Module Code - Title:
GY4007
-
GEOGRAPHY FINAL YEAR PROJECT 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module facilitates students to undertake an independent research project in Geography, guided by an academic supervisor, by drawing on the knowledge and learning they have acquired from the outset of their programme. The purpose of the module is to provide the student with an introduction to research, research methodologies and to develop competencies in how that research might be presented, including a dissertation, group project, report, portfolio, poster, or some other assessment instrument.
This is an m-graded module linked with new module Geography Final Year Project 2 (temp code 3911).
Syllabus:
The student will initiate a research project on a topic approved by a supervisor. Depending on the research project, the student will, by a specific date, submit a 'brief' which will include a resume of the subject matter, the scope of the project, a review of sources and an outline of the methodology required. It is expected that the student will embark on the collection of data or material during the course of this module.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- Identify and compose a research question, aims and objectives, and a chapter structure for a solo research project;
- Design an appropriate methodology and through this collect, identify, prepare and analyse relevant primary data and/or secondary data using appropriate tools and mechanisms;
- Source, appraise and make use of relevant literature in supporting a research project and use this to evaluate, reflect and interpret data;
- Prepare and communicate research findings orally and in writing;
- Modify and reorganise a research project in the light of feedback from the supervisor.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this module students will be able to:
- Value self motivation and independent learning through a solo research project and develop an awareness of relevant ethics protocols and when these should be applied.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
n/a
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The students will learn through a series of meetings with their supervisor.
The student will benefit from one-to-one focused discussion and feedback and become aware of the collegial dimension of research and learning. Students will be encouraged to be proactive and responsible researchers and should become knowledgeable in the area they are studying. Through the above students will develop their Graduate Attributes.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Wilson, Janie and Schwartz, Beth M. (2015)
An Easy Guide to Research Presentati
, Sage
Wilkinson, David (2000)
The Researcher's Toolkit
, Routledge
Yin, Robert K. (2011)
Qualitative Research from Start to Finish
, Guilford Press
Wisker, Gina (2009)
The Undergraduate Research Handbook
, Palgrave Macmillan
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BAULARUFA - ARTS
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
catherine.porter@ul.ie