GEOG 5001 - Research Design and Methods

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

This course will provide students with a strong foundation in the conceptualisation and operationalisation of research, how to design a research project and 'hands-on' skills in the utilisation of different research methods. Students will be exposed to a wide range of research methods and will learn key principles of research design. Topics to be covered in detail include sampling, surveying, interviewing, case study analysis, focus groups, interviewing and analysing and presenting data. Intellectual and methodological debates will be discussed in order to assist students to develop informed opinions and a critical appreciation for other's research. The imperative for ethical research practice will be presented. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and ability to undertake methodologically sound, original research projects and will develop a set of transferable workplace skills.

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Course Details

Course Code	GEOG 5001
Course	Research Design and Methods
Coordinating Unit	Geography, Environment and Population
Term	Semester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	6
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Incompatible	GEST 5001
Assessment	Seminar Journal (30%), Group verbal (25%), 1000 word minor essay (10%), literature review (35%)

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Andrew Beer

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Course Learning Outcomes

To locate, analyse and synthesise information about the diversity of research approches
Develop ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions to research problems via use of problem solving and critical thinking exercises in research case studies, develop teamwork and interpersonal skills in negotiating research programs
To critically evaluate the efficacy of virtual means of delivering or developing research strategies
To encourage and develop skills that will enhance the fulfilment of ongoing and continuous learning and intellectual curiosity via independent learning exercises
To demonstrate, by use of role model examples, how research can help support leadership functions within community
Develop understanding of cross cultural contexts and nuances/implications of cross cultural research

最新糖心Vlog 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.	1, 4
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	2
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	2, 3
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	1-6
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	4, 5
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	5
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	6

Learning & Teaching Modes

No information currently available.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

3 houirs of classes per week	36 hours per semester
11 hours reading/research per week	132 hours per semester
12 hours assignment preparation per week	144 hours per semester
TOTAL WORKLOAD	312 hours per semester

Learning Activities Summary


Week		Research Design and Methods
Week 1		Course overview: What is research?
Week 2		Literature reviews and data base searches
Week 3		Writing workshop Online activity this week Formative Writing task
Week 4		Research Ethics and Engaging Cultures Writing an ethics application
Week 5		Theoretical Approaches
Week 6		Qualitative Methods 1
Week 7		Qualitative Methods 2 Quantitative Methods 1
Week 8		Quantitative Methods 2 – Dr Laurence Lester
Week 9		Research Analysis Online methods: Using survey monkey Using NVIVO Using Endnote
Week 10		Journal work
Week 11		How to write up a research project (eg. Dissertation)
Week 12		Group Verbal Presentations on research proposals

The 最新糖心Vlog'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
1000 word minor essay	Formative and Summative	10%	1-6
Seminar journal	Formative and Summative	30%	1-6
Literature review	Formative and Summative	35%	1-6
Research brief and proposal presentation	Formative and Summative	25%	1-6

Assessment Related Requirements

In order to pass the course, it is necessary that students attend all sessions.

Assessment Detail

1000 word minor essay: students submit an essay on a chosen topic.
Weight: 10%

Seminar journal: Activities and tasks will include ‘homework’ tasks that will be preparation for in class activities the week following (such as developing an online survey via NVIVO), as well as a number of in class activities (i.e. giving and taking interviews).
Weight: 30%

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 due on the 16th March.
Weight: 35%

Verbal (group) presentation: In groups you will be expected to develop a research program for one of the case studies set. Case studies will be drawn for student ideas for projects developed in the first two weeks. Presentations will be in the format of a group/research team bid to get research dollars from a funding institution.
Weight: 25%

Submission

Students may submit their work in hard copy to the Course Coordinator, via email or via MyUni.

NOTE: When submitting via MyUni, you must convert your assignment file to PDF before submission - for assistance in converting your assignment file to PDF, please see http://www.adelaide.edu.au/myuni/tutorials/content/ICC_Printed_Assignment_PDF_creation.html

For guidance on how to submit your assignment electronically via MyUni, go to and click on the “Submit an Assignment” tutorial.

For more assistance on submitting your PDF assignment file to MyUni, please telephone the Service Desk on 831 33000, 8am–6pm, Monday to Friday or
email servicedesk@adelaide.edu.au

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 .

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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 最新糖心Vlog 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.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
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Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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