Students
GEOP6080 – Theory and Methods in Human Geography
2020 – Session 1, Weekday attendance, North Ryde
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, any references to assessment tasks and on-campus delivery may no longer be up-to-date on this page.
Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.
Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor
Sara Fuller
6 First Walk, 414
Please email for an appointment
Lecturer
Kate Lloyd
6 First Walk, 428
Please email for an appointment
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPlan or MEnv
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
Research skills are essential to understanding space and place, and for contributing to social change. This unit introduces students to the process of designing and undertaking research. It provides an overview of theoretical frameworks in human geography and planning and explores their importance in shaping how researchers and organisations identify and engage with contemporary issues. Students will develop knowledge about research methodologies and gain skills in research design, data collection and analysis through applying a variety of research methods in real life contexts. Through the unit, students will consider how research generates different types of geographical knowledge, and gain an appreciation for the wider role of research in society. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Discuss the role of research in shaping knowledge about space and place.
- ULO2: Explain how theoretical approaches in geography and planning are connected with research methodologies.
- ULO3: Critically evaluate a range of research methods and forms of data analysis within geography and planning.
- ULO4: Apply research skills in practice using diverse methods of data collection and analysis.
Assessment Tasks
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Assessment details are no longer provided here as a result of changes due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.
Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students
General Assessment Information
Assignment requirements and submission
Detailed requirements and marking rubrics for each assessment are available from the iLearn site. All written assignments should be submitted online to Turnitin via the relevant links provided in iLearn. You are not required to submit a hardcopy of any assignments or include a cover sheet.
Assessment extensions and late penalties
Circumstances that affect your ability to complete assignments by the deadline must be discussed with the convenor (Sara) prior to the due date. Extensions will be granted only in unforeseen or exceptional circumstances according to the University Special Consideration policy. Students must apply online via AskMQ and provide appropriate supporting documentation (e.g. medical certificate).
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline.
Assessment feedback
All feedback for assignments will be made available online. The grade will be in the form of a letter as consistent with University policy (HD, D, Cr, P, F) alongside written feedback.
Delivery and Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19.
Please check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status
Classes
Weekly classes involve a 2 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial. Due to the practical and skills based nature of the unit, students are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials to enable successful completion of assessment tasks.
- Lecture: Tuesday 3-5
- Tutorials: Thursday 11-12
Reading
Required reading (journal articles and chapters) will be listed on iLearn and available via Leganto.
Technology used and required
GEOP6080 is co-taught with GEOP2010. All enrolled students have access to the GEOP2010 website via iLearn. iLearn will provide access to lectures (powerpoint presentations for download and recordings through the University's Echo360 lecture recording facility) as well as readings, links and forum discussions. Regular access to iLearn is required in order to complete the unit.
Unit Schedule
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
The unit schedule/topics and any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19. Please consult iLearn for latest details, and check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status
| Week | Lecture date | Topic | Assessment |
| MODULE 1: Introducing research | |||
| 1 | 25th Feb | Introduction (SF+KL) | |
| 2 | 3rd March | The role of geographic research (SF) | |
| 3 | 10th March | Key issues and approaches (SF) | |
| MODULE 2: Quantitative approaches | |||
| 4 | 17th March | Philosophies (SF) | |
| 5 | 24th March | Methods (SF) | Literature review |
| 6 | 31st March | Analysis (SF) | |
| MODULE 3: Qualitative approaches | |||
| 7 | 7th April | Philosophies (KL) | Methods toolkit- part 1 |
| 8 | 28th April | Methods (KL) | |
| 9 | 5th May | Analysis (KL) | |
| MODULE 4: Beyond quantitative and qualitative approaches | |||
| 10 | 12th May | Philosophies (KL) | Methods toolkit- part 2 |
| 11 | 19th May | Methods (KL) | |
| 12 | 26th May | Analysis (KL) | |
| 13 | 2nd June | Unit reflection (SF+KL) |
Methods toolkit- part 3 Methods report |
Teaching staff: SF= Sara Fuller; KL= Kate Lloyd
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 20/02/2020 | Updated unit schedule |