Geography STUDENT HANDBOOK Second Year …MM).… · Time management and study plans It is very...
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1 Geography STUDENT HANDBOOK Second Year Undergraduate Programme 2017 – 2018
Transcript of Geography STUDENT HANDBOOK Second Year …MM).… · Time management and study plans It is very...
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Geography STUDENT HANDBOOK Second Year Undergraduate Programme 2017 – 2018
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION Page
2BA Staff Contact Details 3
Academic Calendar 2017/2018 4
Lecture Schedule & Venues, Time Management, & Module Grade Descriptors, Timetable 5
Syllabus File 2017/2018 7
Summary Module Descriptions………..……………………………………………………………
TI216 Weather and Climate ………………………………………………………………………….
TI229 Political and Cultural Geography………………………………………………………………
TI230 Economic Geography ………………………………………………………………………….
TI235 Biogeography …………………………………………………………………………………...
TI236 Environmental Planning: Principles and Processes ………………………………………..
TI251 Theory & Practice I ……………………………………………………………………………..
TI252 Theory & Practice II……………………………………………………………………………..
TI254 Space, Place and the Irish Landscape………………………………………………………..
TI255 Earth Surface Landforms and Processes ……………………………………………………
TI258 Rural Environments, Sustainability and Management………………………………………
TI2102 Introduction to GIS ……………………………………………………………………………
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Lectures and Other Classes..……………………………………………………………………….
Attendance………………………………………………………………………………………….
Absence from lectures and course activities due to illness/other reasons…………………..
Absence from scheduled examinations………………………………………………………….
Course Work …………………………………………………………………………………………..
Submission of printed coursework………………………………………………………………..
Late submission of coursework…………………………………………………………………...
Plagiarism…………………………………………………………………………………………...
Code of practice for dealing with plagiarism…………………………………………………….
Course grades………………………………………………………………………………………
Communicating with staff members……………………………………………………………...
Student welfare………………………………………………………………………………………..
Student code of conduct…………………………………………………………………………….
Post-primary teaching – Geography undergraduate requirements……………………………..
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2BA STAFF CONTACT DETAILS
2BA Year Co-ordinator: Dr. Marie Mahon Room 121 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 353 91 492376 Geography Administrator: Ms. Christina Costello Room 101 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 353 91 495908 Geography Staff-Student Liaison and Senior Technician: Dr. Siubhan Comer Room 107 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 353 91 492643
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ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2017-2018
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LECTURE SCHEDULE AND VENUES
Please note that the schedules and venues may change at short notice. These changes will be notified
in various ways, e.g. posted on Blackboard and on the internal Geography noticeboards and through
announcements at lectures. It is your responsibility to remain informed and up to date on any
announced changes.
Time management and study plans It is very important that you are realistic about time management, and that you devise a schedule that allows you to devote sufficient time to study and to preparing for assignment deadlines. The academic calendar above outlines the key dates for the year. Deadlines for continuous assessment are normally communicated to you at the start of the semester; in other words, you should usually receive several weeks advance notice from module co-ordinators about the due dates for assignments. One of the most frequent requests for extensions to submission dates relates to other assignments being due around the same date. We do not grant extensions for these reasons. This situation is easily avoided through planning your time in a professional manner from the start of the term, and not leaving preparation of assignments until the last few days. The current schedules and list of venues are outlined below. Please make sure you double-check times and venues during the first week of lectures in case of any changes. MODULE GRADE DESCRIPTORS The link below brings you to the Exams Office Module Grade Descriptors document for undergraduate degree programmes. This document provides an outline of the different grade bands and the level of academic performance required to meet each one. http://www.nuigalway.ie/exams/gradedescriptors.html
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2017/2018 2BA Timetable Semester 1
Semester 2
Code Module Name Day Time Venue
TI 2102 Introduction to GIS Monday 10.00-11.00am
1.00-2.00pm
ENG 017 Lecture Theatre 02
GIS Lab 115 Geography Department
TI 258 Rural Environments;
Sustainability and
Management
Monday 10.00-11.00am
1.00-2.00pm
IT 250 First Floor Theatre
ENG 018 Lecture Theatre
TI 254 Space Place and the Irish
Landscape
Monday 10.00-11.00am
1.00-2.00pm
SC005 Tyndall Theatre
SC004 Charles Mc Munn Theatre
TI 255 Earth Surface Processes and
Landforms
Tuesday
Thursday
1.00-2.00pm
5.00-6.00pm
AC 003 D’Arcy Thompson Theatre
AC 001 O’Flaherty Lecture Theatre
TI 230 Economic Geography Tuesday
Thursday
1.00-2.00pm
5.00-6.00pm
AM200 Fottrell Theatre
IT250 First Floor Theatre
TI 252 Theory and Practice II Wednesday
Friday
3.00-4.00pm
9.00-10.00am
AC 001 O’Flaherty Theatre
AC 001 O’Flaherty Theatre
Code Module Name Day Time Venue
TI 216 Weather and Climate Monday 10.00-11.00am
1.00-2.00pm
AUC G002 Áras Uí Cathail Theatre
AM 150 M O Tnuthail Theatre
TI229 Political and Cultural
Geography
Monday 10.00-11.00am
1.00-2.00pm
AC 003 D’Arcy Thompson Theatre
AC002 – Anderson Lecture Theatre
TI 235 Biogeography Tuesday
Wednesday
1.00-2.00pm
5.00-6.00pm
AM 200 Fottrell Theatre
AM 200 Fottrell Theatre
TI 236 Environmental Planning:
Principles and Processes
Tuesday
Wednesday
1.00-2.00pm
5.00-6.00pm
IT 125 Ground Floor
AUC G002 Áras Uí Cathail
TI 251 Theory and Practice I Wednesday
Friday
3.00-4.00pm
9.00-10.00am
IT 250 First Floor
AC 001 O’Flaherty Theatre
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2017-2018 SYLLABUS
* Full-year modules are not available to students attending for one Semester only.
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SUMMARY MODULE DESCRIPTIONS
Below are draft summary descriptions of the available modules for this academic year. Please note that these are subject to revision. The full details of all modules will be provided by the module co-ordinator via Blackboard. As soon as you complete registration, you should have full access to the relevant Blackboard sites.
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TI 216: Weather and Climate
Co ordinator: Dr Audrey Morley
E-mail [email protected]
Office Room 109, Geography
Telephone 091-494104
Module Outline: The atmosphere is a fundamental part of our planet’s system, ultimately facilitating our existence here on Earth. This course will allow students to become familiar with key concepts in meteorology and climatology, as well as how atmospheric processes impact human activities. Topics including atmospheric composition and moisture, solar radiation, the greenhouse effect, temperature and pressure will be addressed, in order to provide the necessary background towards gaining a better understanding of both weather and climate on different spatial and temporal scales.
Method of Assessment: Continuous assessment (first sitting) 2 Hour examination (second sitting)
Reading Material:
Barry, R.G. and Chorley, R.J. (2010). Atmosphere, weather and climate. Ninth Edition. New York: Routledge.
Ahrens, C. Donald. (2012) Meteorology today: an introduction to weather, climate, and the environment. Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
Charlton, R., Gibson, P., McCarron and Sweeney, J. (2006). Introduction to physical geography. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.
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TI229: Political and Cultural Geography
Co-ordinator Dr Richard Scriven
Office Room 110, Block T, Distillery Road
Telephone 091-493608
Module Outline: This module provides a critical analysis of key concepts in cultural and political geography. It examines relevant political theories to provide a framework for understanding contemporary events with respect to culture, politics and the nation-state. It is divided into a series of distinct sections. The course begins with an analysis of issues linked to territoriality and the concepts of nationalism and the development of the nation-state. It progresses to examine focal events and issues associated with religious nationalism, racism, discrimination and the evils of genocide. This module also provides an introduction to the arenas of classical and critical geopolitics, interrogating aspects of the “war on terror” discourse. It will conclude by looking at the powerful position that the media holds in the transmission of knowledge and the legitimisation of action. A number of political and cultural geographies will be examined to illustrate concepts from the lectures and key readings, including: the construction of national identity in Ireland; division and conflict in Israel/Palestine; genocide in Bosnia and Rwanda; and the globalisation of terror.
Key Learning Outcomes:
Cultivate the student’s interest in contemporary cultural and political issues and provide a focused analysis of the links between nation-building and the fostering of discrimination and disparity.
Encourage the student’s ability to appreciate and apply geographic theoretical concepts to better understand the constant struggles encountered by those striving for the celebration of diversity and difference.
Advance an understanding of how various discourses develop to legitimise and justify political action and highlight the key role which geographers play in their deconstruction.
Strengthen the student’s capacity to read critically, apply greater analytical skills and write informed and well-articulated, insightful arguments.
Method of Assessment: Continuous assessment End of term final examination
Key Readings:
J. Agnew et al. (eds), 2002, A Companion to Political Geography, Blackwell, Oxford (esp. ch. 1)
D. Atkinson et al. (eds), 2005, Cultural Geography: A Critical Dictionary of Concepts, I.B. Tauris, London
K. Dodds, 2005, Global Geopolitics: A Critical Introduction, Pearson, Harlow
Jones, 2006, Genocide: A comparative introduction, Routledge, London
M. Jones, R. Jones & M. Woods, 2004, An Introduction to Political Geography: Space, place and politics, Routledge, London
C. Nash, 1993, ‘‘Embodying the Nation’: The West of Ireland Landscape and Irish Identity’, in: B. O’Connor & M. Cronin (eds), Tourism in Ireland: A Critical Analysis, Cork Univ. Press, Cork, pp. 86-112
G. Ó Tuathail 1999, The Ethnic Cleansing of a “Safe Area”: The Fall of Srebrenica and the Ethics of UN-Governmentality. In: J. Proctor and D. Smith (eds) Geography and Ethics: Journeys in a Moral Terrain. London: Routledge, pp. 120-131
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TI230: Economic Geography
Co-ordinator Dr Pat Collins
E-mail [email protected]
Office Room 123b, Geography
Telephone 091-493326
Module Outline:
Economic geography offers a unique perspective on many of today’s key issues. From the global economic crash to the ongoing globalisation experiment, the aim of this course is to offer students an alternative viewpoint that comes from the plurality of approaches in economic geography.
The course will introduce you to some of the key thinking in economic geography, which seeks to explain the clustering and unevenness of economic activity throughout the world. It will explore the process of globalisation and the role of transnational corporations and foreign investment in that process.
An underlying theme of the course will be the impact of technology on the evolution and changing nature of economic activity. From infrastructure investments to smart phone, the new geography of economic activity is changing rapidly. Throughout the course you will be reminded of policy relevance of economic geography. In addition to examining regional development challenges, attention will also be given to the challenge faced by peripheral rural areas in exploiting the benefits of new technologies. The approach taken in this course will be very applied and related to the policy issues focused on by government agencies in Ireland such as the IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and case studies of emerging industries (App developers and craft beer brewers). The course will consider economic geographies of recession as well as focus on the rise of creative and cultural economic geographies.
Key Learning Outcomes:
An understanding of key issues in todays global economy An ability to critically engage with current debates on uneven development An understanding of the theory – policy – reality continuum and the place of academic thought. Exploration of case studies of particular industrial sectors
Method of Assessment:
50% of the course assessment will be examination based and 25% will be awarded for a 1,500-word project, which should be typed and referenced to an academic standard. The remainder will be accorded to an in-class assessment while participation in the course will also be taken into account. Exam: 2 hours, two questions from five.
Key Readings:
‘Economic Geography: A Contemporary Introduction’ 2013 Coe, Kelly, Yeung. Wiley Reading Economic Geography by Barnes, T, Peck, J, Sheppard, E and Tickell, A. Blackwell
Publishing. Dicken, P (2010) Global Shift Sage Malecki, E J and Moriset B The Digital Economy, Routledge, 2008 Collins, P and Cunningham, J (2017) Creative Economies in Peripheral Regions. Palgrave
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TI 235: Biogeography
Co ordinator: Dr Terry Morley
E-mail [email protected]
Office: Room 102, Geography
Telephone: 091 – 493897
Module Outline: This class provides an introduction to the study of biogeography. Bridging the fields of biology (particularly ecology) and geography, biogeography is the study of the spatial patterns of biological diversity and its causes. We will identify how historical, physical, and biological factors affect present and past distributions of individuals, species, populations, communities, and ecosystems. The actions of humans are a critical force impacting other species, and the human influence on past, present, and future species distributions is a central topic in this module.
Key Learning Outcomes: This course offers a survey of the basics of biogeography and introduces students to various methodologies used in biogeographic research. Hands-on field, lab, and data analysis exercises will allow students to put learned concepts into practice, and give students experience working with the techniques used by biogeographers. The following learning outcomes are expected upon completion of this course:
To identify and differentiate the basic principles and theories of biogeography
Application of standard field methodologies and data analysis techniques used in biogeography to analyse and examine applied problems
To assess and evaluate human impacts on species distributions and apply modern conservation strategies to these issues
Method of Assessment: Continuous Assessment (first sitting) 2 Hour Examination (second sitting).
Key Readings:
Biogeography: An Ecological and Evolutionary Approach, 7th edition. 2005. C.B. Cox and P.D. Moore. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK, 440 pp.
E-BOOK access available through James Hardiman Library (Biogeography: An Ecological and Evolutionary Approach, 8th edition (2010) also available in printed form.)
Hugget, R. J. (2004). Fundamentals of biogeography. Routledge Fundamentals of Physical Geography, New York.
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TI 236: Environmental Planning: Principles and Processes
Co ordinator: Ms. Eimear Heaslip
E-mail [email protected]
Office: Room 117, Geography
Module Outline: Drawing on contemporary national and international examples this course will explore the principles and processes of environmental planning. The course is divided up into three sections. The first section provides an introduction to (i) the relationship between human geography, society, and the environment, and (ii) the nature of environmental planning. Following an examination of the principles of environmental planning the second section of the course will examine environmental planning policies and processes at a range of scales – global, trans-national, national and local. This section also critically considers the many tools employed in environmental planning including Environmental Impact Assessment, sustainability indicators, and ecological foot-printing. Using topical examples from an Irish context, the third section of the course identifies the practical issues involved with putting environmental planning into practice. Individual lectures will be dedicated to a number of key environmental areas (e.g. food, energy and transport) to explore the issues and conflicts involved with contemporary environmental planning in Ireland. Throughout the semester a number of guest speakers and practitioners will contribute to certain lectures and case studies.
Method of Assessment: Continuous Assessment End of term written examination.
Key Readings:
Connelly, J., Smith, G., Benson, D. and Saunders, C. (2012) Politics and the Environment. London: Routledge 3rd edition
Wheeler, S. (2013) Planning for Sustainability: Creating Livable, Equitable, and Ecological Communities. New York: Routledge (either 1st edition from 2004 or this 2nd edition is appropriate)
Whitehead, M. (2014) Environmental Transformations. London: Routledge
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TI 251: Theory and Practice I (compulsory)
Co-ordinator Dr Marie Mahon
E-mail [email protected]
Office Room 121, Geography
Telephone 091 - 492376
* This course is taught by various members of staff. Module Outline: The intention of this course is to develop students’ understanding of the various traditions of doing geographical research and producing geographical knowledge. The course introduces students to both theory and practice in geography, focusing in particular on relationships between geographical concepts and the practices of geographical research. Geographical thought will be considered through lectures and assignments that examine the wide range of interconnected theoretical and methodological assumptions that underwrite analysis and evidence gathering in the discipline. In addition, the course aims to familiarise students with the different ways that geographers do research. Critical analysis of all approaches to geographical knowledge will be stressed. Particular emphasis is put on developing a critical understanding of what it means to do geography and make geographical claims.
Key Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students are expected:
to gain an understanding of the history and practice of the discipline;
to gain a critical understanding of the different theoretical and methodological approaches to all knowledge production in geography;
to develop the ability to think critically about geography and what it means to 'do' geography.
Method of Assessment: Continuous Assessment, by means of twice-weekly (date-limited) Blackboard tests based on the lecture material and designated readings. Attendance at lectures is therefore of crucial importance.
Key Readings: All Readings will be made available on Blackboard
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TI 252: Theory and Practice 2 (compulsory)
Co-ordinator Dr Marie Mahon
E-mail [email protected]
Office Room 121, Geography
Telephone 091 - 492376
* This course is taught by various members of staff. Module Outline: The intention of this course is to further develop students’ understanding of the various aspects of doing geographical research and producing geographical knowledge, focusing on four main areas: rural change and development, environmental change, geopolitics and justice, and planning and sustainability. Students will be introduced to the key concepts and development within these areas, together with empirically-minded, theory-based case studies. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the integrated theory and practice in geography, providing a basis for developing their undergraduate research projects in the final year as well as the potential future studies in the postgraduate programmes in Geography.
Key Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will have:
a deeper understanding of knowledge production in geographical research;
a critical understanding of contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches to doing research in geography;
the ability to think critically about what it means to ’do’ geography.
Method of Assessment: Continuous Assessment, by means of twice-weekly (date-limited) Blackboard tests based on the lecture material and designated readings. Attendance at lectures is therefore of crucial importance.
Key Readings: Available on Blackboard
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TI 254: Space, Place and the Irish Landscape
Co-ordinators* Professor Ulf Strohmayer, Geography
Ms. Maggie Ronayne, Archaeology
E-mail TBC
Office Room 112, Geography
Room ARC 211, Archaeology
Telephone TBC
Module Outline: This jointly taught module aims critically to explore the historical and contemporary complexities of Irish culture, place and landscape through select case-studies, thematic and/or locational, and through a range of theoretical concerns from both Archaeology and Geography. The module engages the key challenge of carefully contextualising and historicising understandings of landscape, heritage and environment, and exploring urgent contemporary questions of landscape/environment sustainability, governmentality and management. The module will provide an introduction to the various ways in which human societies interact(ed) with their environment, and will be able to provide both chronological depth and thematically-specific case-study knowledge of key sites and spaces across the island of Ireland.
Key Learning Outcomes: The course aims to promote
the ability critically to read the rich diversity of landscape, culture and heritage across the island of Ireland and to understand its key historical contexts
the proficiency to deconstruct the various political, cultural, economic and symbolic significances of a range of Irish urban and rural landscapes
the capability to see landscape, memory and heritage as concepts which are fluid, politically and socially constructed and reproduced, and ultimately contested
the capacity to interpret representations of historical and contemporary landscapes from a range of theoretically informed and multi-disciplinary perspectives.
Method of Assessment: Continuous assessment End of term examination.
Key Readings:
Bender, B. and M. Winer (eds), 2001, Contested Landscapes: Movement, Exile and Place. Berg:Oxford and New York
Casey, E.S., 2002, Representing Place. Landscape Painting & Maps, Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press
Brett, D. 1996, The Construction of Heritage, Cork University Press, Cork
Cosgrove, D. and S. Daniels (eds), 1988, The Iconography of Landscape, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Duncan, J., 1990, The City as Text: The Politics of Landscape Interpretation, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
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TI 255: Earth Surface Landforms and Processes
Co ordinator: Dr Eugene Farrell
E-mail [email protected]
Office: Room 101a, Geography
Telephone: 091 - 494336
Module Outline: The goal of this course is to teach TI255 students the physical principles used to understand some basic questions about the Earths physical landscape: How does it behave today? How did it behave in the past? Based on the answers to the first two questions, can we predict how it will behave in the future? In order to answer these questions we examine different processes (water, wind, slope, weather) that shape different landforms in different regions of the world, including some classic case studies that exist in Ireland. This course examines landscape form and function, working through from the theoretical understanding of the landscape to hands-on practical field work. A core aspect of the course will be the systems approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the physical, chemical and biological components of our environment and the role humans play in shaping these systems.
Key Learning Outcomes: On successful completion and active participation of this course students should be able to:
Identify a single landform unit and the controlling processes that formed it and shaped it.
Identify the short- and long-term drivers shaping a landscape through different temporal and spatial scales of analyses.
Critically assess and identify physical vs. human controls on our physical landscape; Communicate and interpret human impacts on the environments and conceptualize the problems of managing natural systems.
Critically evaluate the different field and laboratory methods used in analyzing and interpreting the origin and evolution of landforms.
Hone key professional skills such as research preparation, data collection and analysis; and report-writing; these will be done using a field based assignment.
Stimulate the development of a constructive interdisciplinary culture of peer collaboration, review and consultation.
Method of Assessment: Continuous Assessment End of term written examination
Key Readings:
Huggett (2011) Fundamentals of Geomorphology, Routledge [Online Access from NUIG Library].
Charlton (2008) Fundamentals of Fluvial Geomorphology, Routledge [Online Access].
Goudie (1990) Geomorphological Techniques, Routledge, London.
Goudie (2010) Geomorphological hazards and disaster prevention, Cambridge University Press. Harvey (2012) Introducing Geomorphology, Dunedin
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TI 258: Rural Environments; Sustainability and Management
Co ordinator: Dr John McDonagh
E-mail [email protected]
Office: Room 122, Geography
Telephone: 091 - 492569
Module Outline: Rural areas are spaces of opportunity, engines of growth in a world of economic uncertainty. Rural areas are challenged in terms of their role in providing safe and secure food supplies; they are lauded and criticized in terms of climate change and mitigation. Alongside the decline in traditional activities there is equally a growth in terms of new demands being placed on rural environments, demands for quality food production, public amenity space, conservation and environmental protection. The multiple scales of these discussions, global to local, and the intensity and increased volume of rural debate that has emerged, sees rural geographers occupy a very interesting space in terms of conceptualisations, engagement and understanding of rural livelihoods and rural sustainability. Through the lens of agriculture and related spheres, this course seeks to explore some of these challenges as they are played out in contemporary society. The course uses national and international examples to explore such issues as agricultural policy particularly CAP, landscape management, conservation and sustainability. The aim of the course is one of encouraging students to view the rural as a combination of forces that interact within and between different systems to produce the complex environment in which we live. This course engages with key issues that focus on: CAP; Rural Policy and Strategy; Issues of Governance; Management issues; Multifunctionality; the Family Farm, Rural Tourism, Agri-environmental Policies and Rural Futures
Key Learning Outcomes:
To understand the rural landscape its policy, governance and management
To improve critical and analytical skills;
To link theoretical observations with practical examples;
To assess the principal methods and approaches that can be employed to develop our understanding of the rural landscape.
Method of Assessment: Continuous assessment End of term written examination.
Key Readings:
Bell, M.M., Lloyd, S.E. and Vatovec, C. (2010) Activating the Countryside: rural power, the power of the rural and the making of rural politics. Sociologia Ruralis, Vol. 50, No. 3, pp.205-224.
Cloke, P.; Marsden, T. and Mooney, P.H. (eds.) (2006) Handbook of Rural Studies. Sage.
McDonagh, J.; Varley T. and Shortall S. (eds.) (2009) A Living Countryside? The Politics of Sustainable Development in Rural Ireland. Ashgate.
Selfa, T., Fish, R. and Winter, M. (2010) Farming Livelihoods and Landscapes: Tensions in Rural Development and Environmental Regulation. Landscape Research, Vol. 35, No.6, pp. 595-612.
Shucksmith, M. and Ronningen (2011) The Uplands after neoliberalism? – The role of the small farm in rural sustainability. Journal of Rural Studies, 27, pp. 275-287.
Woods, M. (2005) Rural Geography - Processes, Responses and Experiences in Rural Restructuring. Sage.
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TI2102: Introduction to GIS
Co-ordinator Dr Chaosheng Zhang
E-mail [email protected]
Office Room 108, Geography
Telephone 091 - 492375
Module Outline:
Understand basic concepts in GIS Solve basic GIS application problems Acquire computer skills in GIS, including data collection, editing, database management,
basic analysis, and map design Produce professional GIS maps
This course covers the basic concepts and applications of a geographic information system (GIS). The topics of GIS data concept, modelling, attribute management, input and analysis are explained. GIS software ArcGIS is selected as the main training software package for computer practical in this course. Students will get general knowledge of a GIS and acquire the basic techniques of GIS software to independently produce professional maps and carry out spatial queries and basic GIS analyses.
Key Learning Outcomes
Lecture content Introduction: overview, definition Spatial data concept Spatial data modelling Attribute data management Data input Data analysis
Computer practical content Getting started Interacting with data Coordinates Symbolizing Classifying Labelling Layout design Table joining Selecting Editing Querying Analyzing
12 hours Lecture (1 hour per week), 48 hours Computer practical: Arts Millennium Suites, 1st floor (2
hours per session, 2 sessions per week), 12 hours Tutorial (Optional for students needing help for the
assignments)
Method of Assessment:
Two continuous assessments. There is no final exam for this course.
Key Readings:
Ian Heywood, Sarah Cornelius, and Steve Carver (2011). An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems. 4th Edition, Prince Hall: Harlow, England. ISBN-10: 027372259X. 444pp.
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Tor Bernhardsen (2002). Geographic Information Systems: An Introduction. 3rd Edition. John Wiley: New York. ISBN-10: 0471419680. 448pp.
Julie Delaney (2007). Geographical information systems: an introduction. 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press: Oxford. ISBN-10: 0195556070. 224pp.
Keith C. Clarke (2010) Getting Started with Geographic Information Systems. 5th Edition, Prentice Hall: New Jersey. ISBN: 0131494988. 384pp.
Paul A. Longley, Michael F. Goodchild, David J. Maguire, and David W. Rhind (2005). Geographic Information Systems and Science. Wiley: Chichester, 2nd Edition, 517pp.
Michael Law and Amy Collins (2013). Getting to Know ArcGIS for Desktop. Environmental Systems Research Institute: Redlands, CA. 3rd Edition. ISBN: 1589483081. 749pp.
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LECTURES AND OTHER CLASSES
Attendance It is your duty under University regulations to attend every lecture and to undertake other academic activities (such as laboratory classes, project work, seminars, tutorials, completion of course work, etc.) as required in each of the modules, unless prevented by some unavoidable cause of absence. Most Geography lectures and other classes are held on the main campus, and details of the venues are to be found in the 2BA timetable on pages 5 above. For anyone not familiar with the venues, you should consult a member of staff, or the NUIG Campus Map: http://nuigalway.ie/campus-map/
Absence from lectures and course activities due to illness or other circumstances If your absence is due to illness, a medical certificate should be obtained and uploaded using the following link to the College Office: http://www.nuigalway.ie/colleges-and-schools/arts-social-sciences-and-celtic-studies/links/studentformsandlinks/#tab1 (select the relevant form from the menu provided). . If your absence relates to other circumstances, it is your responsibility to communicate in a timely way with your module co-ordinator, and/or with the relevant year co-ordinator. You may also communicate with Dr. Siubhan Comer, Geography’s Student Liaison Officer. If you are experiencing difficulties in keeping up with course work during the year for whatever reason, please let us know about this while there is time to offer constructive advice and assistance. If we are not aware of issues until towards the end of a module, it is usually very difficult at that stage to provide practical support. You will find that we are very approachable and willing to be accommodating, and in making your situation known to us, we will regard you as having acted in a mature and responsible way. It is our wish to see you perform to the best of your ability and enjoy Geography as a subject.
Absence from scheduled examinations In exceptional circumstances where you are unable to sit an examination on the scheduled date, you must bring your request to defer the examination until the second sitting date to the Dean of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. These arrangements cannot be made by Geography. The first point of contact in this regard is Ms.Catherine McCurry. Ms. Deirdre Finan (e-mail: [email protected] )
COURSE WORK Submission of printed coursework Please make sure that you include the cover sheet (copy at end of document) with each individual piece of coursework so that your work can be identified and accounted for. We cannot accept materials submitted by e-mail for reasons of authenticity except in cases where an e-mail submission has been agreed with a member of staff. In such cases, an exact hard copy must also be submitted. Late Submission of Coursework To ensure fairness to those of you who adhere to deadlines and submit your coursework on time, penalties for late submissions will be applied rigorously. Coursework submitted after the set deadline has expired will have the following deductions applied (out of 100):
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Number of days over the deadline
Number of marks deducted
3 days (or one weekend) 5
1 week 10
2 weeks 20
3 weeks 30
4 weeks up to end of 5th week Marked to a maximum of 40
6 weeks No submission accepted after this date in
respect of first sitting.
A mark of zero awarded for the first sitting
Non submission A mark of zero awarded
We will regard coursework that is still outstanding 6 weeks after the deadline has passed as not eligible to be included as part of the first sitting examination unless there are extenuating circumstances that you have made us aware of within reasonable time. In extenuating circumstances, you may be in a position to seek an extension to a deadline. You must make this request directly to the lecturer concerned, outlining the reasons for the request. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for extensions which arise out of poor time management on your part, for example, pressure to meet a similar deadline for another assignment.
Plagiarism Plagiarism means presenting the words of another writer as if they were your own. This amounts to straight copying from other author’s texts, including fellow students’ work. Copying another student’s essay or assignment is as reprehensible as plagiarising an academic text. It is a serious matter, and if it is detected in your continuous assessment it may result in an automatic failure mark. The way to avoid plagiarism is very simple: always put quotation marks around someone else’s words, credit them to their source, and discuss their content and ideas in your own words. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the guidelines relating to plagiarism and the University’s Code of Practice in this regard.
University’s code conduct: www.nuigalway.ie/current_students/university_code_conduct/index.php#7
University’s plagiarism guidelines: http://www.nuigalway.ie/plagiarism/
Further guidance on recognising and avoiding plagiarism is provided by the James Hardiman Library. You can access this resource by logging on to Blackboard and self-enrolling in the ‘Learning Centre’. Full details are available at: http://www.library.nuigalway.ie/media/jameshardimanlibrary/content/documents/support/Skills4Study%20Student%20Guide.pdf
Example of late penalty being applied Late work marked and awarded 65% 20 marks deducted from 100 = 80 Therefore, 65% of 80 = 52% Mark returned after late penalty = 52%
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Course Grades Most staff provide detailed explanations of the standard of work that reflects each of the grade bands outlined below. These would usually be tailored to suit an individual piece of assessment. Many staff now use Blackboard’s Grade Centre facilities to provide initial direction and subsequent feedback, using a template or rubric that explains how different criteria were applied to assess the work.
Percentage Grade
70-100 First Class Honours
60-69 Second Class Grade 1
50-59 Second Class Grade 2
40-49 Third Class Honours
0-39 Fail
Final Degree Calculation At degree level, honours will be calculated on the basis of 30% of the aggregate mark being obtained at the pre-final stage examination (e.g. end of 2nd or 3rd year depending on if you take an ERASMUS year, etc.) and 70% of the aggregate mark obtained at the final stage examination. (Aggregate = the combination of marks from both of your subjects). Therefore, your pre-final exams will count towards 30% of your Final Degree Mark. What does this mean for me? If you are now in 2nd year of a three year programme, your end of year results in June 2018 will contribute 30% of your overall degree mark in June 2019.
Communicating with staff members For all communications with staff members, do make sure to consult all materials on the departmental webpages and Blackboard prior to e-mailing additional questions that you may have. Also, please make sure to e-mail in advance to arrange any meeting with staff members outside of their stated consultation hours. When writing an e-mail to staff it is important to be professional and concise. For example, you should make sure that your opening address conveys a professional tone; e.g. Dear, etc. If your query is directed at teaching staff, please ensure that your e-mail includes your name, student ID and the name/code of their class in which you are participating. Please be aware that due to the large number of e-mails received by academic staff on a daily basis, you must allow time for them to respond. Finally, please check your NUIG e-mail account regularly as this is the main way that university staff will contact you.
STUDENT WELFARE In the Discipline of Geography, we recognise that students may have particular circumstances that impact upon their capacity to complete their studies to the best of their ability. Every effort will be made to accommodate individual circumstances, and we would encourage you in this regard to communicate your situation to us if you feel we can be of assistance. You should also be aware of a number of support services available to you on Campus, whose role is also to help students fulfil their potential both academically and personally. Details are available on the following link: http://www.nuigalway.ie/student_services/
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT As a student, you also have certain responsibilities in relation to conduct on and off campus. The University has outlined a comprehensive explanatory statement in this regard, which we would urge you to read and be familiar with. Once you accept a place as a student at NUIG, you are automatically bound by its code of conduct: http://www.nuigalway.ie/current_students/university_code_conduct/index.php#7
POST-PRIMARY TEACHING
Geography undergraduate requirements
Attached is the link to the Teaching Council of Ireland’s subject criteria for post-primary teaching. The requirements for geography are 15 ECTS in physical and 15 ECTS in human geography modules. Please consult the Teaching Council’s website directly for more detailed information.
http://www.teachingcouncil.ie/teachers-not-newly-qualified-qualifications-awarded-in-ireland/new-post-primary-teachers.2960.htm
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