KE4005 - Exploring Geographical and Environmental Data

In this module, you will learn through a series of IT practical classes, short (1-hour) lectures, and seminars. You will also make use of a range of learning resources, including specific software programmes.

The learning will be divided into five key areas:
1) exploring quantitative data 2) spatial data analysis
3) qualitative data analysis

In most of the weeks you will have two 2-hour IT practicals in geographical analytical skills. IT practicals will be organised in a flexible and engaging manner to outline the key concepts related to that week’s topic, and to give the students timely support in developing real-world analysis skills. There will also be a project week at the end of the semester, as part of which you will be asked to complete analysis of datasets.

You will be supported academically by a module handbook outlining key dates, general assignment briefs for the academic year, plus key books and journals to help you plan your learning and time. You will be given directed reading via an electronic reading list. In addition, you will be given comprehensive handbooks for each of the blocks of learning, detailing activities for weekly IT practical sessions and directing you to specialist online data sources, resources and reading materials. You will receive tailored written feedback on the written assignment.
Teaching staff operate an ‘open door’ policy for students meaning you can approach them anytime during normal office hours, or via email, to answer questions, receive feedback and support your learning on the module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: Source and analyse a wide range of both primary and secondary geographical and environmental data.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO2: Develop and apply skills in the using a wide range of data analysis software.
• MLO3: Summarise, present and report the findings of your data analysis precisely and succinctly.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO4: Work effectively with others and to strict and limited deadlines, incorporating decision making and time management.

The summative assessments on this module are: a quantitative exercise diary (40% – MLOs 1-3) and a project report (60% - MLOs 1-4). Both assessments will be submitted electronically via Turnitin on the eLP module site.

The quantitative exercise diary will be submitted in the middle of the second semester and will incorporate descriptive and inferential statistical analysis exercise of quantitative datasets.

The project report will be based on qualitative and geospatial data analysis skills developed during the module and will draw on analysis undertaken during the project week towards the end of the semester.

Verbal feedback on tasks completed in practical classes will be supplied immediately. Written feedback will be provided electronically on submitted assignments, normally within three working weeks of submission.
Students will receive verbal formative feedback on tasks and analysis undertaken in workshops and IT classes to support them in completing both assessments.

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In this module, you will learn and develop key data analysis skills for geographers and environmental scientists, which will then be enhanced by programme-specific training further on in your degree. This will include the development of specific software skills. You will analyse data from secondary sources to help you explore real-world geographical and environmental issues and phenomena, as well as undertaking group project work to generate your own report..

Teaching and learning activities are tailored towards your own degree programme and the module will be delivered primarily through 2-hour lecture-embedded IT practical classes alongside a short lecture (1-hour) and seminars. You will also have access to a range of learning resources, including electronic reading lists, made available via the module eLP site. The module will be assessed by a quantitative exercise diary (40%), and a project report (60%).