2013/14 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG2095 Skills for Physical Geographers
40 creditsClass Size: 100
Module manager: Prof Andy Baird
Email: a.j.baird@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2013/14
Pre-requisites
| GEOG1070 | Physical Geography Tutorial |
| GEOG1075 | Data Analysis Skills for Physical Geography |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
High levels of literacy (critical writing skills), numeracy (statistics and modelling), and applied graphicacy (graphing and mapping of data) are the hallmark of a good geography graduate from a world top 50 university. In addition, competency in research design, fieldwork, data collection, and specialist geographical analysis such as GIS and remote sensing, are expected of a geography graduate. This module aims to ensure all our graduates have these skills and that they know how and where/when to apply them in a variety of real-world situations.Objectives
On completion of this module, students will have gained:i. A detailed knowledge and understanding of how to design and implement research projects in physical geography.
ii. A good level of literacy (critical writing skills), numeracy (statistics and modelling), and applied graphicacy (graphing and mapping of data).
iii. Detailed knowledge and understanding of the practical use and application of IT (statistical, GIS and remote sensing packages) in physical geography.
iv. Practical field skills of observation, measurement, and data collection in physical geography.
Learning outcomes
Students successfully completing the module will be able to design and implement their own research project (e.g., dissertation) utilising a broad range of skills from GIS and remote sensing through to field data collection and analysis (statistics). Students will be able to analyse complex datasets and communicate their results effectively using maps, images, graphs and statistics.
Skills outcomes
GIS, remote sensing, statistics, and computer modelling,
Research design and data collection skills including fieldwork.
Issues of accuracy, precision, and calibration when assessing data quality.
Study and communication skills.
Syllabus
The module will consist of four integrated strands:
S1. GIS (ArcGIS) and remote sensing (Erdas Imagine) together with wider numeracy skills.
S2. Statistics (R) and numerical modelling skills (R).
S3. Tutorials supporting the other strands and leading on to dissertation design.
S4. Small research project. The project will be based on two days of field work and will build on some of the skills learnt in the other strands. Students will work in small groups, with each group responsible for posing and addressing one or more research questions, the latter through the collection and analysis of field data. Write-ups will be done by individual students. As well as field work, this strand will involve one preparatory lecture and one pre- and two post-field whole-group sessions.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Induction Session | 10 | 0.50 | 5.00 |
| Fieldwork | 2 | 8.00 | 16.00 |
| Group learning | 3 | 2.00 | 6.00 |
| Lecture | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
| Practical | 17 | 2.00 | 34.00 |
| Seminar | 2 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
| Tutorial | 12 | 1.00 | 12.00 |
| Private study hours | 305.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 95.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400.00 | ||
Private study
The lectures will include follow-on reading material that students will be expected to complete in preparation for subsequent lectures and practical classes. Reading of research papers, and preparation of reviews and presentations will be required for the tutorials. Much of the module is based around practical application of skills. In addition to timetabled practical classes, students will be expected to complete class work and prepare for subsequent practical classes in private study time.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored via tutorial and practical class performance. Fieldwork provides an opportunity to observe students working together in, for many, unfamiliar surroundings.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 1 x 1500 words | 15.00 |
| Written Work | Statistics worksheet (~1500 words) | 15.00 |
| Research Proposal | Dissertation proposal (1500 words) | 15.00 |
| Report | Individual field report (3000 words) | 25.00 |
| Written Work | GIS worksheet (~1500 words) | 15.00 |
| Written Work | RS worksheet (~1500 words) | 15.00 |
| Presentation | Group presentation on field project proposal (pass to progress) | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Re-sit information: If students do not attend the practical/computer exercises they will be set an essay by way of re-sit. If they do attend, but fail or do not submit the coursework, they will be allowed to re-sit (the practical/computer exercises). The same rationale applies to the field study report.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 07/02/2018
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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