Module manager: Dr. Laura Loyola-Hernández
Email: L.T.LoyolaHernandez@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module provides human geography students with essential training in the fundamentals of devising, conducting and writing up research so that they are equipped to conduct their own final year independent research project. The module is composed of two coherent halves. In semester one students will learn about the core ideas and scientific approaches underpinning human geography, will be introduced to the various types of research conducted by human geographers and their societal implications, and will be trained in the key skills in compiling, summarising and critically analysing different literature and data sources. In semester two students will undertake practical training in research design, and research methodology, including a variety of qualitative research methods before putting them into practice through conducting fieldwork, collecting and analysing data in a research team.
This module strives to provide students with:
1. an in-depth understanding of the core concepts and scientific approaches underpinning the study of human geography and the ability to argue coherently on geographical topics
2. an examination of the theory and application of the various types of research conducted by human geographers and their societal implications, including knowledge of the respective strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to conducting geographical research
3. an awareness of key principles of research design and methodology, including specific training in a variety of qualitative research methods
4. advanced skills in proposal writing, data collection, data analysis, and dissemination (e.g., report writing) for human geographical research in a group setting
5. key skills in compiling, summarising and critically analysing different geographical literature and data sources
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. understand the dynamic nature of human geographical thought and practice
2. search for, find and critically review existing literature and evidence, including providing a robust discussion of which research approach has been used by the authors and the appropriateness of that approach
3. identify and explain the key principles of research design and methodology
4. reflect on the ethical issues that can arise in conducting and publishing research
5. formulate and carry out an independent research project through various strategies and techniques for collecting and analysing data via the group project
Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. advanced skills in academic writing, including the correct use of referencing styles and citation
2. understand the dynamic nature of human geographical thought and practice via a literature review
3. designing qualitative research investigations including conducting semi-structured interview individually and as part of a research group project
4. adhering to and implementing research ethics protocols
5. producing professional reports
Competence Standards
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following competence standards:
• abstraction and synthesis of information and developing a reasoned argument
• assessing the merits of contrasting theories and explanations
• primary data generation, collection and recording, and the use of secondary data sets (both quantitative and qualitative)
• analysis and problem-solving through qualitative methods
• planning, designing and executing a piece of rigorous research or enquiry, both independently and in groups, including the production of a final report
• recognising the moral, ethical and safety issues involved in all aspects of geographical enquiry
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Practicals | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Lecture | 17 | 1 | 17 |
| Tutorial | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Private study hours | 167 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 33 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Tutorials will monitor students’ general progress and development of core skills and knowledge through the planned tutorial topics and assignments; Timetabled group conversations with lecturers will monitor students’ understanding of the core material introduced in lectures; these group sessions will also provide opportunities for students to ask questions and receive formative feedback in return. Students will also receive feedback on their semester 1 literature review assignment that will help them prepare for their semester 2 assignment. During semester 2, tutors will have the ability to give feedback on research group work during the tutorials prior to report hand in.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 40 |
| Assignment | Coursework | 60 |
| Assignment | Coursework | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Alternative resit for group project is a report to include 3 interviews, transcribing, coding and writing report based on interviews in relation to student experience at university.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 4/29/2024
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