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2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG3064 Field Research Project
20 creditsClass Size: 100
Module manager: Mark Smith
Email: M.W.Smith@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
Module replaces
L3 New Zealand and Costa Rica field tripsL3 Athens, Buenos Aires and Miami field tripsThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
The field course will normally run at one or more UK or European locations. At the start of the module, students will receive a briefing and introduction lecture. They will produce a brief research proposal (1000 words), in accordance with staff guidance on project possibilities, including a budget and a full risk assessment. Their project will be finalised following feedback from staff. The field course is expected to take place over the Easter vacation period. There will be some staff-led sessions to familiarise students with the local environment before students undertake their independent projects. Students will collect field data in groups but will be individually responsible for processing, interpreting and presenting those data themselves. Many different aspects of both past and contemporary geographical phenomena can be investigated and staff will provide advice about topical and relevant research possibilities. Students will be required to produce a 3,000 word research report. Students will be encouraged to consider the sustainability challenges in the environment studied and in carrying out their research.Objectives
ObjectivesTo enable students to:
1. critically evaluate and synthesise relevant geography literature;
2. critically evaluate research methods and results;
3. write a concise research proposal that aims to effectively contribute to the literature through field data collection and analyses;
4. design and undertake field data collection in an intellectually challenging field environment;
5. practically test and apply contemporary skills and theories in human or physical geography;
6. increase understanding through active participation;
7. present scientific results in a professionally competent manner
Learning outcomes
1. Competence in design, planning and execution of independent research projects;
2. Appreciation of the challenges involved in performing scientific research in a field environment;
3. Understanding of sustainability challenges in the environment studied and in carrying out field research.
Skills outcomes
Technical field skills (may include basic tree and biomass measurements, biodiversity estimates, soil sampling, and river and erosion dynamics)
Technical computing skills, associated with data analysis and presentation
Skills associated with planning field data collection and writing scientific reports
Syllabus
The module will be taught as follows:
1. Introductory and briefing lectures;
2. Research proposal preparations;
3. Field course;
4. Research report writing and presentation.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Fieldwork | 40 | 1.00 | 40.00 |
| Lecture | 2 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
| Seminar | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Tutorial | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Private study hours | 156.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 44.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- Feedback on research proposal (categorised as tutorials above)- Feedback in the field, and small group discussions
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 1000 words research proposal | 20.00 |
| Report | 3000 word report in the style of an academic journal paper | 80.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 26/05/2023
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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