Field Course

This course builds on previous courses, especially Research Methods. This course takes these ‘methods’ into actual ‘techniques’ in the field.

COURSE JUSTIFICATION/RATIONALE

The need to demonstrate confidence to work in interdisciplinary and correctly use the concept, notation and symbols from different fields of natural science

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course, the student should be able to:

Design and carry out a small survey to inform environmental decision-making, in a group

present the findings of the survey in a group presentation to peers

Evaluate limitations associated with surveying, including health and safety, and social, cultural and economic aspects

Describe and define central concepts encountered in academic debates around data collection in the social sciences;

Show an understanding of a range of qualitative and quantitative field data collection methods;

Design a research plan for field study, incorporating selection of relevant methods;

Critically analyze the validity of different data collection research methods;

Collect and process relevant information in the field;

Judge the reliability of collected data as well as the significance of obtained results;

Discuss and compare data obtained by various methods in interdisciplinary fieldwork;

use and interpret data to shed light on complex topics; and concisely communicate research findings.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

A student completing the course is expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

challenges associated with field work and implications for survey design review the success of your own survey work and that of others

Assess and minimise risk, to ensure your and other’s safety, when accessing and working in remote and challenging environments

Demonstrate strong discussion and group working skills

Appreciate social, cultural and economic aspects and consider them when working in the field