Students
GEOP6080 – Theory and Methods in Geography and Planning
2021 – Session 1, Special circumstances, North Ryde
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor
Sara Fuller
25WWB, 453
Please email for an appointment
Lecturer
Kate Lloyd
25WWB, 451
Please email for an appointment
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPlan or MEnv
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| 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 and planning 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.
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. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
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.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quizzes | 30% | No | Week 4, 7 & 10 |
| Research skills exercises | 30% | No | Week 4, 7 & 10 |
| Research methods toolkit | 40% | No | Week 12 & 13 |
Quizzes
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 4, 7 & 10
Weighting: 30%
Online quizzes drawing on unit content and readings
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Discuss the role of research in shaping knowledge about space and place.
- Explain how theoretical approaches in geography and planning are connected with research methodologies.
Research skills exercises
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: Week 4, 7 & 10
Weighting: 30%
Skills exercises focusing on a range of research activities and tasks, including research design, data collection and data analysis.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Discuss the role of research in shaping knowledge about space and place.
- Explain how theoretical approaches in geography and planning are connected with research methodologies.
- Critically evaluate a range of research methods and forms of data analysis within geography and planning.
- Apply research skills in practice using diverse methods of data collection and analysis.
Research methods toolkit
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: Week 12 & 13
Weighting: 40%
A research methods toolkit based on detailed analysis and reflections of readings and practical exercises
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Discuss the role of research in shaping knowledge about space and place.
- Explain how theoretical approaches in geography and planning are connected with research methodologies.
- Critically evaluate a range of research methods and forms of data analysis within geography and planning.
- Apply research skills in practice using diverse methods of data collection and analysis.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Classes
All lecture content will be delivered online. Most lecture content will be prerecorded and accessed via iLearn. There is a 2 hour timetabled lecture time each week (Tuesdays 10-12) during which either live content will be delivered or academic staff will offer Zoom drop-in sessions. Please see iLearn for details.
There are 4 compulsory on-campus workshops, scheduled for weeks 4, 7, 10 and 12. Each workshop will be 3 hours. Tasks completed in the workshops will be assessed and will also generate the data needed for the final assessment task. There is no online alternative for these workshops. Students need to attend all four workshops to successfully complete the unit.
Reading
Required reading (journal articles and chapters) will be listed on iLearn and available via Leganto.
Technology used and required
The unit is co-taught with GEOP2010. All material for GEOP6080 will be delivered through the GEOP2010 iLearn website. 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. All GEOP6080 assessments should be submitted via the GEOP2010 iLearn page. Regular access to iLearn is required in order to complete the unit.
Unit Schedule
| Week | w/c | Topic | Workshop | Assessment |
| MODULE 1: Introduction | ||||
| 1 | 22nd Feb | Introduction | ||
| MODULE 2: Quantitative methods | ||||
| 2 | 1st March | |||
| 3 | 8th March | |||
| 4 | 15th March | Workshop 1 | Quiz and research skills exercises (1) | |
| MODULE 3: Qualitative methods | ||||
| 5 | 22nd March | |||
| 6 | 29th March | |||
| 7 | 19th April | Workshop 2 | Quiz and research skills exercises (2) | |
| MODULE 4: Participatory and creative methods | ||||
| 8 | 26th April | |||
| 9 | 3rd May | |||
| 10 | 10th May | Workshop 3 | Quiz and research skills exercises (3) | |
| MODULE 5: Data analysis and communication | ||||
| 11 | 17th May | |||
| 12 | 24th May | Workshop 4 | Methods toolkit presentation | |
| 13 | 31st May | Methods toolkit |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). 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
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook