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    Overview

    Design, conduct and report on a group-based research project in Physical Geography or Environmental Science.

    GEOG 301 is an 18-point capstone paper for the BSc in Geography and BAppSc in Environmental Management and provides students the opportunity to undertake guided learning of the research process. The course comprises of three main elements: individual study and research, group-based research, and a series of workshops designed to prepare you for these research experiences.

    About this paper

    Paper title Field Research Studies
    Subject Geography
    EFTS 0.1500
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Full Year (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    GEOG 201 (or GEOG 290 prior to 2023)
    Restriction
    GEOG 380 (passed prior to 2023)
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Science
    Eligibility
    Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission. View more information about departmental permission.
    Contact

    ben.varkalis@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Paper Coordinator: Senior Teaching Fellow - Ben Varkalis and all Physical Geography staff

    Paper Structure

    The paper requires students to work on a research topic in small groups, with advice and support from a staff member. There is a short programme of lectures and workshops to help students achieve these objectives.

    The paper combines both group and individual work elements. Each student will prepare and present, as an individual, a literature-based assignment; a final report; and a critique of the research experience. These tasks do not involve collaboration.

    In addition, each group will collaborate to generate research questions; develop a research approach; undertake fieldwork/collect data; perform laboratory work and initial data analysis. Groups also must cooperate in the presentation of two seminars to the class. Contribution to the group process is considered via a (staff-moderated) peer assessment.

    Textbooks

    A textbook is not required for this paper.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Develop the ability to critically analyse literature (critical thinking, information literacy);
    • Design an appropriate research strategy (critical thinking, research);
    • Gain experience in appropriate data acquisition and analysis techniques (information and environmental literacy, research);
    • Build knowledge of collecting and analysis of the data (information and environmental literacy, research);
    • Develop oral and written communication of research design and findings as an individual and team (communication, teamwork).

    Timetable

    Full Year

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Seminar

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A2 Wednesday 16:00-16:50 9-13
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