Undergraduate Course: Fundamental Methods in Geography (GEGR08009)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | ****PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE IS DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS ON THE GEOGRAPHY DEGREE PROGRAMMES ONLY - NOT APPLICABLE TO OUTSIDE DEGREE STREAMS (NON-GEOGRAPHY DEGREES)****
The overall aim of the course is to provide an introduction to fundamental methods of geographical research. The course will provide an introduction to qualitative methodologies in Geography, statistical techniques and the purpose and scope of both qualitative and quantitative methods within geographical research. We will consider relevant examples from across the full range of the discipline. We will examine methods for data collection, data description, analysis and tests of association and difference. Fieldwork is included to give students experience in undertaking geographical research to evaluate real world information. This will provide insights into the characteristics of the techniques and their overall value and utility within research.
The course aims to enhance the student learning experience within the Geography programme by developing underpinning methodological training at an early stage of the curriculum. Additionally it will assist in developing a strong group identity and better sense of belonging to the degree programme, particularly through the inclusion of the residential field experience.
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| Course description |
This course provides an introduction to a range methodologies and techniques in Geography using relevant examples from across the discipline. The lectures will provide an introduction to qualitative methodologies in Geography, statistical theory and the purpose and scope of both qualitative and quantitative methods within geographical research. We will examine methods for data collection, data description and analysis. Fieldwork is included to give students experience in using methods to capture and evaluate real world information and gain insights into the characteristics of the techniques and their overall value and utility.
The overall aim is to provide an introduction to fundamental methods of geographical research.
The course focuses on methodology and explores the appropriate selection and application of research methods.
Statistics, methods of qualitative research and GIS are introduced; scales of measurement, descriptive statistics, central tendency, probability, sampling, hypothesis testing are considered.
The analysis of qualitative data, descriptive statistics, validation and verification are explored and report writing practised.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
Students MUST have passed:
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | Fieldcourse costs: £80 |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2014/15, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 119 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Please contact the School directly for a breakdown of Learning and Teaching Activities |
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Project work 100% |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- To develop a broad and integrated understanding of geographical methods, their principles and appropriate application
- To have a critical awareness of the values, limitations and interpretation of qualitative and statistical techniques for both descriptive and inferential purposes.
- To gain practical experience and awareness of some principal methods and specialised techniques of data collection and analysis used in Geography
- To provide a basic knowledge of the skills needed to carry out analysis using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and basic computer-based statistical analysis, and to understand particular issues associated with the analysis of quantitative data.
- To synthesize and critically evaluate the ideas and issues identified during the lectures and fieldwork through project work.
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Reading List
Clifford, N. and Valentine, G. (2010), Key Methods in Geography, London: Sage.
DeLyser, D., Herbert, S., Aitken, S. C., Crang, M., & McDowell, L. (2010). The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Geography. Sage Publications Limited.
Ebdon D (1985) Statistics in Geography, (2nd edn). Oxford: Basil Blackwell.
Robinson G M (1998) Methods & Techniques in Human Geography. Chichester: John Wiley.
Rogerson P (2001) Statistical Methods for Geographers. London: Sage
Shaw G and Wheeler D (1985, 1994, 2005) Statistical techniques in geographical analysis. Chichester: John Wiley.
Silverman, D (ed) (2012 and other editions) Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and
Practice, Third Edition, London: Sage.
Silverman, D (2011 and other editions) Interpreting Qualitative Data: 4th Edition, London: Sage
Wheater C P and Cook P A (2000) Using statistics to understand the environment. Oxford: Routledge.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
A critical awareness of the values, limitations and interpretation of qualitative methods
The use of statistical methods for both descriptive and inferential purposes
Awareness of GIS
Team and group working skills
Experience of problem solving
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| Special Arrangements |
None |
| Keywords | Statistics, qualitative methodologies, GIS, fieldwork |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof Andrew Dugmore
Tel: (0131 6)50 8156
Email: Andrew.Dugmore@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Beth Muir
Tel: (0131 6)50 9847
Email: beth.muir@ed.ac.uk |
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