One 7500-9000 word project document [1, 2, 3] (100%)

Formative Assessment:
One 15-minute presentation on project progress, scheduled in the middle of semester 1. This provides students with the opportunity to discuss their research ideas and progress with both their peers and academic supervisors. Students will be required to give a presentation at an appropriate point and this will be used to formatively assess their progress. Students also have the opportunity to submit chapter plans and drafts to their supervisor for feedback.

The student will primarily be engaged in independent learning involving planning data collection (including fieldwork), analysis and presentation. Support will be given by staff in two forms (i) general sessions (6 hours) for the whole group which provide information on time management, data analysis, literature searching, report format and assessment criteria (ii) one-to-one supervisor sessions (a minimum of 3 meetings per semester; a maximum of 6) for specific project guidance (up to 12 hours).

The module is designed for students to produce original investigative research in geography. The project identifies an issue which can be examined through fieldwork and/or by library/archival investigation. Students are encouraged to do fieldwork or gather other information, as appropriate, during the summer vacation prior to Level Three. An academic supervisor is allocated to each student to provide guidance on the project.

These will vary according to the nature of the project, but will commonly include:
University Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre, IT, Internet & email facilities, access to GIS and other software, access to laboratories and laboratory equipment, and access to field equipment.

Clifford, N. & Valentine, G. (2003) Key Methods in Geography. Sage Publications.
Flowerdew R & D Martin (2005) Methods in human geography a guide for students doing a research project. 2nd edition Pearson.
Hay, I. (2006) Communicating in geography and the environmental sciences. 2nd edition OUP.
Montello, D. & Sutton, P. (2006) An Introduction to Scientific Research Methods in Geography. Sage.
Parsons, T & Knight, P.G. (2005) How to do your dissertation in Geography and other related disciplines (2nd Edition). Chapman & Hall.
Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research. Blackwell.
Rogers, A., Viles, H. & Goudie, A. (2002) The students' companion to geography. 2nd edition Blackwell.

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