School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
ESC-10035 Geographical Skills  
Co-ordinator: Mr Keith Mason    Room: WSF31, Tel:33170  
Teaching Team: Dr Peter  Knight, Dr Richard  Waller Dr Zoe Robinson Mrs Stephanie  Everill Dr Katie  Szkornik Dr Deirdre  McKay Prof Clare  Holdsworth Dr Alix  Cage Dr Paul  Simpson Mr Matthew  Coombe-Boxall, Mrs Antonia  Law,  Simon  Haslett,  Darren  Smith  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 1 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
None

Barred Combinations
None

Description

This module introduces students to a core set of essential geographical techniques and basic study skills and provides hands-on opportunity for practical engagement with such skills in both laboratory and field-based environments. As such, the module is intended to equip participants with the appropriate skills and expertise to enable real world problems to be approached with confidence and practical competence.
Aims
This module aims to develop an appreciation and understanding of both the general study skills and subject-specific practical skills required in the study and practice of geography. These will include such transferable skills as effective reading and note taking, essay writing, constructing an argument, and revision and examination techniques as well as such practical skills as information acquisition; techniques of data capture, manipulation and analysis, and visualization and cartographic representation; and field observation and interpretation.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Recognise the essential characteristics of geographical data and evaluate alternative sources of geographical information including library and electronic resources will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 4, 5
Describe, evaluate and use a range of specialised techniques for the collection and manipulation of geographical data will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 4, 5
Correctly select and apply an appropriate statistical test to a variety of different geographical problems will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 4, 5
Identify and evaluate alternative methods for the visualization of geographical information will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 4, 5
Make competent use of a variety of computer software packages for the management and manipulation of geographical information will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 4, 5
Demonstrate competence in a range of study skills including note taking, essay writing, oral presentations, library use, literature searching, exam preparation, literature referencing and avoidance of plagiarism will be achieved by assessments: 3, 6
Successfully contribute to group-based project work will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7
Apply appropriate techniques of topographic and social survey to capture geographical information in the field and put into practice analytical and presentation skills already learned in the laboratory will be achieved by assessments: 7
Identify and understand geographical processes operating in the local area will be achieved by assessments: 7
Study hours
Lab class (46)
Tutorial (23)
Field course (36)
Lab class/Tutorial preparation and completion (45)
Description of Module Assessment
01: Laboratory Practicals weighted 10%
Assessment of exercises comprising first half of Autumn Semester practical classes
02: Laboratory Practicals weighted 10%
Assessment of exercises comprising second half of Autumn Semester practical classes
03: Tutorial weighted 15% (min pass mark of 40)
Summative assessment of Autumn Semester tutorial topics
04: Laboratory Practicals weighted 10%
Assessment of exercises comprising first half of Spring Semester
05: Laboratory Practicals weighted 10%
Assessment of exercises comprising second half of Spring Semester practical classes
06: Tutorial weighted 15% (min pass mark of 40)
Summative assessment of Spring Semester tutorial performance
07: Portfolio weighted 30% (min pass mark of 40)
Portfolio of material arising from field course assignments
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.