GG3574: RESEARCH DESIGN (2014-2015)

• The nature of the research process.
• Considering 'what makes a good piece of research' and 'how does a particular approach to your subject influence the type of research undertaken'.
• Aims and learning outcomes of the undergraduate dissertation. Selecting research topics and developing research questions.
• Literature searches and how to write a literature review.
• Sources of quantitative and qualitative secondary data.
• Data collection methods applicable to a wide range of geographical research questions.
• Strategies for interpreting qualitative data.
• Research ethics.
• Health and safety for researchers.
• Writing up research, how to present your dissertation and make the most of your research efforts.

The course also introduces careers research skills, and explores how you can best make use of your degree in the 'real world' after graduation: workshops run in partnership with the University's Career Service provide practical advice and training on how best to develop your career.

This course may not be taken as part of a graduating curriculum with GG 3573.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View GG3574 Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: 100% coursework. Students choose two assignments (each worth 50%) from : (i) research contexts essay; (ii) preliminary literature review / research planning exercise (this being compulsory for students intending to complete their dissertation in G&E; (iii) short report: data analysis and interpretation case study; iv) portfolio of careers-reated coursework. Resit: Resubmission of failed project work, with mark for those components to be capped at CAS 9.

Feedback on summative assessments should help students to improve their subsequent performances within the course and for subsequent courses. For dissertation students, the course incorporates the initial stages of supervision. Although summatively assessed for the purposes of this course, the preliminary literature review acts as a key component of formative assessment for the final dissertation.

Students receive individual, written feedback on their coursework using standard comments sheets. Dissertation students are also expected to liaise with their supervisor, to include two formal meetings.

None.