The module aims to deliver key skills to Level 4 students associated with information and digital literacy, as well as the gathering, analysing, interpreting and presenting of geographical information and data. The range of skills to be delivered in the module include:

• Gathering geographical data in the field using a of variety of observational techniques (e.g. video, photography, sketching) and mobile devices (e.g. tablets, GPS);
• Map interpretation at and production;
• Analysis and interpretation of geospatial data including aerial photographs, GIS, visualisation and on-line mapping software and applications;
• Desk-top publishing and poster production;
• Development of library and literature searching skills such as using the Internet and the on-line to find geographical information;
• Awareness and computer applications for the presentation, manipulation and analysis of numerical information, e.g. descriptive statistics (central tendency and dispersion), inferential statistics (hypothesis testing and correlation) and spatial statistics (analysis of points, lines and areas);
• Learning to learn skills such as effective note-taking, active and critical reading, essay and report writing skills, time management, developing reflective and life-long learning skills;
• Working effectively as part of a group;
• Writing effective reports and presenting geographical data.

(a) Peak District Project Portfolio: The Peak District project element of the course will be assessed by a portfolio of work consisting of a group poster assignment (20%) and a series of cartography workshop exercises (10%) (TOTAL: 30%) [Learning outcomes: 1,3,4, 5,6]

(b) Local Area Project Report: The local area project element of the course will be assessed by an individual 1500 word report (30%) (TOTAL: 30%) [Learning outcomes: 1,3,4,5,6]

(c) Data Manipulation Portfolio consisting of a series of workshop exercises (20%) [Learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3]

(d) Tutorial Portfolio: a series of weekly exercises; a 1500 word tutorial essay (10%) and a 1000 word reflection on skills and professional development (10%). Completeness of the tutorial activities will be used to moderate the portfolio grade (TOTAL: 20%) [Learning outcome 6] – final assessment

Additional Assessment Details:
Both the poster assignment and the local are project report involve field work and student group work. The Peak District poster assignment draws on information collected during tutor-led group field activities in Teaching Block 1 and will involve the production of a group poster. The local area project element of the module uses information and observations collected on local student-led group field work during Teaching Block 2 to produce individual reports.

Peak District lectures – 10 x 1 hrs in Teaching Block 1
Peak District cartography and desk-top publishing workshops – 10 x 2 hrs in Teaching Block 1
Local Area lectures – 10 x 1 hours in Teaching Block 2 in Teaching Block 2
Local Area workshops - 5 x 2 hours in Teaching Block 2
Data manipulation lectures – 10 x1 hrs in Teaching Block 2
Data manipulation workshops – 10 x 2 hrs in Teaching Block 2
Fieldwork - 20 hrs (2.5 day residential field course in Teaching Block 1)
Tutorials – 20 x 1 hours across both teaching blocks

This module is composed of four 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 one hour lectures and two hour workshops which will teach students basic skills in capturing, creating and analysing geospatial data;

3. Data manipulation 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 manipulation, presentation and analysis of numerical data through the use of appropriate software;

4. A weekly tutorial programme that is designed to both introduce key learning to learn skills and provide students with the opportunity to explore and discuss contemporary geographical and environmental issues.

Clifford, N. & Valentine, G. (2010) Key Methods in Geography (2nd edition) Sage

Cottrell, S. (2013) The Study Skills handbook (4th edition) Palgrave

Cottrell, S. (2015) Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook (3rd Edition) Palgrave

Cottrell, S. & Morris, N. (2012) Study Skills Connected – Using Technology to Support Your Learning. Palgrave

Flowerdew, R. & Martin, D. (2005) Methods in Human Geography (2nd edition) Routledge

Godfrey, J. (2013) How to use your reading in your essays. (2nd edition) Palgrave.

Kneale P.E (2011) Study Skills for geography, earth and environmental science students (3rd edition) Routledge

Mathews, H. & Foster, I. (1989) Geographical data: sources, presentation and analysis. OUP

Middleton, N. (2013) The Global Casino: an introduction to environmental issues (5th edition) Routledge

None.

None.

1. ANALYSE AND INTERPRET GEOSPATIAL DATA AND INFORMATION AND PRODUCE AND INTERPRET MAPS AND DIAGRAMS TO A SATISFACTORY STANDARD
(Analysis; Enquiry; Knowledge & Understanding)

2. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDRESTANDING OF THE UTILITY OF STATISTICAL METHODS TO ANALYSE SPATIAL PATTERNS AND A BASIC COMPETENCE IN THE PRESENTATION, STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL DATA
(Analysis; Enquiry; Knowledge & Understanding)

3. OPERATE VARIOUS SOFTWARE PACKAGES AND UTILIZE THESE IN THE MANIPULATION AND PRESENTATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL DATA AND INFORMATION
(Analysis; Enquiry; Communication)

4. DEMONSTRATE COMPETENCE IN GROUP BASED LEARNING ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE CLASSROOM AND THE FIELD
(Learning; Reflection)

5. DEMONSTRATE COMPETENCIES IN BASIC OBSERVATIONAL FIELD SKILLS
(Application; Enquiry; Problem Solving)

6. COMMUNICATE IDEAS EFFECTIVELY IN A VARIETY OF FORMATS
(Communication; Application)