121-400 Geography Honours Thesis

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Admission to fourth year.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject comprises an original, supervised research project. It requires students to work individually with one or two members of staff to select a research questions in their chosen field of geography, and explore methods by which to answer it. Research work is carried out throughout the year, involving regular meetings with the supervisor(s). The statement of research problem must be submitted in March. The first draft of the thesis is due by the beginning of September. The student then revises the draft according to the supervisor's advice and submits the finished thesis by the end of second semester. The process provides the opportunity for students to learn new investigatory techniques, including social research methods, laboratory and field work skills, and data analysis. It also allows the development of ability in the areas of literature search and problem solving. Preparation of the thesis, involving submission of multiple drafts of their writing for critical review and an individual research seminar, ensures that students will be capable of communicating their ideas to a broad audience in both written and oral form.

Assessment

A 12,000-word thesis (100% of the mark for the subject and 50% of the total mark for Honours as a whole). Hurdle requirements: submission of a statement of research problem at a date in March to be specified by the first week of Semester 1; regular meetings with supervisor(s).