GEO2127 : Research Design and Planning for Physical Geographers
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Nick Cutler
- Lecturer: Ms Sarah Cullen, Professor Neil Ross, Professor Rachel Carr, Professor Stuart Dunning, Dr Christopher Hackney, Miss Ailsa McLeod, Dr Matthew Perks
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
To further develop the skills acquired in GEO1026: Becoming a Geographer, to focus specifically on preparing for the dissertation (GEO3099).
To complement and support GEO2137: Key Methods for Physical Geographers.
To explore the discipline of physical geography, including its academic history and scientific framework.
To enable students to develop a physical geography dissertation research proposal.
To explore the links between key skills (those required for a degree) and transferable skills (those required for subsequent careers).
Outline Of Syllabus
The scientific method and its application in physical geography research.
Research approaches in physical geography, including the collection and use of primary and secondary data.
Research/experimental design and methods, including developing research questions.
Presenting physical geography data, including the preparation of diagrams and figures.
Tackling the Dissertation Research Plan (DRP): literature reviews; developing links with broader theory; structuring a dissertation.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 154:30 | 154:30 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 17 | 1:00 | 17:00 | In-person lectures; includes content delivered by the GPS Safety Officers and a colleague from the Careers Service |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Computer practicals with member of staff present. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | Seminar / 1-to-1 meeting preparation. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | In-person seminars, led by academic staff |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Drop-in session with Module Leader in attendance |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 2 | 0:15 | 0:30 | 1-to-1 meeting with GEO2127 DRP Mentor |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Sessions on research skills delivered by colleagues from the University Library |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 1. Overseas expedition opportunities. 2. ‘Dissertation Conference’ (presentations by Stage 3 students; convened by Module Leader). |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
This module is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. The semester 1 lectures, related seminars and tutorials enable students to develop a working knowledge of key ideas relevant to undertaking geographical research. The semester 2 lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials introduce students to the research process, including the development of their own dissertation research proposals. This mix of teaching enables all components of the theory and practice of independent research to be introduced. It also allows students the time and space to develop their own research proposals, building on content from this and other Stage 2 modules.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 15 | 1 | M | 30 | Group poster to summarise a research topic and identify contested knowledge and research questions |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research proposal | 2 | M | 70 | 2,400 word Dissertation Research Proposal |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The first assessment (group poster project) tests students’ ability to critically review literature to identify contested ideas and research questions. It also assesses the students' ability to present research findings in a graphical format. Both are key skills required for the successful completion of the Dissertation in Stage 3.
The second assessment – the Dissertation Research Proposal - assesses students’ knowledge, understanding and ability to plan the research process. Again, these are key skills required for the Dissertation.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- GEO2127's Timetable