The module will prepare students for their final year piece of independent research (i.e. dissertation). Students choose either a Human or Physical Geography Pathway depending upon the nature of their proposed research. The module consists of a series of alternating lectures and small group teaching (Dissertation Labs). The lectures provide guidance on research design, theoretical framing and methodological rigour.
The small group teaching provides a forum in which the lecture content can be discussed in more detail. It also aims to facilitate the sharing of ideas (tutor-student and peer-to-peer) as well as the development of independent research topics.
By the end of the module students should be able to:
- Identify the literature and conceptual framework that they will employ in their final year research project
- Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the research strategy, approach, and associated methods required for their final year research project
- Work effectively in a group in order to carry out a small piece of research as part of the overseas field course
- Reflect critically on the challenges and obstacles associated with undertaking a major research project