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Research Design in Physical Geography

Module description

This module provides you with an advanced understanding of the requirements for undertaking a robust, independent research project. In doing so, we will explore the ways in which physical geographers design and undertake research projects, and examine the key attributes of high quality and rigorous research. Accordingly, it is designed to prepare you for undertaking independent research within the university, specifically your undergraduate dissertation research. Beyond your degree, this module seeks to equip you with key employability attributes for professional careers after university.  The module teaching includes directed as well as independent study time, and is one of the compulsory modules you study as part of a BSc Geography degree, as well as being compulsory for FCH students wishing to undertake a physical geography dissertation and/or study on a geography international field course. 

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide you with an advanced and critically engaged understanding of how physical geographers design and undertake research projects. The module has the following objectives:

• To provide you with an understanding of the basis of research design;
• To outline key research design approaches, drawing on different traditions in the physical sciences;
• To explore the practical components of undertaking research projects, including field-based and lab-based research;
• To evaluate different forms of research design and develop your own independent research project.

The module develops a range of skills of high value in employment, particularly around understanding and taking part in the process of planning, creating, developing and communicating research design. This includes developing an understanding of skills and methods required, as well as logistical management, health and safety and ethical awareness. The module encourages the development of independence, as well as creative and imaginative problem-solving skills.

The module is informed by research expertise both in and beyond Geography at the University of Exeter and literature on designing effective research in Physical Geography. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Identify/formulate and evaluate research questions and appropriate methodologies;
• 2. Evaluate different forms of research design and practice, underpinned by scientific rigour;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Synthesise information and recognise scientific relevance of potential independent research;
• 4. Describe a number of specialised techniques and approaches involved in collecting, analysing and presenting geographical information;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Use of ICT skills to communicate ideas and geographical information and knowledge;
• 6. Develop interpersonal skills including oral, listening, written, planning, preparation.

Syllabus plan

Term 1 is designed to a) develop your understanding of scientific reasoning, and exciting and contemporary research in physical geography, and b) increase your knowledge of potential research areas and research methods that you may decide to pursue for your undergraduate dissertation. You will learn about a broad range of research undertaken by physical geography staff, the field, lab and desk-based methodologies they employ and how these contribute to scientific debate and research problems. Seminars will allow you to discuss research topics and techniques across a range of physical geography specialisms to improve your analytical skills and to develop your own research project interests. You will also gain experience of physical geography methodologies practiced in the field and the laboratory by attending a field trip and lab-based practical.

Term 2 lecture, seminar and tutorial teaching builds on term 1 by supporting you in refining your initial ideas for your undergraduate dissertation and developing your research design. Through presentation and discussion of your research ideas, you will learn about justification for research, critical evaluation of literature and identification of feasible and appropriate methods for your own research. Assessments through the module will provide you with an opportunity to gain valuable feedback on your dissertation design to maximise the potential for your chosen research project.

Independent study time throughout the module will give you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the research process and research design, as well as develop your own specific topic knowledge as you prepare for assessments.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination or submit a further assessment. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

• Clifford, N. and Valentine, G. (2010) Key Methods in Geography. 2^nd edition, 600 pp., SAGE, London. [University of Exeter Library e-book: http://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1840480__Skey%20methods%20in%20geography__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&suite=cobalt].
• Clifford, N., Cope, M. and Gillespie, T. (2016) Key Methods in Geography. 3^rd edition, 752 pp., SAGE, London, UK. [Hardcopies in University of Exeter Library].
• Chalmers, A.F. (1999) What is this thing called science? 3^rd edition, 266 pp., Open University Press, Buckingham, UK. [University of Exeter Library].
• Couper, P. (2014) A student's introduction to geographical thought: theories, philosophies, methodologies. 272 pp., SAGE, Los Angeles, USA. [University of Exeter Library e-book: http://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb4089891?lang=eng]. The best place to start when exploring reasoning and geographical knowledge.
• Gomez, B. and Jones, J.P.III (2010) Research methods in geography: a critical introduction. 459 pp. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester UK. [University of Exeter Library e-book: http://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2542382__Sresearch%20methods%20in%20geography__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&suite=cobalt
• Inkpen, R. and Wilson, G. (2013) Science, philosophy and physical geography. 2^nd edition, 238 pp. Routledge, London, UK. [University of Exeter Library e-book: http://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3348701__SScience%2C%20Philosophy%20and%20Physical%20Geography__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&suite=cobalt].
• Parsons, A.J. and Knight, P.G. (2015): How to do your dissertation in geography and related disciplines. 3^rd edition, 208 pp., Routledge, London, UK. [University of Exeter Library e-book: http://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3510423__Show%20to%20do%20your%20dissertation%20in%20geography__P0%2C1__Orightresult__X6?lang=eng&suite=cobalt]. A great resource when thinking through the research process.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page

Key words search

Geography, physical geography, research design, independent research