to offer all students their first choice fieldtrip destination / week, and flexibility may be required around the time of sign-up. Scientific Research – costs covered by student fees (including travel to and from field destination from Durham), apart from spending on incidentals in the field.

■ 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