Research Design in Physical Geography

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

This module provides you with an advanced understanding of the requirements for undertaking a research project. Accordingly, it is designed to prepare you for undertaking research within and beyond the university context and seeks to equip you with key employability attributes for professional careers. In so doing, the module will explore the ways in which physical geographers design and undertake research projects, examining the key attributes of high quality and rigorous research. Specifically, this module prepares you for your forthcoming dissertation research. The module will be taught using both lecture-based classes and tutorials and is one of the compulsory modules you study as part of a BSc Geography degree, as well as being compulsory for FCH students wishing to undertake a physical geography field trip and / or dissertation.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide you with an advanced and critically engaged understanding of how physical geographers design and implement research projects. The module has the following objectives:

• To provide you with an understanding of the ontological and epistemological basis of research design;
• To examine the different ways in which ‘research’ is defined and applied across a range of academic and non-academic contexts;
• To consider the role of key actors in the research process and the ethical implications of different research practices;
• To outline key research design approaches, drawing on different traditions in the physical sciences;
• To explore the practical components of undertaking research projects;
• To evaluate different forms of research design and their likely impacts and outcomes.

The module develops a range of skills of value in employment, particularly around understanding and taking part in the process of planning, creating, developing and communicating research design which includes developing understanding of skills and methods required as well as logistical management, health and safety and ethical awareness. The module encourages the development of creative and imaginative problem-solving skills and specific parts of the module focus on employability in relation to research skills and the dissertation.

The module is informed by research expertise both in and beyond Geography at Exeter and literature on designing effective research in Physical Geography.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Discuss the diversity of approaches employed in research design within physical geography, in a range of contexts
• 2. Explain the relevance and significance of different forms of geographic knowledge to research design and implementation

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Evaluate the issues involved in research design and its application in the context of physical geography
• 4. Describe a number of specialised techniques and approaches involved in collecting, analysing and presenting geographical information
• 5. Identify/formulate and evaluate questions or problems
• 6. Identify and evaluate approaches to problem-solving
• 7. Synthesise information and recognise relevance
• 8. Apply ideas to new situations

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 9. Use C&IT effectively and appropriately to analyse and present geographical information
• 10. Use C&IT effectively and appropriately to analyse and present geographical information Effectively and appropriately interpret and evaluate different forms of research design and practice
• 11. Understand the role of research design in developing a coherent graduate attribute profile to enhance employability
• 12. Develop interpersonal skills including oral, listening, planning and preparation
• 13. Work effectively in a team
• 14. Draw upon material to lead and contribute to discussions

Syllabus plan

Syllabus plan

Term 1 is designed to develop your understanding of scientific reasoning, and exciting and contemporary research in physical geography, and to increase your knowledge of potential research areas that you may decide to pursue for your undergraduate dissertation. This is achieved through a series of mini lectures from a broad range of staff in physical geography, allowing you to learn about cutting-edge scientific debates and research problems. These lectures are supported through a series of small group tutorials in which you will discuss research topics and techniques across a range of physical geography specialisms to improve your analytical skills.

Term 2 lecture and tutorial teaching builds on term 1 by supporting you in refining your initial ideas for your undergraduate dissertation. Through presentation and discussion of your research ideas, you will learn about critical evaluation of literature and identification of feasible and appropriate methods for your own research. Assessments during terms 2 and 3 will provide you with an opportunity to gain valuable feedback on your dissertation design to maximise the potential for your chosen research project.

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Assessment

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination or submit a further assessment. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Chalmers, A.F. 1999. What is this thing called science? Open University Press, Buckingham.
• Clifford, N and Valentine, G. 2010. Key methods in geography, 2^nd Edition. SAGE, London (ebook).
• Clifford, N., Cope, M. and Gillespie, T. 2016. Key methods in geography, 3^rd Edition. SAGE, London.
• Gomez, B and Jones, J.P. 2010. Research methods in geography: a critical introduction. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester (ebook)
• Inkpen, R. 2013. Science, philosophy and physical geography. Routledge, London (ebook).
• Parsons, A.J. and Knight, P.G. 2015. How to do your dissertation in geography and related disciplines. Routledge, London (ebook).

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=4597

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

Geography, physical geography, research design