Module Information
Module Identifier
GS21100
Module Title
Physical Geography and Environmental Science Research Design and Fieldwork Skills
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other Staff
- Dr Andy Hardy
- Dr Hywel Griffiths
- Dr Morgan Jones
- Professor Andy Mitchell
- Professor Richard Lucas
- Professor Sarah Davies
- Dr Adam Hepburn
- Professor Geoff Duller
- Professor John Grattan
- Professor Paul Brewer
- Dr Marie Busfield
- Dr Cerys Jones
- Dr Pete Bunting
- Professor Stephen Tooth
- Dr Tristram Irvine-Fynn
- Professor Mark Whitehead
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Project Proposal 1500 Words | 25% |
| Semester Assessment | Literature Review 1500 Words | 25% |
| Semester Assessment | Individual write-up of group project 2500 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Project Proposal 1500 Words | 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Literature Review 1500 Words | 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Individual write-up of group project 2500 Words | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Identify topical and relevant research problems in: Physical Geography/Environmental Science
Design research strategies for data collection and analysis that are relevant to designated research questions.
Demonstrate proficiency in a range of data collection/analysis techniques.
Communicate research findings.
Brief description
Through analysis of relevant and topical themes in human
geography, sociology, physical geography, environmental science
and at the human/physical interface, the module will address the
following objectives:
- To prompt students' capacity to identify a problem or
research question, and to develop approaches to solving or
answering this through hypothesis testing, research design
and data collection.
- To provide an opportunity to apply theoretical, technical
and/or scientific laboratory methods to the more complex,
uncontrolled field environment, and to appreciate how
processes that might be regarded as 'general' are
mediated by the social and environmental character of a
specific place.
- Consideration of the ethical aspects of research processes
- Consideration of fieldwork safety
- To develop a sense of place, awareness of difference, and
tolerance for others.
- To promote certain transferable skills required in practical
work and seminars, including teamwork, observation,
problem identification
geography, sociology, physical geography, environmental science
and at the human/physical interface, the module will address the
following objectives:
- To prompt students' capacity to identify a problem or
research question, and to develop approaches to solving or
answering this through hypothesis testing, research design
and data collection.
- To provide an opportunity to apply theoretical, technical
and/or scientific laboratory methods to the more complex,
uncontrolled field environment, and to appreciate how
processes that might be regarded as 'general' are
mediated by the social and environmental character of a
specific place.
- Consideration of the ethical aspects of research processes
- Consideration of fieldwork safety
- To develop a sense of place, awareness of difference, and
tolerance for others.
- To promote certain transferable skills required in practical
work and seminars, including teamwork, observation,
problem identification
Content
The module objectives will be delivered through a series of
lectures, seminars, and practical workshops/field visits. These will
culminate in an extended period fieldwork. Topics covered and
techniques developed will vary according to student cohort,
inclusive of the following:
- Human impacts on the environment
- Natural hazards
- Interpreting the human and physical landscape, and the
interaction of both
- Aspects of cultural, political, and economic change within
communities and evident in day-to-day life
- Environmental change and regulation
lectures, seminars, and practical workshops/field visits. These will
culminate in an extended period fieldwork. Topics covered and
techniques developed will vary according to student cohort,
inclusive of the following:
- Human impacts on the environment
- Natural hazards
- Interpreting the human and physical landscape, and the
interaction of both
- Aspects of cultural, political, and economic change within
communities and evident in day-to-day life
- Environmental change and regulation
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Adaptability and resilience | Define these terms. |
| Creative Problem Solving | Problem solving is a key criterion for this course. This includes building rationale for research and research design in reference to existing literature/debates/ data sources. |
| Critical and analytical thinking | This module will develop observational and interpretive field skills. Critical thinking skills will be developed through interactive seminars and field exercises. |
| Digital capability | Students will be expected to use information technology to aid further reading when completing assignments, including online literature searching and synthesis, word processing technology, and preparation of digital photographs and maps. |
| Professional communication | Fieldwork is inherently interactive with a high number of contact hours between staff and students. This ensures the development of strong communication, with ample opportunities for one-to-one and group discussions. |
| Reflection | Students will develop an opportunity to reflect upon research design and fieldwork undertaken in the first part of the module as a basis for undertaking data collection and analysis in the second part/extended fieldwork component of the module |
| Subject Specific Skills | This module will deliver subject specific skills which aim to make our graduates employable across a range of sectors |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5