GEO1001 : Becoming a Geographer
GEO1001 : Becoming a Geographer
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Robert Shaw
- Co-Module Leader: Professor Nick Megoran
- Lecturer: Miss Anna Thompson, Professor Alison Stenning
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| GEO1019 | Physical Geography Field course: Landforms, processes and field techniques |
| GEO1020 | Introduction to Physical Geography |
| GEO1024 | Coasts and Communities: Human Geography Fieldwork |
| GEO1025 | Mapping a changing world: GIS for Geographers |
Co Requisite Comment
This module is available to students on Geography F800 and L701 only. Students must be on ONE of GEO1019/GEO1024, and both the other modules.
Aims
The module aims to introduce Geography students to academic skills, their fellow students and staff, and life as a geographer at university. It allows students and staff to build a sense of community in Geography, exploring together what it means to be a geographer.
In addition to practical activities that introduce key skills, such as finding, reading and understanding academic work, communicating geographical ideas, and personal/professional development, it is also facilitates the transition to university, promoting a collegial environment through a playful approach towards doing geography.
Outline Of Syllabus
In Semester 1, students will work building connections as a cohort with their tutor group, while exploring key geographical skills.
In Semester 2, students will be guided to take part in a series of different activities to help build their geographical knowledge. These will be a mixture of independent individual, group and guided in-class sessions.
Through the year, students will be guided to take part in online learning to develop an understanding of well-being and the importance of healthy study habits.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module, students will be able to:
- identify what it means to be a Geography student, both within the School and the wider University.
- Be familiar with basic approaches to studying in both human and physical geography
- Understand the role of good mental well-being in university education.
- Know how to seek academic and pastoral support for their studies
- Work together as a group on a geographical project
- ‘See’ the world geographically.
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of the module, students will be able to:
- Know how to write academic assignments for their degree.
- Reference according to the expected format.
- Work as part of a group/team.
- Know how to access learning resources such as the library, databases, catalogues, or similar.
- Communicate geographical knowledge in multiple formats.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 1 | 12:00 | 12:00 | Online course on mental welllbeing and student life |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 7 | 1:00 | 7:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Semester 2 workshop on mental wellbeing |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 87:00 | 87:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 2 | 0:30 | 1:00 | Individual tutor meeting |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Semester 1 Workshop on Mental Wellbeing |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The core teaching of the module takes place through:
- 7 group and 2 individual meetings, in tutor groups
- 2 sessions, one online and one in-person, on university education, mental health and well-being.
- 11 lectures will be used at key points in the module to introduce common themes and ideas.
- 12 hours of online learning content on mental wellbeing, provided by via the Nurture-U project
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 30 | Students will have the option of submitting these first for formative feedback |
| Portfolio | 2 | M | 70 | A portfolio of outputs relating to the activities carried out in semester 2 |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | The essay will lead straight into the summative Essay 1 task |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The semester 1 assessment will provide a focus for teaching around how students discover and read literature, and then use it in assessments. Students will submit a formative version of their essay in November, followed by a summative version in January, building on feedback.
The semester 2 assessment will allow students to reflect on some of the activities that are taught over the 6 meetings, as well as the online mental health learning
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- GEO1001's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- GEO1001's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.