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University Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre, Internet & Email facilities, Sciences IT facilities, Physical Geography laboratory and specialist physical geography equipment, appropriate secondary data sets. Blackboard.

A variety of subject matter literature (texts, journals and www resources) specific to the practical techniques and tutorial discussions will be needed but the following general texts are useful:

Clifford, N. & Valentine, G. (2003) Key Methods in Geography. Sage Publications.
Cottrell, S. (2003) Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook. Palgrave Macmillan.
Flowerdew R & D Martin (2005) Methods in human geography a guide for students doing a research project. 2nd edition Pearson.
Goudie, A. et.al. (1990) Geomorphological Techniques. Unwin.
Hay, I. (2006) Communicating in geography and the environmental sciences. 2nd edition OUP.
Holloway, S. et al. (2003) Key Concepts in Geography Sage Publications.
Kneale P.E (2003) Study Skills for geography students (2nd edition) Arnold.
Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research. Blackwell.

1. A workshop portfolio containing a 1750 - 2000 word report on the specific geography problem that the student was required to investigate and a series of practical worksheets. Completeness of the series of practical worksheets will be used to moderate the report grade (60%) [Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3].
2. A tutorial folder containing a 1250 - 1500 word essay discussing an appropriate geography topic / issue and a series of personal development planning exercises, the completeness of which will be used to moderate the essay grade (40%) [Learning outcomes 4, 5].

Additional Assessment Details:
During the workshop programme students will be assigned a geography problem to investigate. They will work in groups to formulate research questions, devise an appropriate strategy for the investigation of the problem and to conduct their investigation. However they will be required to produce an individual report.

Formative Assessment:
During the formulation of their research questions and execution of their investigation students will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas with an appropriate tutor. Groups will present the key findings from their investigation orally prior to submission of the report, enabling students to discuss their ideas with both their peers and tutors. Feedback from this discussion can be incorporated into the report. Students will also have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on the plan for their tutorial essay.

This module will enable the development of subject specific, study and transferable skills appropriate to the intermediate level of the BA and BSc single honours awards in Geography. It contains two main elements:
1. A practical workshop programme which provides training in different data collection and analysis techniques, e.g. qualitative methods and historical data analysis for BA students and soil / sediment / water quality analysis and general laboratory skills appropriate for the investigation of physical geography phenomena for BSc students. This programme will also introduce students to the formulation of research questions and how to design and implement appropriate research strategies for the investigation of geography problems.
2. a tutorial programme which will provide discussion of geography subject matter related to the student's award and option modules and intermediate study / transferable / personal development planning skills e.g. essay / report writing, time management, advanced library skills, critical reading of articles etc.

THESE LEARNING STRATEGIES WILL OCCUPY YOUR TIME
(a) the practical programme will consist of 12 two hour workshop sessions in semester 1. The workshop sessions would normally include a lecture context component, primary data collection, secondary data retrieval, data analysis and presentation. Attendance is compulsory.
(b) The tutorial programme will consist of 10 x 1 hour sessions which will run throughout semester 1. Usually small exercises will be set each session for completion and discussion in the following session. Attendance is compulsory.
(c) Independent learning to prepare and present work for the tutorials and practicals and to complete the group-designed practical investigation.