Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminars / Tutorials | Two individual tutorials - one early in the semester to advise on data analysis and the report structure; one later in the semester to advise on the draft of the project report. |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Project Report. Submission of a project report of 4,000 words. | 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Project Report. Resubmission of the failed project report, with revisions if appropriate. | 100% |
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 a rigorous manner, employing appropriate techniques and interpret findings in the context of existing knowledge and theories
*Produce a 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 three stages: (i) empirical research to collect primary data and/or collate information from secondary sources, as appropriate for the research issue; (ii) the analysis of data and information, including the interpretation of findings in the context of existing knowledge and theories; (iii) the production of a 4,000 word report. Each student will be allocated an advisor who will provide guidance on the development and reporting of the project.
Content
Each student will be allocated 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 developed through the production of a 4,000 word report (assessed). Oral communication skills developed through discussion in tutorials (not assessed); and may be developed through empirical research using verbal research methods (e.g interviews) (not assessed) |
| 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. and Martin, D (1997) Methods in Human Geography: a guide to students doing a research project Longman Primo search Hoggart, K., Lees, L. and Davies, A (2002) Researching Human Geography Arnold Primo search Kennedy, B.A. (1992) First catch your hare ... research designs for individual projects, in A. Rogers, H. Viles and A. Goudie (eds) 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