Unit information: Introduction to Quantitative Geography in 2026/27

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

Unit name Introduction to Quantitative Geography
Unit code GEOG10008
Credit points 20
Level of study C/4
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Timmerman
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

Unit Information

The unit is comprised of two elements: (1) Digital Data & Geography provides an introduction to the use, processing and presentation of spatial data to examine geographical phenomena. (2) Geographical Data Analysis develops skills for the empirical enquiry of geographic data sets 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 - the key topics are: knowing about the sources and nature of geographical data; the use of software packages for displaying, summarising 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 foundational principles of regression analysis.

This unit introduces the Geographic Data Science Theme.

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 elementary data science and 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 based on real-world examples

Your learning on this unit

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

Element 1 covers ILOs 1-3; Element 2 covers ILOs 4-8

  1. Appreciate the diversity of geographical data that is available in digital form.
  2. Collate digital geographical data, summarize and display it in graphical and map form.
  3. To appreciate how geographical data may be used to help analyse socio-economic and policy problems.
  4. Recognise the need for data analytical techniques in terms of description, modelling and inference.
  5. Select appropriate techniques for the task in hand.
  6. Use and interpret computer output from a statistical software package, RStudio.
  7. Appreciate the distinctive nature of geographical data.
  8. 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

How you will learn

The unit will be taught through a combination of:

  • online resources
  • synchronous group workshops, seminars, tutorials and/or office hours
  • asynchronous individual activities and guided reading for students to work through at their own pace
  • practicals

How you will be assessed

Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):

Group project and presentation [ILOs 1-3]

Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):

Exam [ILOs 4-8]

When assessment does not go to plan

Students will have the opportunity to complete an alterntive exam in the reassessment period.

Resources

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. GEOG10008).

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.