2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG3630 Human Geography Dissertation (Quantitative Methods)

40 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Dr Luke Burns
Email: l.p.burns@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

This module is only open to students enrolled on the BA Geography with Quantitative Methods (QStep) programme.

Pre-requisites

GEOG2000	Research Approaches in Human Geography
GEOG2150	Social and Spatial Data Analysis with GIS

This module is mutually exclusive with

GEOG3615

Human Geography Dissertation

Module replaces

N/a

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module runs in parallel to GEOG3615: Human Geography Dissertation and is exclusively for students registered on the BA Geography with Quantitative Methods (QStep) programme.This module provides the opportunity for students to undertake an independent research project under the guidance of an academic mentor. The work will be underpinned by quantitative methods and typically involve applying methods explored earlier in the programme to a topic area of choice.As part of this module, students will also receive guidance on: Seeking employment in a data/numerate role, how to join relevant learned societies and professional bodies and general support in the next phase of their development as quantitative social scientists.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- develop a research proposal
- undertake an independent piece of original research, analysis and writing with a firm focus on the use and application of quantitative methods
- present their research to a peer group
- learn to manage their own time and project to suit their needs and research programme
- successfully use quantitative techniques introduced in their programme in an applied manner
- demonstrate that they can produce a highly professional piece of quantitative research

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students will have successfully planned, implemented and written up an individual research project.

They will develop a broad range of skills during the module including general communication, writing and project management skills.

Students will also further develop their subject-specific and methodological skills (including quantitative approaches and data handling/analysis skills).

Skills outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding
A1 The dynamic nature of geographical thought and practice and the inter-relationships between the discipline and the social sciences and humanities
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 methods for the analysis and presentation of spatial and environmental information (e.g. GIS 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

A dissertation topic is chosen in consultation with an academic mentor.

Semester 1 is focused on dissertation design and project planning.

Semester 2 is focused on data collection and analysis.

A series of taught sessions support students to make progress with the research project.

Full syllabus details are available in the module handbook, which can be found in Minerva.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	4	1.00	4.00
Supervision Meetings	6	1.00	6.00
Lecture	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			385.00
Total Contact hours			15.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			400.00

Private study

The Human Geography Dissertation (Quantitative Methods) is designed to be the culmination in the student's experience. It is an independent piece of work devised and carried out by the student. To support this, students have an academic member of staff assigned as a mentor with whom they meet. More importantly, however, they are placed into small peer dissertation support groups which are encouraged to meet regularly to discuss their problems and ideas. Developing ideas for the dissertation begins in Level 2, Semester 2 as part of GEOG2000 Research Approaches in Human Geography.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The First Interim Report in the early stages of the dissertation at Level 3 allows students to obtain feedback on their progress and also encourages students to think deeply about their project. The Second Interim Report allows students to receive feedback at a later stage when their analysis is underway. The final dissertation forms the central assessment and is a chance for the students to showcase their individual understanding and apply quantitative data analysis skills to a topic of their choosing.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation	Dissertation report	100.00
Report	First Interim Report - Pass for progression	0.00
Report	Second Interim Report	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Completion of Health and Safety Risk Assessment form is pass to progress

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:56:06

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