GEOG4111: Semester 1a, 2024

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Units GEOG4111 Semester 1a 2024 [Block mode]

Unit of study_

GEOG4111: Advanced Research in Geography

Semester 1a, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

The defining characteristic of geographical research is the way it generates new knowledge about biophysical and human environments by the novel integration of conceptual ideas and methodological practices. This tradition allows geographers to innovatively address key global problems, including the quest for greater sustainability, the need for social and environmental justice, the dilemmas of climate change, and the promise and contradictions of a globalised world. In this unit of study you will develop an understanding of how this 'geographical way of thinking' shapes how professional geographers go about their research, their professional practice, and how this shapes their imprint on global knowledge creation. In the first section of this unit, you will engage in active debate with teaching staff and fellow students about the key pillars of geographical knowledge, and how they are employed in real-life settings. In the second section of the unit, students will divide into groups based around their research interests, with each group developing deeper practical skills relating to a specific methodology (for example GIS applications; qualitative methods; geochemical analysis, etc). Upon completing this unit, you will have the background context and deeper technical skills relevant for a geographical research project.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	GEOG4111
Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Have an understanding of the subfields of geography within its context as an academic discipline and be aware of the contested and situated nature of geographical research, including the co-constitutive nature of social and biophysical phenomena
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Neil Coe, neil.coe@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Neil Coe, neil.coe@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Methods report Discussion of mixed methods	30%	Week 04 Due date: 15 Mar 2024 at 23:59	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Concepts presentation Topics will be allocated to students two weeks prior	15%	Week 07 Due date: 11 Apr 2024 at 23:59	20 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Major essay Essay on core concepts and their applications	40%	Week 07 Due date: 12 Apr 2024 at 23:59	4000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Poster Prepare a poster on your Honours topic	15%	Week 08 Due date: 19 Apr 2024 at 23:59	1 poster
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

	Weight	Due
Methodology report (1,500 words)	30%	Friday 15th March, 23.59pm
Major essay (4,000 words)	40%	Friday 12th April, 23.59pm
Poster	15%	Friday 19th April, 23.59pm
Presentation	15%	During retreat – 11th April

Assessment criteria

85-100	High Distinction
75-84	Distinction
65-74	Credit
50-64	Pass
0-49	Fail

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day late

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	What is research?	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Making sense of data	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Creating data	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Innovation in methods	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Qualitative methods and coding	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Academic writing	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	1-day retreat	Field trip (7 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. describe and define the major themes of geographic thought
LO2. operationalise major themes of geographic thought in the creation of research questions
LO3. make judgements about the level of conceptual innovation in geographic research
LO4. implement a major methodology in geography
LO5. communicate research concepts to peer audiences

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Minor adjustments after discussing with Bill Pritchard who took the Unit last year. This is a small unit, the content of which is partly shaped by the number of students and the nature of their research.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities. A link to general wellbeing and support services for students is provided (along with other links to important information and resources) at the end of this document.

Practical classes are held in computer laboratories. The following general safety rules apply to these spaces.

Face to face students will occupy every second computer (evenly numbered computers) whilst completing their practical work to maintain social distancing.
For the safety of others and for the protection of equipment, no eating or hot drinks are allowed in practical classes.
In case of fire or any emergency, follow all instructions of your class demonstrator.
Students should act with civility to other students and the class demonstrator. Rude, discrimatory, racist, sexist or bullying behaviour is not acceptable under any circumstances and will not be tolerated.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

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