University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 10 am to 12 pm Thurs

In this module students (with the close supervision and support of staff) will design and implement a research project in an unfamiliar environment. Students will identify a viable project, complete ethics clearance applications, undertake a secondary qualitative and/or quantitative data review and gather primary quantitative and/or qualitative data in the field. Some provisional analysis and presentation of research findings will take place, but the emphasis will be on broader learning related to the design and implementation of a research project. This module provides an excellent academic and practical grounding for the dissertation research proposal.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass GG2012

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 lecture (x 1 week), 6 practicals (x 6 weeks) 1 week in the Field

Scheduled learning hours: 61

Guided independent study hours: 138

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr A Boussalem
Module teaching staff: Dr Ale Boussalem, Dr Charlotte van der Lijn
Module coordinator email ab563@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Students will develop the capacity to identify pertinent questions for geographical investigation, design research projects and plan a program of fieldwork.
• Students will experience the practical application of a range of primary and secondary quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
• Students will be able to make connections between the empirical, methodological and epistemological issues involved in conducting research.
• Students will appreciate the logistical challenge of undertaking research in an unfamiliar environment and the intellectual challenge of accounting for the 'difference place makes' to the content and conduct of research.
• This module will develop students' teamwork, written and oral presentational skills allowing them to develop a coherent research strategy and collect field data in a careful, diligent and reflexive fashion