Unit information: Research Project and Study Skills in 2020/21

Unit name	Research Project and Study Skills
Unit code	GEOG30002
Credit points	40
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Tranos
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Students should have successfully completed all mandatory and must-pass units in Year 1 and Year 2 of MSci Geography.
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Geographical Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

The research project provides an opportunity for students to undertake and report on a piece of original and individual geographical research on a topic of their own choosing. It allows them to demonstrate their skills in topic selection, in investigating the background context of their chosen topic, in research design and implementation, in analysis and in report writing. The background literature and research skills on which they draw might be those introduced in other parts of the geography programme, but the research project also provides an opportunity to explore a topic of interest beyond those covered formally by the School's teaching.

Tutorials both support the research project and continue to provide support over a range of coursework for the relevant syllabus.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this Unit students should be able to:

• Plan, negotiate, conduct and report on a significant piece of original research to tight practical limitations.
• Produce report and defend written and oral arguments with confidence in small group settings.

The following transferable skills are developed in this Unit:

• self-assessment and assessment of work of others
• critical thinking
• library and data-base searches
• bibliographic referencing and the academic presentational conventions and standards
• debating skills
• negotiating skills
• specification of research problem
• undertaking of original research
• effective essay writing
• report writing
• time management
• oral presentations
• awareness of acquisition of personal/transferable skills.

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through a blended combination of online and, if possible, in-person teaching, including

• introductory guidance materials
• synchronous group workshops, seminars, tutorials and/or office hours
• independent study supported by guidance from dissertation supervisor

Assessment Information

10,000 word Research Project - 100%

Reading and References

1. Flowerdew, R. and Martin, D. 1997, Methods in Human Geography (Longman);
2. Kneale, P. 1999, Study skills for Geography students: a Practical guide (Arnold);
3. Parsons, T. and Knight, P. 1995, How to do your dissertation in geography and related disciplines (Chapman and Hall).