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Course Outlines

GEOG 4002 - Honours Geog, Env & Population Research Methods

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2018

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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  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEOG 4002
    Course Honours Geog, Env & Population Research Methods
    Coordinating Unit Geography, Environment and Population
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites Completed degree (72 units) with 24 units of Environmental Policy and Management major or completed Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Management degree
    Restrictions Available only to students admitted to the relevant Honours program
    Assessment 6000 word research proposal and literature review (60%), 2000 word seminar journal (30%), seminar participation (10%)
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Jennifer Bonham

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Identify different research methods and their theoretical underpinnings.
    2 Demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse and synthesise literature related to a research question.
    3 Critically analyse and demonstrate an ability to formulate viable research questions.
    4 Demonstrate an understanding and ability to undertake the range of tasks necessary to completing a research project.
    5 Identify and engage with the range of ethical issues involved in the conduct of a research project.
    6 Show an understanding of cross cultural contexts and the nuances/implications of cross cultural research.
    7 Work within a team, and use interpersonal skills to completed tasks.
    8 Demonstrate skills in using online data bases and software.
    9 Demonstrate high level written and verbal communication skills.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    		 1,2,3,4,8
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    		 3,4
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    		 7,9
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    		 7,9
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    		 5,6
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    		 6,9
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    TBA
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.