NIGK15006U Field and Methods Course in Geography and Geoinformatics

Volume 2024/2025
Education

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

Content

The aim of the course is to enable students to independently organize and carry out 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 students will gain hands-on experience in a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods that are considered to have broad application in both research- and industry-related fields.

The course consists 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 and topics that often change from one year to another. The course is taught by teachers specialised in the course topic which may be within physical geography, human geography or geoinformatics or combinations of these. Typical topics include geomorphology, GIS, remote sensing, livelihoods, climatology, land use, soil science, migration, global value chains, rural and agricultural development, urbanization and regional development.

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

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

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:
 

  • Design, organize, and carry out fieldwork for a scientific study and analyze, evaluate, document, and communicate the results of the study.


Skills:
 

  • Can identify, propose and communicate 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 for discussion and evaluation of the results.



Competences:
 

  • Can use scientifically-correct language, present scientific arguments and justifications, participate in scientific discussions as well as communicate 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.
Literature

Please see Absalon course page.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
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
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.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 222
  • Theory exercises
  • 70
  • Excursions
  • 120
  • Total
  • 412
Oral
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, during course
Oral examination, 20 minutes
Type of assessment details
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.
Exam registration requirements

Approved participation in the fieldwork. If the student does not take part in the fieldwork, the student cannot take part in the exam or re-exam and will have to re-take the course on next occasion.

Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners.
Re-exam

Re-submission of written assignment, 20 minutes oral examination. The written assignment must be handed in prior to the re-examination week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list.

Criteria for exam assesment

Please see learning outcome.