The module will combine a period of fieldwork of between 5 to 7 days in length (a nominal allocation of 55 hours) with a series of staff-led preparatory and follow-up sessions (20 hours). The remaining 75 hours will be used for independent individual / group work to research, design and write-up coursework assessments. This will lead to a critical understanding of the process of research design, preparation and execution in the field. Collation and analysis of the data gathered in the field will lead to the production of research project reports, papers and seminars.

The object of the module is to develop undergraduate field investigations of specialised geographical themes in the context of specific locations. Field locations will be used that lend themselves to the exploration of a number of geographical themes. Examples of such themes include environmental issues, urban/community regeneration, economic and social planning, recreation and tourism, pure and applied geomorphology. Whilst the geographical setting and therefore, themes may vary between different field class locations all will be focused on student centred learning with students contributing to the development and execution of small group research investigations / projects. The introduction and exploration of themes will be a product of interactive discussion between students and tutors.

A 1250 - 1500 word essay (30%) [learning outcomes 1, 4]

A portfolio of work (70%) [learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Additional Assessment Details:

Students are required to complete and submit the essay before the field course itself, as the process of researching and writing the essay, based on the analysis of secondary sources, enables them to develop an understanding of a range of geographical and environmental issues in the field location.

The portfolio will normally include items such as a field note-book, an individual fieldwork report; a group presentation (20 minutes)


Formative Assessment: There will be various opportunities for ongoing formative feedback during discussions in the preparatory and follow-up session and in the field, allowing students to self evaluate their understanding of module materials. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their essay and report plans.

None

Bell, J. 1993 Doing Your Research Project. Open University Press, Buckingham
Clifford, N. & Valentine, G. (2003) Key Methods in Geography. Sage, London
Goudie, A. 1990. (ed) Geomorphological Techniques. Unwin Hyman, London
Flowerdew, R. & Martin, D. (2005) Methods in Human Geography 2nd edition. Pearson, London.
Parsons, A. & Knight, P. (2005) How to Do Your Dissertation Project in Geography and Related Disciplines. 2nd edition Chapman and Hall, London.
Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research. Blackwell, Oxford.
Journals and texts specific to the field location and the specialised themes investigated in the field.

University library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre, laboratories appropriate to a range of analytical methods, maps, aerial photographs and field equipment appropriate to the field location and themes to be explored on the field course. Clothing and equipment appropriate to one of a variety of locations including upland areas, coastal environments and large European conurbations. Blackboard.