Advanced spatial analysis, 15 Credits

Contents

The course deepens the student's skills and knowledge in qualitative and quantitative spatial methods and gives the student the necessary tools to write a master's thesis in the subject of human geography. During the course, skills are also developed to assess methods and results, write reports and other analytical tasks linked to spatial planning and tourism. 

Module 1: Research design, 3 credits
The first part of the course deals with the research design of human geographical studies, with particular focus on formulating research questions and the role of theory. 

Module 2: Advanced qualitative methods in human geography, 6 credits
The second part of the course deepens knowledge about the process of working with qualitative methods within the subject human geography, from positioning oneself within a philosophy of science perspective and research design to data collection, analysis, and writing. Special focus is on analysis of empirical materials, as well as presentation of analysis, results, and conclusions. Examples of method traditions that are highlighted are discourse analysis, narrative analysis, text analysis, and biographical approach.

Module 3: Advanced quantitative methods in human geography, 6 credits
The last part of the course provides in-depth knowledge of quantitative analysis methods that deal with spatial relationships in different ways and when they are appropriate to apply. The student gets to work with spatial regressions that take into account that geographical relationships can vary between different places depending on their characteristics. The module includes performing spatial regressions using geographic information systems (GIS), exploring the importance of scales in spatial analysis and geographic data, and presenting analysis, results, and conclusions.

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Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
1. show an understanding of the significance different methodological choices have for the research results, 
2. demonstrate an understanding of the different parts of the research process,

Competence and skills
3. be able to argue for an appropriate method based on a concrete human geographical problem formulation, 
4. independently analyse qualitative data based on the research traditions that the course covers,
5. independently apply GIS to perform, present and evaluate advanced statistical analyses,
6. use advanced quantitative methods to identify and analyse spatial relationships at different geographic scale levels, 
7. demonstrate the ability to, orally and in writing, present results from assignments within given time frames,

Judgement and approach
8. independently identify and evaluate research ethics problems, as well as argue for one's own research ethics position, 
9. demonstrate ability for scientific analysis by presenting and discussing, orally and in writing, the results of own and other researchers' analyses,
10. be critical and reflexive towards one´s own analysis and interpretation.

Required Knowledge

Univ: 120 ECTS, 60 ECTS of which in a major field of subject, including SAPSM, Spatial Analysis, 15 ECTS , or equivalently.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6

Form of instruction

Teaching is given in the form of lectures, exercises and supervision, as well as seminars where the student is expected to participate actively. Teaching is in English.

Examination modes

The course is examined by the following exams:
 
Module 1:
One seminar (Pass/Fail)
One written group assignment that is presented orally at a seminar (Fail/Pass)

Module 2:
Three seminars (Pass/Fail)
An individual written assignment that is presented orally at a seminar (0-30 credits)

Module 3:
An individual written assignment (0-10 credits).
An individual written assignment (term paper) that is presented orally at a seminar (0-30 credits)

The assignments are assessed in accordance with the information above. The maximum score on the course is 70 points. At least 50 percent of the maximum score on the respective assignment that is scored and pass on all other examinations is required to pass the course. Late submissions cannot receive more than 70 percent of the maximum points for the assignment. If additional work is required to pass an assignment, the revision must be submitted within 10 working days from announcement of credits by the teacher. The grading scale for the course is Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U). To receive Pass with distinction (VG) for the whole course, the student must receive pass on module 1, have at least 75 percent of the maximum score on the individual written assignment and receive pass on all seminars on module 2, and have at least 75 percent of the maximum score on module 3.

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaption of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.
It is not possible to appeal against a received grade, i.e., to get it examined by a higher authority, but a student can always criticize the grading or ask the examiner to reconsider the examination.

Students who have passed an examination cannot redo the examination to receive a higher grade. For students who have not passed an ordinary examination occasion, a new occasion for examination (a resit) is offered according to Umeå University's Grading and examination regulations for first- and second-cycle studies (Regulation FS 1.1.2-553-14). A resit shall be offered no later than two months after the ordinary examination occasion, but no less than ten working days after the results of the ordinary examination have been announced. For examinations conducted during the months of May and June, the first resit may be offered within three months after the ordinary examination occasion.

A student who on two occasions has failed an examination has the right to have another examiner appointed if there are no specific reasons for not doing so (HF chap. 6, §22). Such a request shall be processed as soon as possible. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of undergraduate studies. 

Academic credit transfer
A student has the right to apply for a transfer of credits for previous education or activity. Applications regarding transfer of credits are processed by Student Services.

ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER
Credit transfer is always examined individually.

Other regulations

In case a course syllabus is no longer valid or has undergone significant revisions, students are guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the regular examination session) according to the course syllabus the student initially was registered on, for a maximum of two years.