Unit information: Research Methods in Physical Geography in 2015/16

Unit name	Research Methods in Physical Geography
Unit code	GEOG25020
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Professor. Richards
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	GEOG15010 Physical Geography; GEOG15020 Human Geography; GEOG15030 Geographical Practices; GEOG15040 Geographical Methods.
Co-requisites	Other units defined on the Year 2 Single Honours Geography Syllabus B.
School/department	School of Geographical Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

The purpose of the course is to provide students with the tools to analyse, design and carry out scientific research in the realm of physical geography. Students will be introduced to the principles and practice of research in physical geography using a programme of lectures, field classes, laboratory and computer-based practical classes and seminars. The course is assessed through a variety of non-exam based methods. Students will be introduced to some of the expected limitations of research methods and will be given the opportunity to undertake rigorous evaluation/review of their own proposals, sampling design and scientific practice. Also covered are COSHH and Health and Safety issues in field and laboratory environments.

The principal aim of this unit is to provide the students with the generic and specific skills to design and carry out their dissertation successfully.

Within this remit, the unit aims are:

• to develop the students higher-level skills in observation, measurement and reporting;
• to provide a platform for independent research;
• to promote best practice in the design and execution of a research project;
• to prompt independent reflection on scientific practice, especially that adopted in Physical Geography

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this Unit students should be able to:

• Design an effective piece of research or enquiry
• Work safely in the field or a scientific laboratory with an awareness of standard procedures
• Employ a variety of technical, field and laboratory based methods for collecting and analysing spatial and environmental information
• Interpret common physical geography datasets and critically assess their limitations.

The following transferable skills are developed in this Unit:

• Written and verbal communication
• Team working and collaboration
• Numeracy and computation
• Planning and implementing research projects
• Information technology

Teaching Information

Lectures/Practicals/Fieldwork

Assessment Information

Peer review of grant application (20%) River Avon Project (80%)

Additional Criteria in order for the student to be awarded the associated credit:

Submission of Final Dissertation Synopsis (Formative) – this requires the satisfactory standard in the completion and submission of the synopsis deemed essential to understanding the acquisition of professional skills in designing and planning a research project for the dissertation in Year 3.

Reading and References

1. Bradbury, I. et al. (2002) Scientific Principles for Physical Geographers. Pearson Education, Harlow, England.
2. Cheeseman, R.V. and Wilson, A. L. (1978) Manual of Analytical Quality for the Water Industry. Water Research Centre Technical report, TB66
3. Clifford, N., and Valentine, G. (2004) Key Methods in Geography. Sage Publication.
4. Montieth, J.L., and Unsworth, M.H. (1990), Principles of Environmental Physics, 2nd ed., Edward Arnold,. New York
5. Parsons, T., and Knight. P.G. (2001) How To Do Your Dissertation in Geography and Related Disciplines. Nelson Thornes.
6. Ritchie, W, Wood, M, Wright, R. & Tait, D (1988) Surveying and Mapping for Field Scientists. Longman.