units

ATS3787

Faculty of Arts

18 September 2017 22 December 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Arts
Monash Passport categoryResearch Challenge (Investigate Program)
OfferedClayton Second semester 2012 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Dr Libby Porter

Notes

Previously coded GES3270

Synopsis

This unit trains students in basic research skills in geography and environmental science. The unit is of relevance to both applied and academic careers. After an overview of research philosophies and good research design, students select a stream of research methods relevant to their interest. These include social surveys and interviews; physical geography fieldwork; and indigenous archaeology. In addition to practical based assessment, students develop and execute a mini-research project of their own choice.

Outcomes

By the end of the unit, students will:

  1. Have an ability to choose the most appropriate methods for addressing particular research questions and data sets;
  2. Have an understanding of several research methodologies in geography and environmental science;
  3. Have direct experience of the processes of individual, independent research and data collection;
  4. An understanding of some of the ethical issues involved in research;
  5. A capacity to produce high quality research reports that clearly present objectives, describe methods, and draw sound conclusions from the research outcomes.

Assessment

Project proposal (1000 words): 20%
Research report (3000 words): 40%
Project presentation: 20%
Exam(1 hour): 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Libby Porter

Contact hours

3 hour block consisting of a one hour lecture, plus 2 hour workshop.

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Geography and environmental science (ARTS)
Geographical science
Climate change and society
Conservation of biological diversity and cultural heritage
Land and water management
Urban, regional and international development

Prerequisites

24 points of GES, of which at least 12 must be at Level 2 or higher. The level 2 units must have been passed with at least an 80% average (HD average).

Prohibitions

ATS4587