Module Code - Title:
GY4006
-
PRACTICING GEOGRAPHICAL RESEARCH
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module offers an introduction to a range of geographical research skills through lectures, seminars and practical sessions. The module will teach students techniques and methods for undertaking geographical research in varying contexts and scales.
Syllabus:
Practicing Geographical Research develops students' ability to undertake geographical research of physical, human and overlapping research agendas. The key principles of research design and methods are introduced through practice-based learning including associated lectures, practical sessions and tutorials. The module will provide students with practical experience and transferable skills in best practices for project design and implementation, fieldwork processes, the use of software, and qualitative and quantitative data collection. The module is recommended to students who wish to pursue a geography Final Year Project.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Apply geographic research methods as part of a research project plan;
- Collect, source and prepare primary and secondary quantitative, qualitative, or geospatial geographic data;
- Apply analytical techniques such as data coding and statistical analysis to quantitative and qualitative geographic data;
- Apply geospatial tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to produce maps of specific and synthesised geographic data from a range of sources;
- Explain and summarise the results from the analysis of data.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Display an appreciation of the importance of well-planned research;
- Value independent learning and community participation in research.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be taught through a combination of lectures, computer laboratory classes, field work and self-directed learning to assist in the development of Graduate Attributes.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Gomez, B. and Jones, J.P. (2010)
Research methods in geography: a critical introduction.
, Chichester, West Sussex, U.K. ; Malden, MA : Wiley-Blackwell.
Clifford, N. J. et al. (2016)
Key methods in geography.
, Los Angeles: SAGE.
Flowerdew, R. and Martin, D. (2015)
Methods in human geography: a guide for students doing a research project.
, London: Routledge.
Waters, S. (2018)
Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers
, London: McGraw-Hill Education.
Motello, D.R. and Sutton, P.C. (2013)
An introdcution to scientific reearch methods in geography and environmental studies.
, London: SAGE.
Other Relevant Texts:
Cloke, P. (2004)
Practising human geography
, London: SAGE.
Harris, R. (2016)
Quantitative geography: the basics
, Los Angelese: SAGE.
Menke, K. and Sherman, G. (2019)
Discover QGIS 3.x: a workbook for teh classroom or independent study.
, Chugiak, AK, USA: Locate Press.
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BAULARUFA - ARTS
BSPHEDUFA - PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
catherine.porter@ul.ie