An introduction to research methods in Physical Geography and Environmental Science.
Field Research Methods provides students majoring in a BSc - Geography or BAppSc - 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.
| Paper title | Field Research Methods |
|---|---|
| Paper code | GEOG201 |
| Subject | Geography |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Full Year (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| 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
- More information link
View further information about GEOG 201
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Dr 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.
Assessment is 100% internally assessed.
- 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
