ESC-20102 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

Literally, the term geography; means Earth-writing and this module examines the diverse manners of representation of the human and physical worlds. We will explore the ways in which these have changed as geography has evolved as a discipline as well as the diverse methods used by geographers to represent the world. Particular attention will be paid to maps, which have an important historic role as representations of the world. Furthermore, in recent years mapping has undergone a revolution through the development of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and this module will develop the practical skills required to capture, store, manage, manipulate, analyse and visualise spatial data. These skills are important across all sectors in business, NGOs, government, and academia.

1. To provide a foundation in Geographical Information Science by completing a series of practicals related to human and natural processes.
2. To promote a detailed understanding of how different aspects of the planet can be represented cartographically and by other means.
3. To consider the relevance of cartography to human society, both in historical and current terms.

Intended Learning Outcomes

use a range of specialist geographical techniques to collect, analyse, present and interpret a range of primary and secondary data: 1,2
evaluate the quality of geographical data and determine the most effective techniques for the analysis and presentation of these data: 1,2
synthesise, and critically evaluate the results obtained by applying GIS analytical techniques to a problem-solving context and make valid conclusions: 2
recognise the complex and varied representations of the human and natural world, both throughout history and currently: 1,2
design maps with effective cartographic communication and appropriate details for a range of applications pertinent to Human and Physical Geography: 1,2

Study hours

10 h scheduled lectures
20h Weekly practical sessions
15h Directed wider reading, online and library
2h Clinic support session
40h Advanced preparation of computer work in support of practicals and project work
15h Independent wider reading, online and library
48h Preparation and writing of module assessments and exercises

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment