Field Course in Regional Geography

Level of Study

Bachelor

Teaching semester

Spring

Place of Instruction

Universitety of Bergen and a field area, either in Norway or abroad. The field area may vary from year to year.

Objectives and Content

Students will refine their theoretical and methodological knowledge, and through a field exercise will demonstrate how research questions, hypotheses, and scientific research are developed within a human geography context

The participants will get the opportunity to practise their theoretical and methodological knowledge within an empirical investigation of a regional geography problem. The topic of the investigation should be chosen after consultation with the course instructor. The field course runs each year, either within Norway, or abroad. After pre-approval, it is possible to submit a written assignment based on study literature.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can make use of central themes and theories within human geography who he or he has acquired during the bachelor program.

Skills

The student

• can complete a modest research project by creating a research question, developing a research framework and utilising theoretical and empirical methods/view points
• can utilise qualitative and quantitative analytical methods

General competence

The student

• can work individually or in groups
• can successfully write academically and can correctly refer to literature

Required Previous Knowledge

GEO110, GEO111, GEO113, GEO124, GEO125 and GEO131, or equivalent knowledge with at least 60 ECTS in geography, including basic knowledge in human geography and cartography.

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

GEO251 (10 ECTS), GEO286 (10 ECTS)

Access to the Course

The course is open for geography students with at least 60 ECTS in geography, including basic knowledge in human geography and cartography. We have a limited number of places for exchange students with relevant background. If we have applications from qualified exchange students, the course will be taught in English. Exchange students may apply to Department of Geography via e-mail: Grethe.Meling@uib.no. Application deadline will normally be around 25th January each year (to be announced properly).

Teaching and learning methods

• 1 seminars á 2 hours pr. week. (total 5-7 seminars)
• Field course: 3-5 days (dependent on travel distance)

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

• Participation field course.
• Participation in all seminars preparing for the field course.
• The students chose additional literature relevant for the thesis (150-200 pages).

Compulsory requirements are only valid the semester they have been approved.

Forms of Assessment

Field report in groups (2-3 students) and individual oral exam. The oral exam may adjust the grade.

Grading Scale

A-F

Assessment Semester

Assessment in teaching semester

Course Evaluation

All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.