Unit information: Geographical Methods 1 in 2011/12

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Unit name Geographical Methods 1
Unit code GEOG15040
Credit points 20
Level of study C/4
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director Mr. Thomas
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

All other units in year 1 BSc/MSci Single Honours Geography

School/department School of Geographical Sciences
Faculty Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

The unit is comprised of two elements. Digital Data & Geography provides an introduction to the use, processing and presentation of spatial data to examine geographical phenomena. Geographical Data Analysis develops skills for empirical enquiry using quantitative methods and software. Both elements provide foundational ability in IT and analytical skills, which are used and developed in subsequent years.

Element 1: Digital Data & Geography - A ten-week element, with a weekly 1 hour lecture and a timetabled practical (also includes an introduction to the School's IT facilities during week 0 - the introductory week). The key topics are: knowing about the sources and nature of geographical data; the use of software packages for displaying, summarizing and mapping geographical data; an introduction to GIS and using numerical data to examine and interpret geographical phenomena.

Element 2: Geographical Data Analysis - This element provides an introduction to the perspectives and methods of geographical data analysis. The key topics covered are: Spatial Analysis; probability theory, inference and hypothesis testing; Models, functions and simple regression.

The aims of this Unit are

  • to introduce students to the distinctive nature of geographical data
  • to introduce techniques, methods and good practice for the collation, analysis and display of geographical data
  • to develop a critical approach to quantitative, empirical enquiry
  • to develop IT skills and to introduce IT facilities available in the School
  • to introduce students to the planning and execution of research-based projects using quantitative research designs

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this Unit students should be able to:

Element 1

  • Appreciate the diversity of geographical data that is available in digital form.
  • Collate digital geographical data, summarize and display it in graphical and map form.
  • To appreciate how geographical data may be used to help analyse socio-economic and policy problems.

Element 2

  • Recognise the need for data analytical techniques in terms of description, modelling and inference.
  • Select appropriate techniques for the task in hand.
  • Use and interpret computer output from a statistical software package.
  • Appreciate the distinctive nature of geographical data.
  • Undertake a geographical research project using analytical skills.
  • the following transferable skills are developed in this Unit:
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Team working
  • Numeracy
  • Computer literacy
  • Problem solving
  • Analytical skills Planning
  • Project management

Teaching Information

Lectures, practicals, group work and reading tasks

Assessment Information

Element 1

Weekly practical is monitored for satisfactory completion

A group project & pretesentation (25%).

Element 2

Practical folder documenting GDA project (25%).

Plus

Two hour examination covering the whole course (50%).

Reading and References

ESSENTIAL READING:

  • Harris, R. and Jarvis, C. (2011) Statistics for Geography and Environmental Science. Pearson. NB For element 2 and for year 2 Spatial Modelling unit.

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • Clifford, N.J. Valentine, G. (2003) Key Methods in Geography, SAGE
  • Thomas Dietz, Dietz, Linda Kalof (2009) Introduction to Social Statistics. Wiley-Blackwell
  • Erickson, B.H. and Nosanchuk, T.A. (1995) Understanding Data, 2nd edition, Open University Press, Buckingham. Useful for element 2.
  • James Burt, Gerald Barber and David Rigby. 2009. Elementary Statistics for Geographers. Guilford Press.
  • Albrecht, J, (2007) Key concepts and techniques in GIS.

Handouts with reading relevant to specific lectures will also be given.

Recommended Bookshop texts:

Harris, R. and Jarvis, C. (2011) Statistics for Geography and Environmental Science. Pearson. NB For element 2 and for year 2 Spatial Modelling unit.

Related links