Advanced Field Research (Human Geography) module (GE31021)

Develop your theoretical and practical knowledge of human and related physical environments. This will also cover their intersections. You will do this through advanced fieldwork.

You will gain experience in formulating a research project. This will give you practical experience of undertaking a field-based research project.

You will develop higher-level field skills in observation, measurement, and reporting.

You will have an opportunity for group-based field work and student-led learning in an unfamiliar context.

There is a week-long residential field trip.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• undertake and reflect on processes of human geography research design. This will cover fieldwork requirements, and problem-solving. This will provide you with a key foundation for subsequent dissertation work
• gain experience in undertaking a literature review for research
• plan and undertake appropriate field work methods with due care for safety and ethical issues
• develop skills in comprehensive and accurate field observation and recording
• gain experience in undertaking a literature review for research
• undertake relevant forms of analysis. You will learn to combine field evidence and knowledge of the relevant literature

By the end of this module, you will:

• have developed an integrated sense of the human geography and environments of a particular region
• have developed in-depth understanding of a specific topic through undertaking focused field research

Assignments / assessment

• an individual literature review essay (40%) undertaken in preparation for the field work
• an individual field note book (20%) completed in the field
• a group research project (40%) undertaken in the field

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

This is a team-taught module. Staff will give input and group supervision in the preparation for the field course in class. This will be followed by a week-long residential field course. Staff will lead thematic introductions to the region. These will be combined with student-led, staff-supervised group research projects.