Module Descriptors
PROJECT PREPARATION AND PLANNING
GEOG50387
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Robert Boast
Email: R.Boast@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 20
Independent Study Hours: 130
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.
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 through a blended learning. Part of a two week summer school of 20 hours followed by an on-line VLE (Blackboard) support for learning and assessment over the summer 'semester'.
Formative learning will be delivered in a series of 5 ACTIVITIES over 10 weeks during the summer.
On-line distance learning will be supported by discussion boards and / or e-mail supervisory surgeries that will be incorporated into the activity hours.
Formative learning will be delivered in a series of 5 ACTIVITIES over 10 weeks during the summer.
On-line distance learning will be supported by discussion boards and / or e-mail supervisory surgeries that will be incorporated into the activity hours.
Module Additional Assessment Details
(a) A 2250-2500 word extended essay (45%) and 20 minute presentation of project's academic context, location setting and research aims (15%) [1, 2, 3, 5, 6],
(b) Project plan pro forma (40%) [1, 4].
Formative Assessment: there will be opportunities for students to receive formative feedback on the activities that they complete during the summer period via the use of discussion boards and email. This will include opportunities for students to receive feedback on essay plans and draft versions of the project plan pro forma.
(b) Project plan pro forma (40%) [1, 4].
Formative Assessment: there will be opportunities for students to receive formative feedback on the activities that they complete during the summer period via the use of discussion boards and email. This will include opportunities for students to receive feedback on essay plans and draft versions of the project plan pro forma.
Module Indicative Content
Primarily this module aims to take students through the various stages of project design in preparation for the triple module project or, work place project. 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 issues. The module also further develops key transferable skills, such as oral communication, and personal development planning, including career planning.