Unit name | Research Methods in Physical Geography |
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Unit code | GEOG20011 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
Unit director | Dr. Williamson |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
GEOG10002 Geographical History, Thought and Practices AND GEOG10003 Key Concepts in Human and Physical Geography AND GEOG10004 Introduction to Quantitative Geography. |
Co-requisites |
2 or more of: GEOG20002 Floods Flows and Erosion in River Basins GEOG20003 The Earth System GEOG20004 Fundamentals of Modern Glaciology |
School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The purpose of the course is to provide students with the tools to analyse, design and carry out scientific research in the realm of physical geography. Students will be introduced to the principles and practice of research in physical geography using a programme of lectures, field classes, laboratory and computer-based practical classes and seminars. They will then have an opportunity to put their learning into practice through the design, delivery and write-up of a group project in the style of a third-year dissertation. These projects are delivered in partnership with local environmental organisations where possible.
Students will be introduced to some of the expected limitations of research methods and will be given the opportunity to undertake rigorous evaluation/review of their own proposals, sampling design and scientific practice. Also covered are COSHH and Health and Safety issues in field and laboratory environments.
The principal aim of this unit is to provide the students with the generic and specific skills to design and carry out their dissertation successfully, and at the end of the unit students will start to develop their ideas for their final-year dissertation.
Within this remit, the unit aims are:
On completion of this Unit students should be able to:
The following transferable skills are developed in this Unit:
The unit will be taught through a blended combination of online and, if possible, in-person teaching, including
Formative
There will be several opportunities to practice elements of the online assessment of the methods taught in TB1.
Summative
(20%) Online in-class assessment. [ILOs 2-4]
Group research project (groups of 4-6) [ILOs 1-4]. The Group research project will comprise of:
(50%) a written report (maximum 8000 words in total),
(15%) a group presentation, and
(15%) a peer review of group work.
Recommended Reading: