Description
Programme Specification for the 2019/0 academic year
BSc (Hons) Geography with Applied GIS with Professional Placement
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Geography with Applied GIS with Professional Placement | Programme code | UFS4GOAGOA08 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
This is a four-year, full-time programme, with three years based at the Streatham campus, and a year spent working within an appropriate organisation. The programme campus will provide you with a broad understanding of geographical processes and the physical environment. It provides you the opportunity to develop your interests and research in physical geography along whilst developing transferable and discipline specific skills. Underpinning theory and core concepts are taught in lectures, seminars and tutorials, whilst computer practicals, fieldwork and lab work allows you to apply this knowledge to real physical geography data.
You will develop a range of skills specific to the geographer as well as a series of cognitive, generic and transferable skills. In compulsory modules of the programme you develop skills such as statistical analysis, learning to code for data analysis, geospatial investigation and mapping through the use of GIS, image analysis of earth observation data and data collection in the field. Training is provided on industry-standard software packages for spatial data analysis which are important skills across all sectors in business, government and science.
The BSc Geography with Applied GIS programmes provide the science and framework to better understand physical Geography. GIS is revolutionising this understanding through spatial analysis with mapping and geo-technologies to provide the technical means for data exploration, visualisation and dissemination of developed understanding. This variant of the BSc Geography programme will allow you to develop understanding of recent GIS innovations, transforming the way data is collected, the research we undertake, the networks we reach, the way we communicate through geo-apps and the decisions that we make as individuals and organisations. You will discover how mapping and analytics is accelerating our understanding of big data, empowering digital transformation and how it is being applied in a growing industry crossing all sectors including business, government, science and leisure.
The BSc programmes offer the opportunity for you to undertake physical geography research methods, participate in a physical geography field trip, and carry out a physical geography dissertation. These are the key features that distinguish them from our BA programmes.
On the work placement (which you arrange and organise yourself), you will gain valuable experience by spending a year working within an organisation appropriate to your degree. You will apply for positions with relevant organisations, with the support of the module convenor. You are encouraged to consider a range of organisations, including consultancies, charities, NGOs, research institutes and universities. Geography has established collaborations with local, national and international organisations that you can consider when applying for placement positions. You will gain valuable experience from the professional placement: you will learn to apply the skills learnt during the first and second years, improve personal and transferable skills, make new contacts and enhance employability. Professional placements allow you to develop your career focus and are extremely valued by employers.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The BSc (Hons) Geography with Applied GIS with Professional Placement programme is intended to show Geography as a dynamic discipline concerned with processes and patterns in human and natural environments. It aims to provide you with a broad understanding of the complex interrelationships of the physical environment and human society. The programme offers opportunity to develop interests in the discipline and research into the specific aspects of physical geography in which the department has specialised. Through fieldwork in physical geography and other forms of experiential learning, this programme particularly aims to promote curiosity about natural environments, ability to problem solve and critically evaluate and, through a variety of pedagogies, to enable you to develop a range of skills specific to the physical geographer as well as a series of cognitive, generic and transferable skills.
Through research-led inquiry the GIS modules in the programme develop understanding of theoretical and practical skills required to capture, store, manage, manipulate, analyse and present a range of geographically-referenced data in GIS. Through applying methods for collection and analysis of spatial data including remote sensing and coding for data analysis this programme provides opportunity to discover why geolocated data and geospatial technologies are transforming geography and society in a digital world.
The year spent on professional placement aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the applications of Geography and geographical skills in the workplace and encourage you to think critically, evaluate evidence, analyse, challenge, solve problems, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
http://geography.exeter.ac.uk/currentstudents/
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the College website
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in Stages 1, 2 and 4 of the programme with permission as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You are also permitted to take the five-credit module GEO3910 Professional Development Experience in Stages 2 and 4. Registration on this module is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, this module will not count towards progression or award calculation.
Stage 1
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO1211 | Earth System Science: The History of Our Planet | 15 | No |
| GEO1213 | Earth System Science: Our Changing Planet | 15 | No |
| GEO1310 | Geographies of Environment and Sustainability | 15 | No |
| GEO1311 | Study Skills for Physical Geographers | 15 | Yes |
| GEO1312 | Fieldwork in Physical Geography | 15 | No |
| GEO1316 | Concepts in Geography | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoS S1 Human opt for BSc Geog 2019-0 | |||
| GEO1105 | Geographies of Place, Identity and Culture | 15 | No |
| GEO1106 | Geographies of Global Change | 15 | No |
Stage 2
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
a You must pass both GEO2320 and GEO2321 to progress to the next stage of the BSc Geography with Applied GIS with Professional Experience programme. If you fail either of these modules you will be transferred to the standard BSc Geography with Professional Experience.
b It is compulsory to take a field course in the second year. You must select one field course module from GEO2307B, GEO2307C, GEO2307D, GEO2307E, GEO2307F and GEO2314A.
c You must choose 15-45 credits from the Physical Geography and interdisciplinary Geography modules listed, subject to choosing 45 credits of options in total.
d You may then choose 0-30 credits from other level 5 Geography modules listed, subject to choosing 45 credits of options in total.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO2320 | Applied GIS for Physical Geographers [See note a above] | 15 | Yes |
| GEO2321 | Introduction to Remote Sensing [See note a above] | 15 | Yes |
| GEO2331 | Research Design in Physical Geography | 15 | No |
| GEO2332 | Numerical Methods for Physical Geographers | 15 | No |
| GeoS S2 BSc Geog field courses 2019-0 [See note b above] | |||
| GEO2307B | Physical Geography Brazil Field Trip | 15 | No |
| GEO2307C | Physical Geography California Field Trip | 15 | No |
| GEO2307E | Physical Geography Virtual Field Trip | 15 | No |
| GEO2314A | Human and Physical Geography Bay of Naples Field Trip | 15 | No |
| GEO2307F | Physical Geography Slovenia Field Trip | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoS S2 Physical-Inter opt for BSc Geog-GIS 2019-0 [See note c above] | |||
| GEO2221 | Catchment Hydrology and Geomorphology | 15 | No |
| GEO2230 | Reconstructing Past Environments | 15 | No |
| GEO2231 | Landscape Dynamics | 15 | No |
| GEO2232 | The Cryosphere | 15 | No |
| GEO2316 | Volatile Planet | 15 | No |
| GEO2317 | Climate Change: Science and Society | 15 | No |
| GEO2318 | Workplace Learning for Geographers | 15 | No |
| GeoS S2 Human opt for BSc Geog 2019-0 [See note d above] | |||
| GEO2120 | Political Geographies | 15 | No |
| GEO2133 | Global Lives: Multicultural Geographies | 15 | No |
| GEO2131 | Nature, Development and Justice | 15 | No |
| GEO2132 | Global Urban Futures | 15 | No |
| GEO2134 | Everyday Lives | 15 | No |
Stage 3
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO3603 | Professional Placement for Geographers | 120 | Yes |
Optional Modules
Stage 4
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
e To qualify for the award of BSc Geography with Applied GIS with Professional Experience you must select and pass at least 60 credits from GEO3223, GEO3239, GEO3321, and GEO3322. If you fail these 60 credits you will be transferred to the standard BSc Geography with Professional Experience. You may select only one Dissertation module, so your selection must be one of the following combinations:
- GEO3223, GEO3239, and GEO3322, or
- GEO3223, and GEO3321, or
- GEO3239, and GEO3321, or
- GEO3223, GEO3239 and GEO3321 (GEO3223 or GEO3239 becomes condonable)
Your Dissertation must include GIS analysis and must be approved as such at the project proposal stage by the programme director.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoS SF BSc Geog-GIS comp 2019-0 [See note e above] | |||
| GEO3223 | Landscape Systems Management | 15 | Yes |
| GEO3239 | GIS for Professionals | 15 | Yes |
| GEO3321 | BSc Dissertation | 45 | Yes |
| GEO3322 | BSc Dissertation | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoS SF BSc Geog-GIS opt 2019-0 | |||
| GEO3117 | Geographies of Rurality | 15 | No |
| GEO3121 | Cultural Geographies of Landscape | 15 | No |
| GEO3123 | Geographies of Material Culture | 15 | No |
| GEO3126 | The Geography of Monsters: Science, Society and Environmental Risk | 15 | No |
| GEO3129 | Images of the Earth | 15 | No |
| GEO3131 | Geographies of Creativity, Economy and Society | 15 | No |
| GEO3139 | Geographies of Technology | 15 | No |
| GEO3140 | Geographies of Education and Learning | 15 | No |
| GEO3142 | Geographies of the Body | 15 | No |
| GEO3144 | Geopolitical Cultures | 15 | No |
| GEO3224 | Tropical Coastal Environments: Geomorphology and Environmental Change | 15 | No |
| GEO3225 | Climate Change and its Impacts | 15 | No |
| GEO3227 | Weather | 15 | No |
| GEO3232 | Peatland Ecosystems | 15 | No |
| GEO3241 | Fire Ecology and Fire Management | 15 | No |
| GEO3242 | Historical, Functional and Conservation Biogeography of Plants | 15 | No |
| GEO3243 | Ice Sheets and Sea Level | 15 | No |
| GEO3244 | Neotropical Environmental Change | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Illustrate the nature of change within human and physical environments. | In Stage 1, primarily through tutorials, compulsory modules and through subject-based learning in human geography modules. In Stage 2, through fieldtrips, research training and work-based learning experiences. Implicitly through lectures, seminars and directed study in the context of a variety specific topic-based option modules in all Stages. | ILO 1 Explicitly through coursework and examinations in compulsory modules and throughout other module based assessments in second and final Stages (depending on options taken). ILOs 2-3 Much of Stage 1 is explicitly interdisciplinary, as are a number of option modules in the second and final Stages. These modules are assessed against student’s understanding about interconnections through essays and exams. ILO 4 This is assessed in the Stage 2 field course and implicitly through coursework and written examinations associated with topic-based modules. ILO 5 Assessed through the coursework associated with the Professional Experience module taken alongside the work placement year, in Stage 3. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
6. Evaluate the diversity of approaches to the generation of knowledge and understanding deriving from experience of the epistemologies of the natural sciences. | Explicitly introduced as a concept in Stage 1 compulsory modules, and later in Stage 2 research training and fieldwork based modules. Expanded through subject-based learning in optional modules in second and final Stages. Applied by student in independent dissertation. | ILO 6 Coursework in research training modules and fieldwork based modules in Stages 1 and 2 and in the dissertation. ILO 7 Field class training and through coursework and exams in all modules in all Stages. ILO 8 Explicitly assessed in project work in Stage 1 and applied and assessed in the dissertation. ILO 9 Assessed through the coursework associated with the Professional Experience module taken alongside the work placement year, in Stage 3. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
10. Evaluate the issues involved in applying research design and execution skills within the specific context of primary research. | Personal transferable employment skills and knowledge are embedded in all modules. Stage 2 modules are strongly focused towards developing skills for use in the dissertation and in real life situations. Explicitly through directed practical exercises in Stage 1 and 2 research training modules; in field courses in Stages 1 and 2 and in dissertation supervisions in the final Stage. Implicitly through lectures, seminars and directed study in specific topic-based option modules in all Stages. Students have the option of a work-based module. Applied in self-directed dissertation. | ILO 10 Coursework in modules focusing on research training and fieldwork and the dissertation. ILO 11 Data analysis methods are explicitly assessed in Stage 1 and 2 research training modules, and implicitly in option modules in all Stages. ILO 12 Through coursework, essays, projects and exams in all modules in all Stages. ILO 13 Through coursework, essays, projects and exams in all modules in all Stages. ILO 14 Through critical writing tasks assessed in a range of modules through the second and final Stages and in the dissertation. ILO 15 Explicitly through coursework in Stage 1 and 2 research training and fieldwork based modules and the dissertation. ILO 16 Explicitly in coursework for research training modules in Stages 1 and 2. ILO 17 Assessed through the coursework associated with the Professional Experience module taken alongside the work placement year, in Stage 3. |
7. Programme Regulations
Programme-specific Progression Rules
GEO3602 Professional Experience for Geographers counts as a single 120 credit module and is not condonable; you must pass this module to graduate with the degree title of BSc Geography with Applied GIS with Professional Experience. If you fail the professional experience module your degree title will be commuted to BSc Geography with Applied GIS.
To progress to Stage 3 you must pass the non-condonable modules GEO2320 and GEO2321, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the standard BSc Geography with Professional Experience.
Programme-specific Award Rules
You must pass the non-condonable modules described in note e in the programme tables above to graduate with the degree title of BSc Geography with Applied GIS with Professional Experience. If you fail these modules your degree title will be commuted to BSc Geography with Professional Experience.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
All students in Geography are allocated Personal Tutors who monitor and advise you on your academic progress and performance throughout your degree programme. Each Personal Tutor keeps a record of your performance which culminates in a detailed record of achievement which is used, in addition to formal assessments, to help inform personal references requested by prospective employers. Personal Tutors provide pastoral oversight for non-academic problems (advising students as necessary on the availability of appropriate specialist and professional assistance), and encourage and facilitate Personal Development Planning through use of ePDP.
In addition, you take a compulsory, mainly tutorial-based, 15-credit Level 4 module on ‘Study Skills for Physical Geography’ (GEO1311). This module aims to a) raise your awareness of the role you must yourself play in the learning process, b) facilitate your development as independent learners, and c) direct your acquisition of a range of specialist and generic skills.
You attend University and Discipline Induction courses on arrival, and are given University and Discipline Handbooks, providing information on programmes, the structure of the Geography Discipline, general information, contact numbers, etc. This information is updated through the Discipline’s website and ELE, which also provides a point of access to all learning and teaching materials. Student learning is supported by the Discipline’s ‘Advanced Computing Laboratory’, which provides dedicated support for GIS and other Discipline computing needs. This resource is in addition to a variety of university-level facilities, including the University Library and IT Services.
You can apply to the Myrtle Murray Travel Award for financial support of fieldwork. All teaching staff maintain an ‘open door’ policy to facilitate student access. Staff email addresses are also made available to you to further facilitate staff-student contact. There is also student representation at all levels in the Discipline and programme development takes place with explicit consultation, notably through the Student-Staff Liaison Committee and formal representation of students on the Discipline Education Committee and at the termly Discipline meeting.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of educational provision. The College documents the performance in each of its taught programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Programme Monitoring cycle:
- Admissions, progression and completion data
- In Year Analysis data
- Previous monitoring report
- Monitoring of core (and optional) modules
- External examiner's reports and University and College responses (reported to SSLC)
- Any Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body/accrediting body or other external reports
- Consultation with employers and former students
- Staff evaluation
- Student evaluation
- Programme aims
Subject areas are reviewed every four years through a periodic subject review scheme that includes external contributions. (http://admin.exeter.ac.uk/academic/tls/tqa/Part%209/9JREVISEDPSRSCHEME.pdf)
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Geography with Applied GIS with Professional Placement
19. UCAS Code
F814
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 17/12/2018 |
Date of last revision | 15/08/2019 |
|---|