Module Descriptors
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH PLANNING
GEOG50231
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Fiona Tweed
Email: F.S.Tweed@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 16
Independent Study Hours: 134
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- COURSEWORK -ESSAY weighted at 45%
- PRESENTATION - INDIVIDUAL weighted at 15%
- PROJECT PROPOSAL weighted at 40%
Module Details
Module Resources
University Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre, Internet & Email facilities. Blackboard.
Module Texts
Flowerdew, R & D Martin (2005) Methods in human geography: a guide for students doing a research project 2nd edition.
Parsons, T & P Knight (2005) How to do your dissertation in geography and related disciplines 2nd edition.
Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research.
Rogers, A et al (1992 -Eds) The student's companion to geography.
Watts, S & L Halliwell (1996) Essential environmental science: methods & techniques.
Parsons, T & P Knight (2005) How to do your dissertation in geography and related disciplines 2nd edition.
Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research.
Rogers, A et al (1992 -Eds) The student's companion to geography.
Watts, S & L Halliwell (1996) Essential environmental science: methods & techniques.
Module Learning Strategies
The module will be delivered by a combination of:
(a) resource based learning providing material on generic project design and planning with links to further information sources including CAL software and secondary data sources,
(b) 10 weekly 1 hour supervisory sessions mainly in the form of group tutorials consisting of a supervisor and his / her students. The tutorial discussion will be based around specific tasks, e.g. constructing relevance trees, critically evaluating past dissertations, research question formulation, finding appropriate data sources etc. which will be outlined on the electronic learning materials and prepared in advance for each session. The tutorials allow discussion of common queries regarding project design, cross-fertilisation of ideas and peer learning. The supervisory sessions will also be used to deliver communication skills plus general skills such as career planning, revision and examination techniques.
(c) Six 1 hour lectures will also introduce environmental research philosophies and approaches
(d) directed activity and independent learning.
(a) resource based learning providing material on generic project design and planning with links to further information sources including CAL software and secondary data sources,
(b) 10 weekly 1 hour supervisory sessions mainly in the form of group tutorials consisting of a supervisor and his / her students. The tutorial discussion will be based around specific tasks, e.g. constructing relevance trees, critically evaluating past dissertations, research question formulation, finding appropriate data sources etc. which will be outlined on the electronic learning materials and prepared in advance for each session. The tutorials allow discussion of common queries regarding project design, cross-fertilisation of ideas and peer learning. The supervisory sessions will also be used to deliver communication skills plus general skills such as career planning, revision and examination techniques.
(c) Six 1 hour lectures will also introduce environmental research philosophies and approaches
(d) directed activity and independent learning.
Module Additional Assessment Details
(a) A 2250-2500 word extended essay (45%) [1, 2, 3, 6],
(b) A 20 minute presentation of project's academic context, location setting and research aims (15%) [1, 2, 3, 4, 5],
(c) Project plan pro forma (40%) [1, 3, 4].
Additional Assessment Details:
Formative Assessment: the weekly supervisory sessions will provide regular opportunities for students to receive formative feedback on the activities that they are required to complete and on their research ideas. This will include opportunities for students to receive feedback on essay plans and draft versions of the project plan pro forma. General skills such as career planning, revision and examination techniques will be delivered and formatively assessed via the supervisory sessions.
(b) A 20 minute presentation of project's academic context, location setting and research aims (15%) [1, 2, 3, 4, 5],
(c) Project plan pro forma (40%) [1, 3, 4].
Additional Assessment Details:
Formative Assessment: the weekly supervisory sessions will provide regular opportunities for students to receive formative feedback on the activities that they are required to complete and on their research ideas. This will include opportunities for students to receive feedback on essay plans and draft versions of the project plan pro forma. General skills such as career planning, revision and examination techniques will be delivered and formatively assessed via the supervisory sessions.
Module Indicative Content
Primarily this module aims to take students through the various stages of project design in preparation for the 30 credit module Environmental project that has to be undertaken during Honours Level (Level 3). It includes: literature searching, relevance trees, bibliographic sources, research question formulation and research approaches (naturalistic and anti-naturalistic), data types (qualitative / quantitative, primary / secondary), reliability, analysis and sampling design, logistical planning and safety AND ethical issues.