GV3GEP-Geography & Environmental Science Literature Project

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr Steve Robinson

Email: j.s.robinson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module seeks to provide training in the use of available literature, in a critical evaluation of a selected topic in geography or environmental science.

Aims:
This module provides experience in the use of library and computer based literature search facilities, in the selection of material, in the writing of an extended essay, in the use of English for scientific writing and in the presentation of a piece of work according to a given set of requirements, A detailed knowledge of a given topic in Geography or Environmental Science also results.

Assessable learning outcomes:
The assessment is by way of a 5,000 word literature review, on a topic of the students choice (subject to the approval of the module convenor). The learning outcomes that are assessed include:

Selection of topic and the ability to formulate a critical approach
The ability to search for relevant literature from a wide range of sources
The ability to select appropriate key literature
The ability to write an extended essay using good scientific writing and presentation skills according to a specified set of requirements
The ability to assess critically the methods, results and conclusions reported by other researchers
The knowledge and understanding acquired of the chosen topic

Additional outcomes:
The ability to organise large amounts of literature and to assess the importance of items of literature.
The development of time management skills.

Outline content:
The topic to be selected by the student in consultation with staff and should be one that the student finds worthwhile and interesting. Topics cannot be changed without the approval of the Module Convenor. Students are required to meet a number of deadlines at the planning stage, commencing in the latter part of Term 6 (Year 2 Summer Term). Full guidance will be provided in Term 6. It is important for the success of the project that the literature review has a well-defined objective. Unattributed or plagarised work is likely to lead to disqualification by the examiners. The Literature Review is to be presented as a report in the form of a scientific paper with a total word limit not exceeding 5,000 words.

Global context:
The topic chosen for review can be of a global or international nature.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Guidelines are issued to students at the commencement of the module in Term 6 (Year 2, Summer Term). Each student will have a Project Advisor, but the student will be required to complete the module independently putting into practice research expertise acquired in previous modules.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	5		4
Project Supervision	5
Guided independent study:	86
Total hours by term	96		4
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Feedback on technical writing skills and project management will be provided by the Convenor and the Project Advisor.

Formative assessment methods:
All students are encouraged to discuss openly their ideas and progress during the timetabled sessions. Both generic and subject-specific feedback will be provided immediately by the convenor.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-submission of coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019