Research skills, field work and field classes
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Level 3 Development Geography Internatonal Field Class (Kenya)
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Research skills are extremely important in Human and Physical Geography and are best taught through dedicated modules where students can design and undertake research for themselves. Such modules normally involve at least an element of field work, and form an integral part of geographical education and training at Sheffield. As such, field work opportunities at Sheffield range from half-day or day trips around the Sheffield and Peak District area at year 1 to week-long international field classes in year 3 (see below).
Level 1
These modules are compulsory, such that students on most courses will participate in one or the other. They are intended to provide basic training in research skills, data collection, and data analysis/presentation.
Practical Methods for Physical Geography (GEO150)
This module provides basic training in several key laboratory and field methods. This is provided via a series of integrated field work days and laboratory practical sessions. The former component of the course aims to demonstrate the importance of laboratory and field experimentation within modern physical geography enquiry. The latter component aims to provide hands-on experience of data collection, synthesis and presentation within the context of geomorphology.
Qualitative Methods in Human Geography (GEO151)
This module provides an introduction to the use of qualitative methodologies within human geography, and emphasises how these methodologies connect to different ways of knowing and to divergent theoretical positions. Students are introduced to the core qualitative techniques of in depth interviewing, observation and visual methodologies, and are given experience in their practice and analysis.
Level 2
These modules are compulsory, such that students on most courses will participate in one or the other. They are intended to guide the independent research carried out by students for their Level 3 research project, which is undertaken in the summer at the end of Level 2. Both modules emphasise method-based fieldwork, with students learning the procedures of research, and in doing so gaining various transferable skills.
Research Design in Physical Geography (GEO263)
The ability to undertake independent research is a key skill in a Geography degree and in many areas of future employment. This module focuses on the philosophical background to undertaking research and on providing practical experience in undertaking small research projects. This includes a week-long fieldclass in the Lake District which involves students being taught basic research skills in fluvial geomorphology, climatology, wetlands, slopes, soils and vegetation analysis before undertaking (in small teams) research themselves. Accommodation is based at Blencathra near Keswick.
Research Design in Human Geography (GEO264)
This module introduces the principles of research design for human geographers. It places methods of data collection in the overall processes of research, including the identification of a topic of study, formulating research questions and linking them to methods, and conducting a literature review, along with research ethics and safety. Lectures will be complemented by workshops. Summative assessment will involve a critical essay, and also the proposal which will form the basis of the dissertation.
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Year 1 Physical Geography class
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In addition, there are a variety of optional supplementary research skills modules available at level 2, including:
- Geographic Information Systems
- Applied Remote Sensing
- Socio-spatial Analysis
- Environmental Modelling
- Researching Human Geographies
Level 3 International Field Classes
One of the Department´s key priorities in recent years has been the development of a suite of optional international fieldtrip modules at Level 3. We believe that these advanced, final-year field modules, with their in-depth, focused nature, offer participating students high-quality and high-value learning experiences.
Geography of Europe Fieldclass (GEO358)
This module includes a week-long residential fieldclass, currently in Athens, introducing issues of urban renewal and the impact of mega-events such as the Olympic Games, gentrification, immigration and ethnic minorities, edge cities, and island economies. Students undertake a two-day team project.
Dryland Environments Fieldclass (GEO365)
This module includes a ten-day fieldclass in the Mojave Desert, California. Students undertake a number of field exercises (2 days), and work in teams investigating the fundamental geomorphology of arid environments and the pressures placed on the environment by human activity (5 days). Students also get the opportunity to explore Death Valley and the wider Mojave Desert environment (2 days), and often have the opportunity to stay on in California after the fieldclass.
Urban Fieldclass (GEO364)
This module is based upon a week-long fieldclass in New York. Students begin with three days of a mix of directed and individual exploration, followed by another three days of individual research projects, reflecting themes such as architecture, space and power, the city and artistic practice and urban ethnicity and social segregation.
Development Geographies Fieldclass (GEO367)
This module is based around a ten-day fieldclass in Kenya, providing students with the opportunity to explore and research `grass-roots´ development issues in the field. Students drawn from both physical and human geography undertake project work on key issues at the environmentdevelopment interface.
Cost of field classes
Weekend and day trips are often free. The cost for the Level 2 and 3 fieldtrips vary, but there is always a significant element of subsidy from the University. In the 2008/09 academic year, for example, students paid £131 for Athens (GEO358), Kenya (GEO367) £820, New York (GEO364) approx £750 and California (GEO365) approx £800.
