Unit name | Research Design Methods & Skills in the Social Sciences |
---|---|
Unit code | GEOGM0035 |
Credit points | 15 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Mr. Hayes |
Open unit status | Not open |
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
As this is an advanced-level quantitative course, working knowledge of the theory and application of regression analysis is assumed. |
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
Other mandatory units |
Units you may not take alongside this one | |
School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This is an advanced level research design and methods course intended to equip students with a broad range of relevant skills and knowledge, allowing them to formulate research questions and later carry out their own research projects. The primary aims of the unit are to:
The main topics to be covered include: ontology and epistemology in social research; varieties of approaches to research design from different disciplinary backgrounds; question design and formulation; criteria for evaluating research and strategies to enhance research quality; critical evaluation of different methodologies; preparing research proposals and communicating research.
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will:
Computing skills including word processing, spreadsheets and database management.
This course is delivered in sections divided between each institution (Bath, Bristol, Exeter)
One project based on the component taught at one of the three institutions (i.e. students choose
one of three possible projects). For Bristol this will be in the form of a policy briefing.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. GEOGM0035).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.