The module aims to deliver key skills to Level 4 students through two projects involving the gathering of geographical data and information in the field and subsequent analysis of this data. The key skills to be delivered in the module are:
- Gathering geographical data in the field, including the use of observational techniques using photography and video, questionnaires and GPS devices.
- Analysis and interpretation of geospatial data including aerial photographs and the use of GIS software.
- Using the Internet to find Geographical information.
- Desk-top publishing and poster production.
- Map interpretation at different scales, basic cartographic techniques (scales, keys, legends, isoline and chloropleth), and computer cartography techniques.
- Awareness and computer application of descriptive statistics (central tendency and dispersion), inferential statistics (hypothesis testing and correlation) and spatial statistics (analysis of points, lines and areas).
- Working effectively as part of a group.
- Writing effective reports and presenting geographical data.

Clarke, A. (2005) IT Skills for Successful Study
Clifford, N. & Valentine, G. (2003) Key Methods in Geography
Cottrell, S. (2003) The Study Skills handbook (2nd edition)
Dorling, D.& Fairbairn, D.(1997) Mapping - ways of representing the world
Flowerdew, R. & Martin, D. (2005) Methods in Human Geography (2nd edition)
Keates J.S. (1996) Understanding maps
Kneale P.E (2003) Study Skills for geography students (2nd edition)
Mathews, H. & Foster , I. (1989) Geographical data: sources, presentation and analysis

Peak District lectures - 10 hrs
Peak District workshops - 20 hrs
Local Area lectures - 10 hours
Local Area workshops - 10 hours
Statistics lectures - 12 hrs
Statistics workshops - 24 hrs
Fieldwork - 26 hrs

This module is composed of three main elements:
1) The Peak District project component involves a weekend residential field trip and a series of weekly one hour lectures and two hour cartography workshops, which enable students to gain a critical appreciation of maps and mapping, map interpretation, basic cartographic techniques, computer cartography techniques, and poster design.
2) The local area project component involves a number of field work exercises in the local area around the University campus and a series of weekly one hour lectures and two hour workshops which will teach students basic skills in capturing, creating and analysing geospatial data.
3) Statistical methods will be delivered through a combination of a weekly one hour lecture and a two hour workshop, which will encourage student familiarity with the application of numerical data, and develop this through the use of computer based statistics software.

(a) Peak District Project Portfolio: The Peak District project element of the course will be assessed by a portfolio of work consisting of a poster assignment (20%) and a series of cartography workshop exercises (20%) (TOTAL: 40%) [Learning outcomes: 2,3,5,6]
(b) Local Area Project Report: The local area project element of the course will be assessed by a report (30%) (TOTAL: 30%) [Learning outcomes: 1,3,4,5,6]
(c) Statistics Portfolio: Statistics will be assessed by a portfolio of work consisting of workshop exercises (20%) and a one hour open-book class test (10%) (TOTAL: 30%) [Learning outcomes: 4]

Additional Assessment Details:
The Peak District project and local area project elements of the course use information and observations collected during field work.

Please note: Normally, to pass the module as well as achieving an overall Grade-Point 4, students much achieve at least a Grade-Point 2 in each of the assessed elements above.

Formative Assessment: To help with skills development many of the workshop exercises will be collected in at the end of workshop session and feedback provided the following week.

Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resources Centre, Internet, IT Suite and software packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, SPSS, Adobe In-Design and Adobe Illustrator. GIS software, GPS devices, and local air photographs. Digital cameras and video cameras.