GEO2127 : Doing Physical Geography Research: Theory and Practice
GEO2127 : Doing Physical Geography Research: Theory and Practice
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Andrew Russell
- Lecturer: Professor Bethan Davies, Miss Ailsa McLeod, Professor Stuart Dunning, Professor Rachel Carr, Dr Nick Cutler, Dr Christopher Hackney, Dr Christine Batchelor, Dr Matthew Perks
- 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 |
|---|---|
| GEO2137 | Key Methods for Physical Geographers |
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To further develop the skills acquired in GEO1096: Geographical Study Skills, to focus specifically on preparing for the dissertation (GEO3099).
To complement and support GEO2137: Key Methods for Physical Geographers.
To explore the discipline of physical geography, including its academic history and scientific framework.
To enable students to develop a physical geography dissertation research proposal.
To explore the links between key skills (those required for a degree) and transferable skills (those required for subsequent careers).
Outline Of Syllabus
The scientific method and its application in physical geography research.
Research approaches in physical geography, including the collection and use of primary and secondary data.
Research/experimental design and methods, including developing research questions.
Presenting physical geography data, including the preparation of diagrams and figures.
Tackling the Dissertation Research Plan (DRP): literature reviews; developing links with broader theory; structuring a dissertation.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
To engage with key geographical debates and identify relevant scientific approaches for conducting physical geography research.
To identify appropriate research topics, problems and questions.
To understand the nature and importance of research design.
To identify and evaluate key elements of critical thinking and research, namely theory and approach, methods and sources.
To analyse and evaluate relevant methods of conducting research and data collection.
To develop an effective research proposal.
Intended Skill Outcomes
To identify, analyse and present all components of independent research.
To locate and evaluate appropriate high quality secondary research.
To assess and critique a range of arguments.
To generate ideas through reading and analysis of existing arguments/debates/models/theories.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 150:00 | 150:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 17 | 1:00 | 17:00 | In-person lectures. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 9 | 2:00 | 18:00 | Seminar / 1-to-1 meeting preparation. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Computer practicals with member of staff present. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | In-person seminars, led by Staff and TAs in Semester 1 (3 seminars) and staff members in Semester 2 (2 seminars). |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 4 | 0:30 | 2:00 | Individual meeting with Geo2127 DRP Mentor |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 1. Overseas expedition opportunities. 2. ‘Dissertation Conference’ (presentations by Stage 3 students; convened by Module Leader). |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
This module is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. The semester 1 lectures, related seminars and tutorials enable students to develop a working knowledge of key ideas relevant to undertaking geographical research. The semester 2 lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials introduce students to the research process, including the development of their own dissertation research proposals. This mix of teaching enables all components of the theory and practice of independent research to be introduced. It also allows students the time and space to develop their own research proposals, building on content from this and other Stage 2 modules.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 1 | 1 | M | 30 | Group poster to summarise a research topic and identify contested knowledge and research questions. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research proposal | 2 | M | 70 | 2,400 word Dissertation Research Proposal |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The first assessment tests students’ ability to critically review literature to identify contested ideas and identify research questions. This is a necessary skill set to enable the Stage 3 Dissertation to be undertaken successfully. The second assessment – the Dissertation Research Proposal - assesses students’ knowledge, understanding and ability to plan the research process (essential for the Stage 3 dissertation).
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- GEO2127's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- GEO2127's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 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, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.