Course Catalogue

The aims of the Geography programme are to: Develop graduates with a critically informed understanding of the processes that shape our environment, and develop an integrated approach to the understanding, analysis and management of the interaction between the natural and human world. Demonstrably link fieldwork and experiential learning to the wider development of both subject specific and vocational practical skills and to apply such skills to managing the environment. Enhance employment prospects by developing graduates with a wide range of transferable technical (including ICT & GIS),analytical and critical skills. Develop powers of critical and analytical thinking, problem solving and logical argument through the progressive development of understanding, critical awareness and research skills over the course of the degree programme. Promote the concept of continuous improvement, lifelong learning, and contribution to the wider community through personal development and scholarly activity whilst developing awareness of the social context of Geography. Encourage students to engage with the development of employability skills by completing a self-awareness statement. In addition to the aims for the main target award, the sandwich programme aims to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give the students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study, as well as attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment.

The acquisition of knowledge is promoted via a variety of formal taught sessions including lectures, practical sessions (laboratory and PC based) and fieldwork sessions. Understanding is facilitated through seminars, workshops, tutorials, field projects, interactive classroom activities, group work and independent study. Knowledge at level 4 is assessed via online VLE tests, examination (mainly Multiple choice and/or short answer questions) and coursework including reports, logs and presentations. Higher levels of understanding in subsequent years of study are assessed by examination (multiple format including essay type, seen and unseen questions) and coursework elements such as field, laboratory, stakeholder and consultancy reports, seminar presentations with question & answer sessions and the application of relevant ICT (GIS) to deliver practical solutions to problems. Reflective practice and exercises developed to facilitate the wider dissemination of complex scientific issues demonstrate deeper levels of understanding. Cognitive skills are developed in many environments, with an increasing emphasis as students progress from level 4 to level 6. Such skills are especially developed on residential fieldwork modules, applied modules (including GIS based modules) and during the Dissertation module. The application of thinking skills in a work environment can be developed in the Work Based Learning (WBL) module. Essays and exam questions (including seen exam questions) are used to assess students' ability for critical thinking. Coursework elements such as reflective practice, field/laboratory reports, scientific communication and in particular the Dissertation/WBL module allows students to demonstrate the full range of their cognitive skills. Practical skills are taught during practical classes and fieldwork (a component of most modules). Core principles and minimum standards required for field and laboratory work are introduced at level 4, and further developed at level 5 where more technical methods of data analysis are introduced (GIS, and modelling). Students apply these skills independently at level 6 when completing the Dissertation module. If the WBL module is chosen these skills will be developed in an applied work place setting. Practical and professional skills are assessed by submission of field based presentations, field/laboratory reports, application of GIS and scientific communication. The Dissertation/WBL portfolio and other level 6 reports allow students to demonstrate the full range of skills they have acquired. As well as having the opportunity to develop transferable skills in all academic modules, key skills are specifically taught in two specially designed modules at level 4 (Methods Skills and Careers 1 and 2),level 5 (GIS and Employability and Project Design and Management) and level 6 (Dissertation). Teaching in these modules is in small tutorial groups and via seminars, computer sessions, role play and workshops. Key skills are assessed through coursework at all levels in all modules and specifically in the modules mentioned above.

Graduate Skills are taught and practised within a wide range of modules and assessed within the core modules at Level 4 Methods, Skills and Careers 1 and 2, Level 5 GIS and Employability and Project Design and Management, Level 6 Dissertation, Environmental Modelling and GIS, River Pollution and Management and/or Work-based Learning. Assessed employability components exist in Methods Skills and Careers 1 (Level 4), GIS and Employability (Level 5) and Dissertation (Level 6). This is designed to foster student awareness and engagement with their personal and professional development throughout their degree. Work-related learning opportunities are available through the routes of employer seminars, alumni networking events, guest lectures/workshops, employer-driven assignments and modules, bespoke sessions on job applications (specifically related to module curricula) and contact during fieldwork. There are several options for residential fieldwork at level 5 and 6. The Work-based Learning placement (135 hrs) and the Sandwich placement (12 months) offer the opportunity for students to gain work experience with a relevant professional organisation. Students are supported by the Professional Training Tutor who is responsible for advertising placements and promoting vocational training to students. Appropriate Work-based Learning or Sandwich placements (home or abroad) include working with e.g. Environmental Agency, municipal government, Natural England or environmental management or consultancy.