The module will prepare students for their final year piece of independent research (i.e. dissertation). The module will provide insights into contemporary emerging research challenges together with discussions focussed on research methodologies and data analysis (quantitative and qualitative) in addressing key thematic research issues.
The module consists of a series of lectures and small group tutorials (Dissertation labs, quantitative data analysis techniques). The lectures provide guidance on research design, theoretical framing and methodological rigour whilst developing a research proposal. The quantitative data analysis element introduce key quantitative data analysis exercises in addressing contemporary geographical and environmental research issues. The research and quantitative data skills learned will help support the students to develop their independent research proposal as part of the small group dissertation lab sessions run by dissertation supervisors.
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
- Know what is good practice in research design and sampling across different areas of Physical Geography and Environmental Science
- Appreciate the role of data analysis and the techniques available in contemporary physical geography and environmental science areas
- Identify the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative and data analysis techniques in physical geography and environmental sciences