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Overview

An introduction to research methods in Physical Geography and Environmental Science.

Field Research Methods provides students majoring in a BSc - Geography or BSc Environmental Management, the opportunity to learn and practise skills for collecting, analysing and interpreting geographic data. GEOG201 will provide examples of how the specific knowledge, skills, techniques and values are relevant to the geographic discipline. This content will then be supported by your laboratory session, where you will work through a real case study and apply the critical and interpretative skills necessary to interpret geographical data sets.

An introduction to the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a core component of this paper and hands-on experience using GIS software to solve geographic problems features in the second half of the paper.

A week long residential field school is the highlight of Field Research Methods. All students travel to a South Island location to work on a series of projects offering hands-on experience in designing sampling regimes, collecting field data, using field instruments and techniques and working as a team with fellow class members and departmental staff. The skills, values and knowledge from GEOG201 will contribute significantly to your portfolio of graduate skills and knowledge that you will use in your chosen career.

About this paper

Paper title Field Research Methods
Subject Geography
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Full Year (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
GEOG 101 and GEOG 102
Restriction
GEOG 290
Schedule C
Arts and Music, Science
Eligibility
Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission. View more information about departmental permission.
Contact
geography@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: Assoc Prof Daniel Kingston

Teaching Fellow: Ben Varkalis

Paper Structure

GEOG201 is a team-taught course that is comprised of a weekly lecture, laboratory based exercises and field-based exercises.

Teaching Arrangements

One lecture and one 2-hour practical per week.

Five-day residential field camp in April.

Textbooks

Highly Recommended text:
Rogerson, P.A. (2020) Statistical Methods for Geography - A Student's Guide. 5th Edition. Sage Publications, London.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the paper you should:
  • Understand the broad framework of the scientific method and designing sampling regimes
  • Articulate testable hypotheses and apply appropriate analytical techniques
  • Develop proficiency in data interpretation from statistical analysis
  • Develop skills working in a team toward collecting field-based data
  • Competence with a range of field-based geographical techniques and instruments
Assessment details

Assessment is 100% internally assessed.

Overview

An introduction to research methods in Physical Geography and Environmental Science.

Field Research Methods provides students majoring in a BSc Geography or BSc Environmental Management with the opportunity to learn and practise skills for collecting, analysing and interpreting geographic data. GEOG 201 will provide examples of how the specific knowledge, skills, techniques and values are relevant to the geographic discipline. This content will then be supported by your laboratory session, where you will work through a real case study and apply the critical and interpretative skills necessary to interpret geographical data sets.

An introduction to the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a core component of this paper, and hands-on experience using GIS software to solve geographic problems features in the second half of the paper.

A week-long residential field school is the highlight of Field Research Methods. All students travel to a South Island location to work on a series of projects offering hands-on experience in designing sampling regimes, collecting field data, using field instruments and techniques and working as a team with fellow class members and departmental staff. The skills, values and knowledge from GEOG 201 will contribute significantly to your portfolio of graduate skills and knowledge that you will use in your chosen career.

About this paper

Paper title Field Research Methods
Subject Geography
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Full Year (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
GEOG 101 and GEOG 102
Restriction
GEOG 290
Schedule C
Arts and Music, Science
Eligibility

Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission.

Contact
geography@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Daniel Kingston

Teaching Fellow: Ben Varkalis

Paper Structure

GEOG 201 is a team-taught course that is comprised of a weekly lecture, laboratory based exercises and field-based exercises.

Teaching Arrangements

One lecture and one 2-hour practical per week.

Five-day residential field camp in April.

Textbooks

Highly Recommended text:
Rogerson, P.A. (2020). Statistical Methods for Geography: A Student's Guide (5th ed.). Sage Publications, London.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the paper you should:
  • Understand the broad framework of the scientific method and designing sampling regimes.
  • Articulate testable hypotheses and apply appropriate analytical techniques.
  • Develop proficiency in data interpretation from statistical analysis.
  • Develop skills working in a team toward collecting field-based data.
  • Competence with a range of field-based geographical techniques and instruments.
Assessment details

Assessment is 100% internally assessed.

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