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  6. GG3574: Research Design

GG3574: RESEARCH DESIGN (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

This core course builds on GG2508 to provide an introduction to the conduct of research in the Geosciences at an advanced level.  It is intended to familiarise students with the skills necessary to design, implement and write up effective research.  These skills will support work on undergraduate dissertations and other project work.  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.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Nicholas P. Spedding
  • Dr James E. Schofield

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme
  • One of Geography (GG) or Marine And Coastal Resource Management (MR) or Bachelor Of Science In Geoscience

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

  • 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.


Contact Teaching Time

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

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Portfolio of Careers-related Coursework

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Preliminiary literature review/research planning exercise

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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This element is compulsory for students intending to complete their dissertation in G&E
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Research Contexts Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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For assessment students choose two of the following options, each worth 50%

  1. research contexts essay
  2. preliminary literature review/research planning exercise (this is compulsory for students intending to complete their dissertation in G&E)
  3. short report: data analysis and interpretation case study
  4. portfolio of careers-related coursework
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Short Report: Data Analysis and Interpretation Case Study

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

Literature Review

Assessment Type Formative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Resit Assessments

Resubmission of failed element, capped

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.
 

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