Field and Methods Course in Geography and Geoinformatics

Course content

The fundamental goal of the course is to enable the student to independently organize and carry out larger-scale geographical fieldwork and to be able to analyze, evaluate, document and communicate the results of a scientific study.

The course is designed as preparation for a Master’s thesis and therefore takes place during Master’s courses and prior to carrying out a Master’s thesis. In this course students will gain hands-on experience in a varied range of qualitative and quantitative methods that are considered to have a broad application in both research- and industry-related fields.

The course comprises of three parts: i) block N: theoretical and methodological studies, classroom teaching and preparation for fieldwork; ii) between block N and N+1: 10 days of fieldwork, iii) block N+1: processing of data, report writing and possibly additional classroom teaching.

The course is generic in the sense that the description above is taylored to a range of geographical destinations shifting from one year to another where various teachers participates and various geographic disciplines are in focus, e.g. geomorphology, GIS, remote sensing, livelihoods, climatology, land use, soil science, migration, global value chains, rural development, agriculture.

The destinations currently planned (may be subject to change) may be viewed here:

http://ign.ku.dk/uddannelser/kursusbeskrivelser/msc-geography-field-and-methods-courses/

Education

MSc Programme in Geography and Geoinformatics
MSc Programme in Geography and Geoinformatics with a minor subject

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
 

  • Organize and carry out fieldwork, analyze, evaluate, document and communicate the results of a scientific study


Skills:
 

  • Can identify, propose and prepare suggestions for solving more complex scientific problems in relation to theoretical, methodological and empirical observations with a background in high-level geographical knowledge.
  • Can critically evaluate a choice of methods as well as propose procedures aimed at investigating and assessing the accuracy and possible sources of error of a method.
  • Can evaluate the suitability of a specific method for investigating a scientific problem, e.g. through use of statistical analysis of data.
  • Can compile results from several, and preferentially different, methods and apply these in to specific discussion and evaluation of their own results.



Competences:
 

  • Can use scientifically-correct language, present scientific arguments and justifications, participate in scientific discussions as well as communication science at various levels.
  • Can integrate, evaluate, discuss and put into perspective, theoretical, methodological and empirical choices including exhibiting a reflective and critical sense for these choices together with their scientific possibilities and limitations in relationship to a specific scientific problem.

The form of teaching is theory exercises combined with ad hoc lectures and a 10 days field trip. For the teaching plan, please see Absalon

Please see Absalon course page.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.

NOTE: It is only possible to take part in one Field and Methods course pr. student during the MSc programme.

Please note that prior to the formal course registration via the Self-Service the Department will arrange information meetings for students who are interested in this course.

Students shall pay for their own travel to and from the field-work area, as well as entry visa (if required), vaccinations (if required) and personal medicine (e.g.malaria medication) and 125 DKK per day for food and lodging. For outside DK destinations the students are required to take out a private illness and repatriation insurance covering the field period.

Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
ECTS
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, during course
Oral examination, 20 minutes
The written assignment is prepared during the course and must be handed in prior to the exam week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners.
Criteria for exam assessment

Please see learning outcome.

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 222
  • Theory exercises
  • 70
  • Excursions
  • 120
  • English
  • 412