2013/14 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG3600 Dissertation
40 creditsClass Size: 300
Module manager: Dr Tim Baker and Dr Nichola Wood
Email: t.r.baker@leeds.ac.uk; n.x.wood@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2013/14
This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
Students should achieve the following- develop a short research proposal
- undertake an independent piece of original research, analysis and writing
- present their research to a peer group
- learn to manage their own time and project to suit their needs and research programme
- successfully use techniques introduced in the programme in an applied manner
- demonstrate that they can produce a highly professional piece of work suitable for internal and external review.
Skills outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding
A1 The dynamic nature of geographical thought and practice and the inter-relationships between the discipline and the physical and natural sciences, the social sciences and humanities
A2 The diversity of global environments and the operation of, and inter-relationships between physical and biological systems over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales
A3 Patterns and processes of environmental change and their inter-relationships with human activities
A4 Spatial patterns and relationships in human phenomena at a variety of scales
A5 The geography of places and their constitution by environmental, economic, social and political processes, and the influence of places on these processes
A6 The geographies of difference and inequality with particular reference to historical development, ethnicity, class, gender and the changing nature of urban and regional economies and policy
A7 Contemporary debates about time-space relationships, globalization and global interconnections
A8 The role of changes in technology, the nature of work and labour markets in influencing spatial patterns of economic activity
A9 The theory and application of quantitative, visualisation and other spatial techniques across a wide range of geographical contexts
A10 The contribution of geography to development of environmental political, economic and cultural agendas, policies and practices
B Cognitive skills
B1 Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
B2 Assessment and critical evaluation of the merits of contrasting theories, explanations, policies
B3 Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text
B4 Developing reasoned arguments
B5 Solving problems and making reasoned decisions
C Practical/professional skills
C1 Plan, design, execute and report geographical research both individually and as part of a team
C2 Undertake effective laboratory and field work (with due regard for safety and risk assessment)
C3 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)
C4 Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of quantitative and qualitative geographical data
C5 Recognise the ethical issues involved in geographical debates and enquiries
D Key skills
D1 Learn in familiar and unfamiliar situations
D2 Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical presentations)
D3 Apply numerical and computational skills to geographical information
D4 Use information technology effectively (including use of spreadsheet, database and word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail)
D5 Identify, retrieve, sort and exchange geographical information using a wide range of sources
D6 Work as part of a team and to recognise and respect the viewpoints of others
D7 Manage time and organise work effectively
Syllabus
Topic to be chosen in consultation with staff and approved by the Dissertation Officers
In March/April students will be assigned to Dissertation Support Groups (DSGs about 10 students), each led by a member of staff or suitably qualified postdoctoral assistant with similar interests.
*denotes flexible week number e.g. students needing to complete summer fieldwork may enter DSGs that meet prior to the summer.
Full syllabus details are available in the module handbook, which can be found on the VLE.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Meetings | 8 | 1.00 | 8.00 |
| Lecture | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Tutorial | 4 | 0.50 | 2.00 |
| Private study hours | 388.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 12.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400.00 | ||
Private study
- 8 hours: peer group meeting- 4 hours: Revision Study
- 383 hours: Dissertation.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- Mentors can monitor their students' progress through individual meetings as well as within group meetings of the DSG.- The powerpoint poster and interim project report, as well as forming part of the assessment, is also a crucial part of monitoring the student's progress and allows students to receive feedback on their progress so far.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay or Dissertation | 10,000 words | 100.00 |
| Project | First interim report (1,500 words) | 0.00 |
| Project | Second interim report (1,500 words) | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Work for this module is set in Level 2 (Semester 2, week 17). Completion of the Reflective log (500 words) is pass to progress Completion of Health and Safety form is pass to progress Interim reports are pass to progress.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 06/02/2014
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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