GV1HPGNU-Techniques in Geography and Environmental Science

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Semesters in which taught: Semester 1 / 2 module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Rob Fry
Email: r.j.fry@reading.ac.uk

NUIST Module Lead: Giri Kattel
Email: giri.kattel@unimelb.edu.cn

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides all students in Geography with an introduction to methodology and techniques across the discipline. The module will ensure that all students have the required skills for the analysis and interpretation of geographical and environmental data based on a series of lectures, laboratory and computer-based practicals and a compulsory field class (-3 days).

The Module lead at NUIST is Professor Giri Kattel (giri.kattel@unimelb.edu.cn).

Aims:

To develop skills in the collection, analysis and interpretation of all forms of geographical and environmental data, using standard analytical techniques and equipment.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module it is expected that a student will be able to:

• Manage, evaluate and reflect upon their own learning


• Demonstrate independent learning


• Use online sources of literature and references correctly


• Construct and manipulate data using Excel


• Perform quantitative analysis using appropriate statistical software including GIS and interpret the results


• Perform qualitative data analysis and interpret the results


• Produce maps of good cartographic quality


• Analyse data in the laboratory


• Work independently and organise work assignments according to a standard format.

Additional outcomes:

The development of written and communication skills, together with time management and general organisation skills.

Outline content:

Autumn term:

The introduction to the module will focus on the university learning environment, for example: reading to learn, essay/report writing and note-taking, organisation and motivation, library skills etc. This will be followed by preparation for the fieldclass which will include information on writing a field notebook, fieldclass information etc.

Field Class

The residential field class is a compulsory component of the modulefor all students. The focus is on group work and student-centred solving of specific research problems. A variety of field research techniques are applied in order to develop subject knowledge and transferable skills, including:

• To apply subject knowledge to solving problems in the field.


• To use a range of field techniques and equipment to gain knowledge of the geological and landscape history, and a range of topics such as land-use and soil quality, impact of flooding on the environment, and resilience of human populations to flooding.


• To collect data and samples for subsequent laboratory and classroom practical sessions.


• To provide a comprehensive report on field observations using standard procedures.


• To develop transferable skills, including team-working.

On completion of the field class it is expected that a student will be able to:

• Collect, organise, analyse and present field data and to interpret it in the context of wider academic literature.


• Demonstrate good collaborative team-working skills, including planning work programme and selection of appropriate methods of working.

During the field class, students will use standard field equipment and techniques, including GPS recorders, maps, soil augers and questionnaires.

The final part of theAutumn term will be devoted to analysis of field data collected using a range of analytical, laboratory and IT techniques (statistics, GIS) in both human and physical geography and environmental science. Students will complete a single field report.

Spring term:

The sessions in the spring term will conti