Module overview
This module introduces students to field-based Physical Geography research and includes an overseas field component. It gives students hands-on experience at collecting data and the opportunity to practice techniques to analyse and present the data collected.
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: GEOG1010 OR GGES1010
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identify appropriate research techniques and methodologies for investigation in Physical Geography
- Structure discussion of key themes in physical geography into a reasoned argument
- Integrate primary and secondary data sources to support a reasoned scientific argument
- Understand the limits of geographical research and strategies for addressing such limitations
- Gain knowledge and understanding of research design, including appropriate use of hypothesis testing in Physical Geography
- Knowledge and understanding of planning and executing a piece of Geographical research using a scientific format.
- Gain knowledge and understanding of the development of ideas in scientific enquiry
- Conduct independent reading, writing and revision.
- Collect and manipulate geographical data
- Gain Knowledge and understanding of appropriate data manipulation and interpretation techniques for primary field datasets
- Effective presentation of geographical research using a scientific structure.
- Develop meaningful scientific hypotheses
- Marshall and retrieve material from libraries, public records and internet resources
- Participate in group discussion and research planning.
- Collect primary scientific data.
- Demonstrate critical awareness of issues surrounding the collection of 'data' of various types relevant to the study of geography
- Pursue knowledge in an in-depth, ordered and motivated way.
- Gain Knowledge and understanding of methods used to collect data in the sub-disciplines of Physical Geography
- Conduct independent/group fieldwork.
Syllabus
This module will introduce you to physical geography associated with an overseas field location (e.g., Tenerife). Introductory lectures will include material on the geomorphology and landscape, biogeography and climate of the field area. Introductory lectures on how to design and present a field research project will also be delivered, along with some field briefing and techniques training sessions.
The main part of the teaching will be undertaken on a week long, residential overseas field course. During the course you will have several orientation and introductory group days where you will be exposed to different landscapes and interpretation techniques. These will be followed by data collection in small groups. The final day of the trip will be dedicated to data analysis and will culminate in the presentation of preliminary results.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The majority of the teaching is undertaken overseas at the field site, with some preliminary lectures and workshop/lab sessions to help students prepare for their field projects.
Learning is through primary data collection and analysis, whilst in the field.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 70 |
| Fieldwork | 80 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 30% |
| Research poster | 50% |
| Group Oral Presentation | 20% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Individual report | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External