BSc Geography with International Study

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.

• 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!
 

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].    

• 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

• Illustrate approaches to researching Manchester and its region

• Handle information, evaluate and analyse different kinds of data

• Use techniques for analysing and presenting data

• Undertake field work and present data

• Problem-solve

• Collect empirical data

• Design and produce a research project

• Think and reflect critically

• Work in a team

• Undertake motivated and self-directed learning.

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.