GEOG 1230 Analytical Skills in Geography

Introduction Course aim Course objectives Key skills Syllabus Timetable Assessment Contact details Next time Lecture Structure

Course convener: Tim James Other Lecturers: Pippa Chapman and Steve Carver (BSc) Paul Chatterton and Graham Clarke (BA) Course material available at: 30/ Introduction

Course Aim To introduce the student to the elements of research design through a series of lectures, worksheets, field work and practical classes.

On completion of the course, each student should be able: to execute and report on geographical research (i.e. research design, methodology, analysis and results and critical analysis); to understand the range of data sources, and techniques for its analysis; Course Objectives

to undertake basic research methods in either physical or human geography; and to use Information Technology (IT) (i.e. statistical software, remote sensing and GIS) understand the range of data sources, and techniques for its analysis; Course Objectives

Knowledge and understanding Cognitive skills Practical/professional skills Key skills Great points for the all-important CV! Keep them in mind! Transferable Skills

Knowledge and understanding The theory and application of quantitative, visualisation and other spatial techniques across a wide range of geographical contexts. Transferable Skills

Cognitive skills  Assessing the merits of contrasting theories and explanations  Using empirical evidence to develop theories and explanations  Analysing and problem solving  Critical evaluation of the validity of empirical evidence  Landscape interpretation Transferable Skills

Practical/Professional Skills Plan, design, execute and report on geographical research (individually and in a team) Effective lab and field skills; safety too Use a variety of tech and lab methods for the analysis and presentation of data Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of data (qualitative and quantitative. Transferable Skills

Key Skills Apply numerical and computational skills to geographic information Use info technology effectively (i.e. spreadsheets, database and word processors, internet, etc…) Work as part of a team and recognise and respect the viewpoints of others Time management and work organisation Transferable Skills

Course components: Semester 1 Introduction to geographical data and sampling (Weeks 1 to 5) Data collection (Weeks 7 to 11) Semester 2 Statistical analysis (Weeks 14 to 17) Spatial analysis and presentation (GIS) (Weeks 18 to 20, 30 to 31) Review (Week 32) Syllabus

Breakdown of teaching: 8 one hour lectures 9 two hour lectures (one hour review/one hour new material). Up to 10 hours field data collection 4 two hour lab practicals (BSc only) 8 two hour computer practicals Syllabus

Division of your time: 60 hours of contact time 140 hours of private study (40 on field report) Total hours: 200 h. Syllabus

Timetable

Worksheets: formative assessment. Complete to pass with feed back given in most cases in the following lecture. there are worksheets in weeks 6 – 11 (Semester 1) and in weeks 1 – 4, 6, and Assessment and Conduct

Worksheets format will be defined week by week will be assessed as pass/no serious attempt (NSA) students who receive NRA will be required to justify themselves. to be handed into the labelled box (marked GEOG 1230) in basement by 1600 on due date. Assessment and Conduct

Field report (100%) The integrating report based around either the BA or the BSc project. Should not exceed 2000 words. Typed up in 12 point text with at least 1.5 line spacing. Diagrams, figures and tables are a bonus where required. Assessment and Conduct

Field report (100%) Staple in top left corner. Do not bind. Submitted to reception by 2pm on May 14 th, Be sure to obtain a receipt. Note: Attendance at the revision lectures is imperative for a good field report mark. Assessment and Conduct

Important Notes You must compete all components of this course to receive credits for this module Group work: all members of the group take responsibility. University rules apply to all submitted work with respect to late submission, plagiarism and self- plagiarism etc… Assessment and Conduct

Important Notes New university policy on lateness: 5% per day NOT per working day University rules apply to all submitted work with respect to late submission, plagiarism and self- plagiarism etc… Assessment and Conduct

Readings Core text: Jones, A., Duck, R., Reed, R. and Weyers, J., (2000). Practical skills in Environmental Science, Prentice Hall, Harlow: 290pp. (available on 7 day loan, EBL) Geographical Data: Walford, N., (2002). Geographical Data: Characteristics and Sources, Wiley, Chichester: 274pp. Scientific Method: Hay, I. (2000). Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography. Oxford University Press, Oxford: 222pp. (7 day loan, EBL) Limb, M. and Dwyer, C., (2001). Qualitative Methodologies for Geographers: Issues and Debates, Arnold, London: 303pp. (7 day loan, EBL)

Readings Bradbury, I.K., Boyle, J., and Morse, A. (2002). Scientific Principles for Physical Geographers, Prentice Hall, Harlow: 301pp. Haines-Young, R. and Petch, J. (1986). Physical Geography: Its Nature and Methods, Harper & Row: London:230pp. (7 and 3 day loan, EBL) Statistics: Rowntree, D., (1991). Statistics Without Tears: an Introduction for Non-Mathematicians, Penguin, London: 195pp. Ebdon, D. (1985). Statistics in Geography, Blackwell, Oxford: 232pp. (7 day loan, EBL) Matthews, J.A. (1981). Quantitative and Statistical Approaches in Geography: a Practical Manual, Pergamon, Oxford: 204pp.

Contact Info Office: G22 East Building (behind GLT) School of Geography ( anytime) Office hours: Fridays 1300 – 1600 (Drop in) or to set up an appt.

Next Week Types and sources of geographical data Readings Have a look through: Walford, N., (2002). Geographical Data: Characteristics and Sources, Wiley, Chichester: 274pp.