Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminars / Tutorials | Three individual tutorials - 1. Discuss data collected and strategies for analysis; 2. Structure of the final dissertation report; 3. Draft of the final dissertation. |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | (1) An interim report of approx. 2,000 words, presenting and summarising data collected. To be submitted in week 3 of Semester 1. | 25% |
| Semester Assessment | (2) A final dissertation project report of 10,000 words. To be submitted in week 6 of Semester 2. | 75% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resit for a condoned (medical grounds) non-completion of examination or coursework involves the completion of the missing component(s) for the full range of marks on dates set in the Supplementary Examination period. Resit due to aggregate failure or non-completion of part of the assessment requires reexamination of each component if marks of <40% in both were obtained, or re-examination or re-submission of the failed component (examination of assignment(s) to obtain a maximum mark of 40% for the module). |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
* Plan, design and execute a piece of rigorous geographical research or enquiry.
* Undertake, effective and appropriate empirical research, including the collection of primary data and/or the collation of information from secondary sources.
* Analyse data in rigorous manner, employing appropriate techniques and interpret finding in the context of existing knowledge and theories.
* Produce a substantial written research report in an appropriate academic style.
* Demonstrate self-motivation, planning and initiative in working independently.
Brief description
This module takes the form of a student-led independent research project. An appropriate topic of geographical relevance is proposed by the student and approved by the module co-ordinator. The project involves four stages: (i) the identification of a research topic and development of an appropriate research plan; (ii) empirical research to collect primary data and/or collate information from secondary sources, as appropriate for the research issue. A report presenting and summarising data collected is submitted early in semester 1; (iii) the analysis of data and information, including the interpretation of findings in the context of existing knowledge and theories; (iv) the production of a 10,000 word final report, to be submitted in week 6 of semester 2. Each student will be allocated an advisor who will provide guidance on the development and reporting of the project.
Content
The module takes the form of a student-led independent research project. The topic of the project will be proposed by the student and approved by the module co-ordinator. Each student will be allocted an advisor who will provide guidance on the development and reporting of the project.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | If appropriate to the selected research topic, students may develop numerical skills through the collection, analysis and presentation of quantitative data. |
| Communication | Written communication skills are developed through the production of a 10,000 word report (assessed). Oral communication skills are developed through discussion of the research tutorials (not assessed); and may be developed through empirical research where verbal research methods are employed (e.g. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Students will be encouraged to reflect on their experience of planning and undertaking research in the tutorial discussions. |
| Information Technology | Students will be expected to employ appropriate IT resources in identifying data sources and collecting data (e.g. internet, electronic information resources), in data analysis (e.g. statistical packages), and in producing the project report (e.g. word processing, GIS and mapping packages). |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Personal development and career planning skills will not be explicitly developed through the module; however, many of the generic skills developed through the research project will have significant transferability to a wide range of career contexts. |
| Problem solving | Problem solving skills are developed through the identification of research questions, appropriate methodology and research plan, and through responses to difficulties experienced during data collection. |
| Research skills | Research skills are developed through the collection and analysis of data appropriate for investigation of the research questions. |
| Team work | Not developed in this module. |
Reading List
Recommended TextFlowerdew, R. & Martin, D. (1997) Methods in Human Geography: a guide to students doing a research project. Longman Primo search Hoggart, K., Lees, L. & Davies, A. (2002) Researching Human Geography Arnold Primo search Kennedy, B.A. in A. Rogers, H. Viles & A. Goudie (eds) (2002) The Student's Companion to Geography Blackwell Primo search Kneale, P. (1999) Study Skills for Geography Students: a practical guide. Arnold Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6