GEOG20240 Sustainability: Research Tools

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module builds on the foundational knowledge built through Introductions to Sustainability (GEOG10150) and introduces the pragmatic research theory and practice required to effectively study global sustainability challenges. This includes natural- and social-science techniques across quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodologies. This will be supplemented by a common strand of innovation and creative problem solving throughout.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
• Apply the theory of sustainability to identify and analyse real-world sustainability challenges
• Adopt appropriate quantitative or qualitative data collection and analysis tools, or a mix thereof, to find a solution to these challenges
• Collaborate in a team setting to address a real-world sustainability challenge, synthesise findings and communicate these effectively.
• Think creatively about sustainability challenges and approach solution-building with empathy.

Indicative Module Content:

• Mixed methods research
• Creativity and innovation
• Design thinking
• Abiotic quantification: air, water, energy, transportation, etc.
• Biotic data collection and interpretation
• Socio-economic quantification: data sourcing, reliability, interpretation
• Qualitative design principles: Global north and south
• Qualitative methods: interviews, questionnaire, focus groups, etc.
• Positionality
• Reflexive and reflective practice
• Participatory Rural Appraisal
• Analysing and interpreting qualitative data
• Problem-based learning
• Industry case studies / real-world sustainability challenges

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Lectures

30
Tutorial

10
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module consists of lectures, small group work, self-directed tasks, and a field trip where current pandemic restrictions allow. Lectures will demonstrate actionable methods for use, but also contextualise these in contemporary research applications through a select number of guest lectures from leading sustainability researchers and practitioners. This is designed to introduce key research tools for sustainability, demonstrate pragmatic cases in applying these, and encourage innovative thought in generating mixed methods research applications where appropriate. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Written stakeholder mapping exercise in circa. week 8, based on mock focus groups (500 words). Week 8 n/a Graded No

10
Essay: Individual report based on the group PBL assignment (1000 words). Includes peer performance review element. Week 12 n/a Graded Yes

30
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ exam covering material across the trimester End of trimester MCQ n/a Graded Yes

40
Presentation: Small group presentation of PBL results, including peer-review and questioning. Week 12 n/a Graded Yes

20

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

General group feedback will be provided post-assessment of stakeholder mapping exercise. Small group feedback will be given on group presentations along with peer-review. Individual feedback will be provided on final PBL report, along with anonymous peer performance review. Finally, online automated feedback will be given on the final MCQ.

Name Role
Dr Christine Bonnin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Jacky Croke Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Eileen Diskin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Adam Kane Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Orla Kelly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Niamh Moore Cherry Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Andrew Woods Lecturer / Co-Lecturer