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Research Project

  • Module code: GG7900
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 7
  • Credits: 60
  • Pre-requisites: GG7050, Research Methods and Techniques
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module provides experience of planning, designing and executing a sustained piece of independent research. It involves: formulating a testable hypothesis; designing a programme of data collection to test it; critically evaluating and interpreting your own data in the light of current research; and summarising and reviewing in a clear and professional manner.

Aims

  • To plan and organise independent research concerned with an environmental problem;
  • To extend and enhance laboratory, field and data handling skills; and
  • To produce a report of 10,000 words maximum on the research.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Plan, design and execute a sustained piece of independent research;
  • Formulate a testable hypothesis and design a programme of data collection aimed at testing it;
  • Demonstrate enhanced and improved data collection skills;
  • Critically evaluate and interpret their own data in the light of current research;
  • Summarise and critically review their own work in a clear and concise manner; and
  • Engage in full professional and academic communication with their peers.

Curriculum content

  • 12 Weeks Full time (or part time equivalent) independent field and laboratory work.
  • Submission of a written report (dissertation) of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning strategy

Students will work independently, although with guidance from allocated members of the Teaching Team plus other available Faculty Staff where necessary. Some research may involve liaison with outside agencies. The research will involve literature review, hypothesis forming and testing, data collection, critical analysis and interpretation of the data, and writing a final report.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Introductory Lecture, Supervisory meetings (Max. 10hrs) 4 10
Guided independent study 586
Total (number of credits x 10) 600

Assessment strategy

The assessment will be based solely on the submission of an original piece of research. This is divided into two elements, although a viva voce may also be required:

a.    Final project report/dissertation consistent with your course aims in terms of its content and size (word count) (80%)

b.    15 minute Oral Presentation (20%)

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
Plan, design and execute a sustained piece of independent research Dissertation and Oral Seminar
Formulate a testable hypothesis and design a programme of data collection aimed at testing it Dissertation and Oral Seminar
Demonstrate enhanced and improved data collection skills Dissertation and Oral Seminar
Critically evaluate and interpret their own data in the light of current research Dissertation and Oral Seminar
Summarise and critically review their own work in a clear and concise manner Dissertation and Oral Seminar
Engage in full professional and academic communication with their peers Oral Seminar

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Coursework-1 (Final Project Report, Dissertation) To assess students' ability to design and undertake independent research; their competence in data evaluation, interpretation, and their ability to succinctly summarise their findings. 80%
Coursework-2 (Oral Seminar) To assess students' skills in professional and academic (oral) communication 20%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module

Bibliography core texts

Students are expected to consult a range of books, journals and reports on the subject matter, though the emphasis should be on primary journal articles.

  • Pacione M (Ed.) (1999), Applied Geography: Principles and Practice: an Introduction to useful Research in Physical, Environmental and Human Geography, London, Routledge
  • Hay I (2010), Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography, Oxford University Press

 

Bibliography recommended reading

  • Clifford, French and Valentine (2010) (Eds.), Key Methods in Geography, London, Sage
  • Bryman A, Bell M, Research Project Guide. Oxford: OUP.  Online resource: http://www.oup.com/uk/orc/bin/9780199284986/01student/project_guide/project_guide/index.htm
  • Burkin S and Burley J (1996), Getting started on a geography dissertation, Journal of Geography in Higher Education, Directions, 20, 3, 431-7
  • Denscombe M (2007), The Good Research Guide, 3rd edition. Oxford, OUP
  • ESRC Research Methods Programme. Online resource: http://www.ccsr.ac.uk/methods/publications/#Online
  • Flowerdew R and Martin D (Eds.) (1997), Methods in human geography: a guide for students doing a research project, London, Longman
  • Huckin TN and Olsen LA (1991), Technical Writing and Professional Communication for Nonnative Speakers of English, New York, McGraw Hill
  • Kneale PE (2011), Study Skills for Geography, Earth and Environmental Students - A Practical Guide, 3rd edition, London, Arnold
  • Lindsay J M (1997), Techniques in human geography, Routledge, London
  • Miller HJ, Han J, Fraser S (2001), Geographic Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, New York, Taylor and Francis
  • Parsons T and Knight P (1995), How to do your dissertation in geography and related disciplines, Chapman and Hall, London

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