| Unit name | Quantitative Research Methods for Human Geography |
|---|---|
| Unit code | GEOG20032 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Shi |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None. |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None. |
| School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
The availability of data has rapidly increased in recent times and extensive data analysis now informs many decisions with profound societal impacts. It is increasingly important to develop skills needed to organise, explore, manipulate and analyse these increasingly large datasets, as well as to critically evaluate data analysis methods. These skills enable us to better understand societal needs, improve responsiveness to humanitarian crises, mitigate antisocial behaviours, and improve the quality of life within human settlements. Data literacy, visualisation and analysis skills are highly sought after in the employment market, giving our students a competitive edge when searching for career options after their degree.
The unit teaches the applications and evaluation of data analysis methods commonly used in human geography, including data visualisation, correlation, regression, Geographical Information Science elements, and initial applications of Spatial Econometric methods related to Tobler’s First Law.
A key aim of the unit is to provide quantitative teaching suitable for dissertation work, develop skills in quantitative problem-solving and critical thinking and the effective presentation and interpretation of quantitative data.
How does the unit fit into the programme of study?
This unit will work together with the Qualitative Research Methods for Human Geography unit to help students understand key methodological considerations in human geography research, specifically identifying when, for which research questions, and how to apply qualitative/quantitative methods appropriately and effectively. These skills will be critical when completing the dissertation work in the 3rd year, allowing students to select and apply appropriate methods for collecting and analysing their own research data accurately and effectively.
An overview of content
In this unit students will be continuing to develop their skills in handling, visualising, analysing, and interpreting geographical data, with an emphasis on applying these skills to real-world issues (such as jobs and education in cities, housing crisis, etc.) appropriately and critically.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit students should be able to:
Transferable skills from this unit include:
You will learn through a combination of problem-based lectures, interactive practical sessions, and office hours.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Formative assessment will be carried out throughout this unit via engagement with practical sessions.
A mock exam will be provided during TB1 to prepare for the Mid-unit exam in January.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Mid Unit Exam (40%) [ILOs 1-5]
Final Scientific Report (60%) [ILOs 1-6]
When assessment does not go to plan
For the mid-unit exam, students will be offered an alternative exam. For the scientific report, students will submit a similar report to that defined in the original assessment brief.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. GEOG20032).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
