School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
GEG-20009 Geographical Research Training  
Co-ordinator: Mr Keith Mason    Room: WSF31, Tel:33170  
Teaching Team: Miss Sophie  Bessant  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 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 focuses on developing geographical research skills and culminates in a research proposal and overseas field course. Recent locations have included Singapore, Barcelona, Almeria and Iceland. The module also serves as important training and preparation for students going on to do Geography dissertations in the third year. This module involves a broad range of teaching and learning activities including literature searching, research design, project planning, field work and geographical investigation in an unfamiliar setting. Through this module you will acquire and develop important skills such as data collection, data analysis, group work, individual work, time management and presentation skills.




Aims
The aims of this module are to enable students to develop their

  • knowledge and understanding of particular aspects of physical and/or human geography in the selected location
  • ability to collect, evaluate, synthesise and analyse data on selected aspects of human and/or physical geographies collected in the field
  • transferable skills e.g. group and individual work, timekeeping, meeting tight deadlines
  • research skills including research planning, design, and execution; competence in specialist geographical techniques
  • ability to evaluate and select appropriate techniques
Intended Learning Outcomes
Implement good research design [1,2]
Investigate a field area as an example of contemporary geographical issues [3]
Explain some of the main processes influencing local geographies in the field area [3]
Make effective use of a range of field work techniques [3]
Develop and make effective use of observational and interpretative skills [3]
Apply team working skills [3]
Demonstrate self-reliance, the ability to overcome problems and effective time management. [1,2,3]
Prepare a formal research proposal [1,2]
Study hours
9 Hours practical classes
6 Hours pre-field course briefing
20 Hours dissertation tutorials/tutorial preparation
115 Hours field exercises and completion of field course
Description of Module Assessment
001: Exercise weighted 20%
IN CLASS EXERCISE
002: Research Proposal weighted 20% (min pass mark of 40)
DISSERTATION PLAN
003: Portfolio weighted 60%
Portfolio of fieldcourse assignments
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

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