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GEG-20050 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 17 May 2024

GEG-20050 - Research Methods in Human Geography and Environmental Sustainability
Coordinator: Simon Pemberton Tel: +44 1782 7 33165
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to a variety of specialist field and computer-based techniques of particular relevance to Human Geography and Environment and Sustainability. It builds upon core concepts and techniques introduced in the Level 4 practical programme whilst providing a portfolio of skills applicable to Level 6 independent study projects. Training and first-hand experience is provided in practical classes, which are supplemented by a series of exercises and assessments which encourage students to think and have a strategy about how to solve the issues presented to them. A particular effort is made to emphasise the relevance of the techniques covered to appropriate careers pathways.

Aims
This module aims to provide a variety of essential field and practical skills relevant to human geographers and those studying environment and sustainability. It builds upon concepts and techniques introduced in the Level 4 practical programme and provides a portfolio of skills applicable to Level 6 independent research projects (dissertation modules, for example, GEG-30006 and GEG-30008). Training and first-hand experience in relevant techniques is provided in practical classes and extended group projects and presentations are used to highlight and evaluate the research applications of these techniques, and their effectiveness.

Intended Learning Outcomes

use a range of specialist geographical techniques (field and computer-based) to collect, analyse, present and interpret a range of primary and secondary data related to Human Geography and Environmental Sustainability: 1,2
work effectively as part of a team to complete group exercises within a specified time period: 1
evaluate the quality of geographical and environmental data and determine the most effective techniques for the analysis and presentation of these data: 2
identify and discuss the methods of data collection and analysis and evaluation of the associated research findings: 1,2
apply these techniques in a problem-solving context and report the key findings in a written format: 1,2

Study hours

30 hours laboratory / on-campus work (10 x 3 hour practicals)
1x3 hour poster presentation
1x3 hour poster drop in session
6 hours structured engagement with on-line resources
33 hours collaborative activity on-line to discuss questionnaires and prepare posters.
75 hours independent / group preparation work and completion (essay and poster)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Coursework weighted 50%
Group submission of questionnaire and data analysis
Submission of a group report which includes i) questionnaire for exploring selected project topic (max of 15 mins to complete; 4-5 sides of A4 max; focused on generating qualitative responses in particular) and ii) a set of instructions to undertake the questionnaire (1/2 page maximum - total submission of c.1000 words). The relative contribution of each group member is assessed through a system of 'peer review' where they identify their own contribution as well as others. This helps to avoid issues of 'freeloading'.

2: Poster weighted 50%
Individual poster evaluating research methods
Submission of an individual project poster (A2) reflecting upon the advantages / disadvantages of questionnaires, interviews and ethnographic approaches for undertaking research on the selected research topic (indicative length: 2000 words maximum). Posters are presented in draft form for formative feedback from other students and the module co-ordinator.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 17 May 2024