Unit information: Spatial Modelling: Geographic Data Modelling in 2023/24

Unit name	Spatial Modelling: Geographic Data Modelling
Unit code	GEOG20028
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Mrs. Becky Collins
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	None
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	None
Units you may not take alongside this one	None
School/department	School of Geographical Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Unit Information

The unit teaches the use of QGIS and R for methods of analysis common in geographical study, including regression and elements of Geographical Information Science. A key aim of the unit is to provide quantitative teaching suitable for dissertation work, developing skills in computer programming, geographical data handling, mapping, statistical modelling, and in the presentation and interpretation of quantitative data.

Your learning on this unit

On completion of the unit students should have knowledge and experience of:

1. Using R to process and to handle quantitative data
2. Fitting and interpreting regression models, and of the statistical theory of regression
3. Applying statistical and geographical methods of analysis to data
4. Presenting and interpreting geographical information
5. Undertaking a geographical research project using analytical skills

The following transferable skills are developed in the unit:

• numeracy
• statistical and computation literacy
• problem solving
• analytical skills
• written and verbal communication
• formulating and testing hypotheses
• describing and presenting geographical data
• project management

How you will learn

The unit will be taught through a combination of:

• online resources
• synchronous group workshops, seminars, tutorials and/or office hours
• asynchronous individual activities and guided reading for students to work through at their own pace
• computer practicals

How you will be assessed

Mid-unit exam (30%) (ILOs 1-5)

End-of-unit coursework, max 3000 words. (70%) (ILOs 1-5)

Resources

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. GEOG20028).

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.