This module will enable the development of subject specific practical, study and transferable skills appropriate to the intermediate level of the Geography awards. There are two strands to this module:

1. A practical workshop programme which provides you with training in different data collection / information gathering and analysis techniques. All students taking the module will undertake training in questionnaire design and analysis and in the use of geospatial technologies such as Geographic Information Systems. Depending on your award you will either be provided with training in techniques appropriate for the investigation of the human / social environment such as qualitative methods and historical data analysis, or with training in soil / sediment / water quality analysis / slope surveying and general laboratory skills appropriate for the investigation of physical processes.
2. Residential fieldwork designed to provide you with: (i) further training in research project design, planning, execution, information analysis and presentation; (ii) opportunities to develop further your ability to observe geographical and environmental processes and phenomena and 'read' landscapes; and (iii) the opportunity to conduct regional / case study approaches, applying 'classroom' concepts to complex, 'real-world' situations.

(1) Practical Techniques Portfolio (0%): The Practical Techniques element of the module will be assessed by a portfolio which must contain a set of completed workshop activities for each of the three workshop blocks. These will be marked for satisfactory completeness. This is a zero weighted component but must be passed in order to pass the module [Learning Outcome 1]
(2) A fieldwork portfolio (100%) containing; an interim literature review that demonstrates adequate desk-based research in preparation for the student-led project [Learning outcomes 2,3,5] (30%); an individual field research paper (2000 words equivalent) reporting on the student-led project [Learning outcomes 1 - 5] (70%).

Formative Assessment: during the techniques and skills workshops opportunities will be provide for you to receive formative feedback on the activities that you are required to complete. During the main fieldwork activity formative assessment consisting of evening report back and discussion sessions on each days fieldwork. Feedback from these sessions will inform the individual research paper. You will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on plans for your literature review and field research paper.

The module will be delivered through a combination of:

(a) A practical programme consisting of 18 two hour workshop sessions (36 hours). The workshop sessions would normally include a context setting component, primary data collection and/or secondary data retrieval, data analysis and presentation. Attendance is compulsory.
(b) 6 days of residential fieldwork in Teaching Block 1 (48 hours)
(c) a set of classes designed to provide context and enable students to prepare for and follow-up the field work activities (16 hours).
(d) Independent individual and group study to prepare for and follow up tutorial and workshop activities, complete directed learning activities made available through the supporting VLE, plan field research projects and complete the required coursework.

Clifford, N. et al. (2016) Key Methods in Geography (3rd edition). Sage Publications.
Flowerdew, R & D Martin (2005) Methods in human geography: a guide for students doing a research project. 2nd edition
France, D. et al. (2015) Enhancing Fieldwork Learning Using Mobile Technologies,. Springer
Gomez, B. & Jones, J. P. (2010) Research Methods in Geography. Wiley-Blackwell
Goudie, A (1990) Geomorphological techniques
Hay, I. (2016) Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography. Open University Press
Kneale, P. (2011) Study Skills for Geography, Earth & Environmental Science Students. Hodder Education
Phillips, R. & Johns, J. (2012) Fieldwork for Human Geography. Sage
Robson, C.& McCarton, K. (2016) Real World Research (4th Edition) John Wiley & Sons

PLUS Specific regional / area and subject matter texts for the fieldwork component.

GIS software, laboratories appropriate to a range of analytical methods, maps, aerial photographs and field equipment appropriate to the field locations and topics to be explored during the field work elements of the module. Access to appropriate mobile devices for use in the field.

None.

1. UNDERSTAND AND UTILISE EFFECTIVELY A NUMBER OF KEY PRACTICAL AND FIELD SKILLS / TECHNIQUES FOR THE COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF GEOGRAPHCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DATA / INFORMATION
Application; Knowledge & Understanding Analysis; Enquiry

2. APPLY ABSTRACT KNOWLEDGE (FROM THE CLASS-ROOM AND ACADEMIC LITERATURE) TO REAL WORLD GEOGRAPHICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
Application; knowledge & understanding

3. DEMONSTRATE EFFECTIVE USE OF LIBRARY AND IT RESOURCES TO SEARCH FOR INFORMATION AND LITERATURE WHICH IS RELEVANT TO YOUR COURSEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Application; Enquiry

4. WORK EFFECTIVELY WITHIN A 'TEAM' TO FORMULATE, DESIGN, EXECUTE AND PRESENT A STUDENT-LED GROUP PROJECT
Problem solving; learning; reflection

5. PRESENT AND DISCUSS / DEBATE IDEAS IN BOTH ORAL AND WRITTEN FORMATS.
Communication; reflection