GEOG 5010 - Research Methods
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code GEOG 5010 Course Research Methods Coordinating Unit Geography, Environment and Population Term Semester 1 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 3 contact hours Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Incompatible GEST 5001, GEST 5010 Restrictions Available to MPlanning & MPlan(UrbDes) students only Assessment Literature review (30%), research proposal (30%), 1000 word minor essay (10%), in-class journal and verbals (30%) Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Andrew Beer
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1 To locate, analyse and synthesise information about the diversity of research approaches 2 Develop an ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions to research problems 3 Develop teamwork, and interpersonal skills in negotiating research programs via use of problem solving and critical thinking exercises in research case studies 4 Critically evaluate the efficacy of virtual means of delivering or developing research strategies 5 Encourage and develop skills that will enhance the fulfilment of ongoing and continuous learning and intellectual curiosity via independent learning exercises 6 Demonstrate, by use of role model examples, how research can help support leadership and better decision making within the community and in the public and private sectors 7 Develop an understanding of cross cultural contexts and the nuances/implications of cross cultural research University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 4, 6, 7 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1, 2 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2, 3 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 3 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 2, 4, 5, 6 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 2, 5, 7 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 6, 7 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 7 -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Lectures supported by problem-solving tutorials developing material covered in lectures.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
1 x 3-hour lecture per week 36 hours per semester 3 hours reading per week 36 hours per semester 4 hours research per week 48 hours per semester 3 hours assignment preparation per week 36 hours per semester TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester Learning Activities Summary
Schedule Week 1 Course Overview: What is research? Week 2 Literature Reviews and Data Base Searches Week 3 Communicating Research Outcomes Week 4 The Role of Theory in Research Design and Delivery Week 5 Research Ethics and Engaging Cultures Week 6 Qualitative Methods 1 Week 7 Qualitative Methods 2 and Qualitative Methods 1 Week 8 Qualitative Methods 2 Week 9 Research Analysis Week 10 How to Write up a Research Project Week 11 Group Verbal Presentations on Research Proposals -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome Seminar Journal (based on in-class activities) Formative and Summative 30% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 1000 word minor essay Formative and Summative 10% 2, 5, 6, 7 Literature Review Formative and Summative 35% 2, 4, 6 Group Verbal Presentation Formative and Summative 25% 1, 2, 3, 4 Assessment Detail
Seminar Journal based on in-class activities. Assessed seminar exercises and activities, including attendance. Activities and tasks will include homework tasks that will be preparation for in-class activities the week following, as well as a number of in-class activities. Students that miss the in-class activities will forfeit the assessment weighting that will be allocated to that task - weighting 30%
Attendance and Participation - weighting 10%
Literature Review. Students will develop a literature review on a research problem/topic. A list of topics will be given to students but you will be able to choose your own in consultation with the convenor. This includes a preparatory exercise - weighting 35%
Group Verbal Presentation of research proposal plus written proposal brief. In groups you will be expected to develop a research program for one of the case studies set. Case studies will be drawn from student ideas for projects developed in the first two weeks - weighting 25%Submission
Students should submit their work electronically via MyUni. Students who do not request an extension will forfeit assessment marks at 5% for every working day it is late.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
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