Module Information

This module is designed to provide students with a broad introduction to the context and key concepts in geographical study, and to the issues and techniques in the acquisition, analysis and presentation of geographical data. The module comprises five sections which are linked together through the development of a prescribed geographical research project, introduced at the start of the course. The first section considers the context of geographical study, discussing the histories of geography and the application and relevance of geographical knowledge from both human and physical geography perspectives. The second section considers practical aspects of studying geography and University, including conducting literature searches, writing essays and reports, understanding assessment criteria and feedback, and ethical practice and health and safety issues in geographical research. These first two sections are assessed through literature review on the prescribed research topic submitted at the end of semester 1. The third section outlines some of the key types and sources of data for both human and physical geography, and the key techniques employed in data collection. The fourth section considers the analysis and presentation of both primary and secondary data from a science and social science perspective. The fifth section considers the key concepts of space, place, scale, and time for the study of geography. Throughout the course, students will be developing appropriate practical skills and the conceptual framework to complete their own research project effectively. The project topic is prescribed and appropriate datasets will also be provided for analysis. The aim of the project is to link the different elements of the course together and to provide a firm grounding in geographical research but without the pressure of having to devise a research question. This next step is developed further in year 2 through the revised practical modules and through dissertation preparation.