BSc Geography with International Study

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Researching Manchester

Course unit fact file
Unit code GEOG10291
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 1
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

This exciting course uses urban and rural Manchester as a playground to introduce you to the world of Geographical research. It is difficult to teach research, you need to learn how to research by actually doing it. You will undertake data design and collection and go into the physical geography laboratories and the computer labs to analyse your data.  We will consider how to present data ending in a poster presentation of your research.

Aims

• spark an interest in critical real-world investigation
• introduce approaches to designing and undertaking geographical research
• introduce the merits of different human and physical geography research methods
• illustrate approaches to researching urban space  
• introduce techniques for analysing and mapping geospatial data 
• develop team working skills 
• undertake field work and present data
• get to know Manchester better!
 

Learning outcomes

 

 

 

Teaching and learning methods

The course will be delivered by a mix of lectures to present the social and environmental geography of Manchester and explore the theory behind different research methods. Practical approaches will be delivered through laboratory and computer practicals. Students will be expected to engage with the literature and to collect data in the field. Support for the assessment will be provided through Q and A in the lectures and practicals, as well Blackboard materials and hands-on workshops and ‘drop-in’ coursework surgeries [in person and on Zoom].    

Knowledge and understanding

• Show an interest in critical real-world investigation

• Design and undertake introductory geographical research

• Introduce the merits of different human and physical geography research methods

• An understanding of ethical research

Intellectual skills

• Illustrate approaches to researching Manchester and its region

• Handle information, evaluate and analyse different kinds of data

Practical skills

• Use techniques for analysing and presenting data

• Undertake field work and present data

• Problem-solve

• Collect empirical data

Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Design and produce a research project

• Think and reflect critically

• Work in a team

• Undertake motivated and self-directed learning.

Assessment methods

Assessment task

Length

How and when feedback is provided

Weighting within unit (if relevant)

 

Team poster presentation

 

A1 poster

 

At presentations session

 

100%

 

 

Feedback methods

 

 

Recommended reading

Bullard, J. (2016) ‘Health, Safety and Risk in the Field’, in Clifford, N., Cope, M., Gillespie, T. & French, S. (eds.) Key Methods in Geography. 3rd edn. London: Sage, pp. 19-29.

Douglas, I., Hodgson, R., & Lawson, N. (2002) ‘Industry, environment and health through 200 years in Manchester’. Ecological Economics, 41(2), 235-255.

Haslam, D. (1999) Manchester, England: The story of the pop cult city. London: Fourth Estate. (Chapter 1)

Kidd, A. (2006) Manchester: A History. Lancaster: Carnegie Press.

Mensing, S.A. (2016) ‘Making Observations and Measurements in the Laboratory’, in Clifford, N., Cope, M., Gillespie, T. and French, S. (eds.) Key Methods in Geography. 3rd Edn. London, Sage, pp.336-344.

Perkins, C. (2016) ‘Mapping and Graphicacy’, in Clifford, N., Cope, M., Gillespie, T. and French, S. (eds.) Key Methods in Geography. 3rd edn. London: Sage.

Rayback, S.A. (2016) ‘Making Observations and Measurements in the Field’, in Clifford, N., Cope, M.,

Gillespie, T. & French, S. (eds.) Key Methods in Geography. London: Sage, pp.325-335.

Wyke, T., Robson, B. & Dodge, M. (2018) Manchester: Mapping the City/ Edinburgh: Birlinn.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 8
Practical classes & workshops 12
Independent study hours
Independent study 80

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Martin Dodge Unit coordinator

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