Modiwl DXX-2000:
GIS & Research Methods

Ffeithiau’r Modiwl

Rhedir gan School of Natural Sciences

20 Credyd neu 10 Credyd ECTS

Semester 1 a 2

Trefnydd: Mr Ian Harris

Amcanion cyffredinol

The module aims to support honours project planning and encourage critical thinking about the research process.

The module introduces Geographical Information Systems and spatial data, statistical techniques, plus the methods and approaches students will need for their final year honours project. Students will complete short exercises to evaluate their understanding of the methods and tools covered in lectures and practical sessions. The main task is to choose and produce a literature review / plan for the final year honours project, together with a risk assessment and an ethical evaluation.

Cynnwys cwrs

Geographical Information Systems: data types, raster and vector data; primary sources, data capture; secondary data sources, data providers; data export formats and data translation; data projections, OSGB and WGS84 lat long; Global Positioning System (GPS), position fixing; organisation of spatial data; Structured Query Language (SQL); geoprocessing, overlay and boolean data, spatial sampling, modelling and analytical approaches; potential uses of GIS utilising a range of examples.

Statistics: principles of hypothesis generation, sampling, study design, spatial methods, 1 and 2 way ANOVA for completely randomised designs; 1 factor randomised block ANOVA; correlation coefficient; simple and multiple linear regression; social research methods.

Computer-based data manipulation, analysis and presentation.

Qualitative survey methods.

Literature review.

Evidence Synthesis (including systematic review and systematic mapping of research, critical appraisal of research and options for data synthesis).

Students will be encouraged to develop effective learning skills including: production of a honours project proposal; communication skills; and time management.

Meini Prawf

trothwy

Grade D- to D+ Able to perform the specified analyses within the tasks set. Relevant results included but may not be well summarised or presented. Some literature used to place the assessment in context and provide a rationale but may be incomplete and include irrelevant material. Appropriate statistical methods used but some errors in application. Discussion shows some, but incomplete recognition of limitations of the research. Honours project research objectives stated but may be imprecise. Literature review contains appropriate materials, but synthesis limited. Methods largely reproducible, but may be vague in places and not fully address the research objectives. Structure follows conventions but within section structure lacks order. Substantial changes may need to be made to the proposal before the honours project research can begin.

da

Grade C- to B+ Able to relate the analysis to the questions being asked within the tasks set. Good summary of results with some minor imperfections in presentation. Appropriate statistical methods used and applied with only minor errors. Good discussion recognising any limitations of the research. Clear statement of honours project research objectives. Good survey of the available literature with appropriate synthesis, providing context and rationale. Methods proposed are clear, reproducible and fully address the research objectives. Good structure. Minor changes may need to be made to the research before honours project research can begin.

ardderchog

Grade A- and above Able to relate the analysis to the question being asked, including a demonstration of the understanding of the underlying assumptions. Results are presented to a high standard. Excellent use of appropriate statistical methods. Excellent discussion recognising limitations of the research and proposing alternative approaches for the future. Clear statement of coherent honours project research objectives. Excellent literature review providing a synthesis, context and rationale for the research. Methods proposed are clear, reproducible and fully address the research objectives. Structure near flawless. Only very minor changes may be required before the honours project research can begin.

Canlyniad dysgu

  1. Be able to use a desktop Geographical Information System (ArcGIS ) to display and manipulate different forms of spatial data

  2. Be able to effectively carry out field methods and data collection

  3. Be able to select and apply appropriate methods for the analysis of data

  4. Be able to describe and communicate research findings

  5. Be able to generate appropriate research hypotheses / research objectives

  6. Understand the ethical implications of their proposed research

  7. Be able to complete a risk assessment

Dulliau asesu

Math Enw Disgrifiad Pwysau
GWAITH CWRS GIS Map Exercise 15
GWAITH CWRS Questionnaire Survey 15
GWAITH CWRS Sampling or Interview exercise 20
GWAITH CWRS Vegetation survey or Town condition audit 10
GWAITH CWRS Project Plan 30
GWAITH CWRS Hon Project Risk Assessment 10

Strategaeth addysgu a dysgu

Oriau
Lecture

17 x 1 hour and 1 x 2 hour lectures

 19
Practical classes and workshops

6*2 hour GIS practicals (F8 / F9 Thoday)

12
Practical classes and workshops

31.5 hour and 13 hour quantitative data practicals (F8 / F9 Thoday)

8
Fieldwork

2*3 hour field visits (Henfaes / Bangor)

6
Private study

Private and self-guided study

 156

Sgiliau Trosglwyddadwy

  • Llythrennedd - Medrusrwydd mewn darllen ac ysgrifennu drwy amrywiaeth o gyfryngau
  • Rhifedd - Medrusrwydd wrth ddefnyddio rhifau ar lefelau priodol o gywirdeb
  • Defnyddio cyfrifiaduron - Medrusrwydd wrth ddefnyddio ystod o feddalwedd cyfrifiadurol
  • Hunanreolaeth - Gallu gweithio mewn ffordd effeithlon, prydlon a threfnus. Gallu edrych ar ganlyniadau tasgau a digwyddiadau, a barnu lefelau o ansawdd a phwysigrwydd
  • Adalw gwybodaeth - Gallu mynd at wahanol ac amrywiol ffynonellau gwybodaeth
  • Ymwybyddiaeth o ddiogelwch - Bod yn ymwybodol o'ch amgylchedd a hyder o ran cadw at reoliadau iechyd a diogelwch
  • Gwaith Tîm - Gallu cydweithio'n adeiladol ag eraill ar dasg gyffredin, ac/neu fod yn rhan o dîm gweithio o ddydd i ddydd

Sgiliau pwnc penodol

  • Develop and identify research question(s) and/or hypotheses as the basis for investigation.
  • Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Apply subject knowledge to the understanding and addressing of problems.
  • Collect, analyse and interpret primary and/or secondary data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
  • Awareness of the concepts of spatial and temporal scale in understanding processes and relationships.
  • Appreciation of the reciprocal nature of human-environmental relationships.
  • Apply appropriate techniques for presenting spatial and/or temporal trends in data.
  • Employ appropriate social-survey methods.
  • Preparation of effective maps, diagrams and visualizations.
  • Appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms.
  • Understand the provisional nature of information and appreciate competing and alternative explanations.
  • Recognize the moral, ethical and social issues relating to the subject.
  • Collect and record data generated by a diverse range of methods.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation

Adnoddau

Goblygiadau o ran adnoddau ar gyfer myfyrwyr

Students taking this module are required to use various specialist software packages, for which appropriate support and guidance will be made available

Rhestrau Darllen Bangor (Talis)

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/dxx-2000.html

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