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2012/13 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG2065 Research Methods with Career Skills
40 creditsClass Size: 150
Module manager: Dr Robert Vanderbeck
Email: r.vanderbeck@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2012/13
Module replaces
Geog 2240, Geog 2130, Geog 2230 and Geog 2960This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
This module strives to provide students with:- knowledge of the respective strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to conducting research in human geography and the social sciences
- an awareness of key principles in research in human geography focused around three core methodological strands: 1) social data analysis; 2) GIS and spatial analysis; and 3) qualitative research methods.
- confidence in putting methods of data collection and analysis into practice, related to the three strands above.
- skills for writing up geographical research effectively
- awareness of how the diverse skills possessed by geographers can be most effectively presented to employers
- enhanced understanding of the range of employment and other opportunities available to geographers, and how geographical skills can be used effectively in a diversity of workplaces.
Learning outcomes
STRAND 1: SOCIAL DATA ANALYSIS
- a solid grounding in the statistical analysis of geographical data that students might collect or encounter during geographical enquiry;
- a clear understanding of different types of numerical data and appropriate statistical techniques for their analysis;
- skills to produce and interpret appropriate graphical outputs, statistical summaries and models for geographical data;
- confidence in working with numbers in geographical enquiry
STRAND 2: GIS and SPATIAL ANALYSIS
- a solid grounding in geographical information systems and spatial analysis concepts;
- a clear understanding of different types of geographic and attribute data (and their sources);
- a clear understanding of functions of GIS and of techniques for spatial analysis;
- skills to produce and interpret appropriate graphic and cartographic outputs, statistical summaries and models for geographical data;
- confidence in using GIS and spatial analysis in geographical enquiry/dissertation work.
STRAND 3: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS
- understanding of principles of qualitative research design;
- awareness of principles of data collection related to interview methods and participant observation;
- knowledge of techniques of strategies for analysing qualitative data;
- sensitivity to the particular ethical issues that can arise in qualitative research;
- awareness of a diversity of qualitative approaches
STRAND 4: CAREER SKILLS
- knowledge of the range of skills possessed by graduate geographers;
- awareness of how these skills relate to a range of workplaces and other activities
Skills outcomes
Cognitive skills
Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text
Solving problems and making reasoned decisions
Practical/professional skills
Plan, design, execute and report geographical research both individually and as part of a team
Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of quantitative and qualitative geographical data
Employ a variety of technical and laboratory-based methods for the analysis and presentation of spatial and environmental information (e.g. GIS, water chemistry, etc)
Recognise the ethical issues involved in geographical debates and enquiries
Key skills
Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical presentations)
Apply numerical and computational skills to geographical information
Use information technology effectively (including use of spreadsheet, database and word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail)
Identify, retrieve, sort and exchange geographical information using a wide range of sources
Syllabus
The module is divided into four strands: 1) Social Data Analysis; 2) GIS and Spatial Analysis; 3) Qualitative Research Methods; and 4) Career Skills).
STRAND 1: SOCIAL DATA ANALYSIS
This strand will consist of 10 lectures and 5 practicals focusing on the nature of numerical data; methods of representing quantitative data; principles of sampling; survey design; and statistical analysis.
STRAND 2: GIS and SPATIAL ANALYSIS
This strand will consist of 10 lectures and 5 practicals focusing on issues including geographic and attribute data; data linkage, storage and thematic mapping; geocoding, overlay and buffering; scale issues: modifiable areal unit problem; spatial diversity and concentration; inconsistency; origin-destination data sources and measures; visualisation: cartograms and flow mapping; area aggregation and classification; and modelling for spatial analysis.
STRAND 3: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS
This strand will consist of 10 lectures, 5 practicals, and 5 seminars focusing on issues including: the rationales for using qualitative methods; principles of research design (such as site selection and sampling); research ethics; andtechniques of data collection and analysis.
STRAND 4: CAREER SKILLS
This strand will consist of 12 lectures, 4 tutorials, and 4 workshops. The strand will address employment and career skills (CVs, interviews etc); career paths and opportunities within a range of organisations. Some sessions will include visits from external partners.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Workshop | 4 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
| Lecture | 42 | 1.00 | 42.00 |
| Practical | 5 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| Practical | 10 | 2.00 | 20.00 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| Tutorial | 4 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
| Private study hours | 320.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 80.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400.00 | ||
Private study
320 private study hours (a combination of independent reading; completion of assessment tasks – including independent group work for Strand 3 qualitative project -; and exam revision)Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Assessment is distributed between semesters 1 and 2, so there will be multiple points during the term when students will receive feedback on practical work and other assessments prior to the exam.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Report | Strand 4: 1 x Workplace Geography report (1500 words) | 10.00 |
| Group Project | Strand 3: 1 x Qualitative Methods group project (3500 words) | 15.00 |
| Oral Presentation | Strand 4: Group Presentation | 5.00 |
| Practical | Strand 1: 5 x Data Analysis Practicals | 15.00 |
| Practical | Strand 2: 5 x GIS Practicals | 15.00 |
| Written Work | Strand 4: 1 x Mock Job application task | 5.00 |
| In-course Assessment | Mock Interviews | 5.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 70.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 30.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 14/02/2013
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