Spatial Analysis, 15 Credits

Contents

The course aims to develop skills and knowledge in quantitative and qualitative spatial methods and analyses. The first part of the course introduces central concepts within philosophy of science and relates these to the subject of human geography. The following part of the course provides knowledge in quantitative geographical methods and analyses. The course includes regression analysis with a spatial perspective, data management of geographical information, as well as visualization and analysis of spatial and regional data in GIS. The last part of the course provides knowledge in qualitative methods. Based on current human geography research different qualitative method traditions are treated, and the different stages of the qualitatively oriented research process, and special attention are paid to applications in sustainability work.

 Module 1: Philosophy of Science, 3 credits
The module provides basic knowledge in philosophy of science and scientific work. Central concepts within philosophy of science are treated and related to the subject human geography. Historical scientific paradigms and different methodological traditions are discussed. Special attention is paid to the subject's tradition of mixed methods, where quantitative and qualitative methods are used together in human geographical research.
 
Module 2: Quantitative spatial analyses, 6 credits
The module deals with quantitative geographical methods and analyses relevant to investigations linked to spatial planning and tourism. During the module, regression analysis is treated with a spatial perspective. The spatial analytical perspective also includes data management of geographical information, as well as visualization and analysis of spatial and regional data in GIS. Both descriptive and analytical approaches are treated during the module.
 
Module 3: Qualitative spatial analyses, 6 credits
The module provides knowledge of qualitative methods in geographical research and applied spatial planning. Based on current human geographical research, various qualitative method traditions are treated, where special attention is paid to applications in sustainability work. The module deals with the qualitative focus of the research process from research design, collection of materials to analysis and writing. Particular focus is on data collection methods (including sampling) and conducting an interview study is included in the module.  

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
1. have knowledge of central concepts in philosophy of science,
2. have an understanding of different qualitative and quantitative method traditions in human geography,
3. have an understanding of what a spatial perspective means in qualitative and quantitative analyses,
 
Competence and skills
4. manage spatial relationships in data with quantitative analyses with different software,
5. apply GIS-based measurements to spatial data for basic statistical analyses,
6. be able to conduct an interview study with a spatial perspective,
7. based on a theoretical approach or previous research be able to apply a method in an analysis of a collected material,
8. be able to compile and present geographical information in an adequate way with text, tables, figures and maps,
9. demonstrate the ability to follow instructions, as well as to implement and orally and in writing present tasks within given time frames.
 
Judgement and approach
10. critically discuss possible applications of spatial analyses from a sustainability perspective,
11. demonstrate the ability to critically examine scientific studies based on different methodological traditions of ideas in human geography,
12. be able to conduct a discussion of ethics in the research process,
13. have the ability to relate critically reflexively to one's own analysis and interpretation.
 

Required Knowledge

Univ: 120 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits in one main area. In addition, English B / 6 is required from the upper secondary school.

Form of instruction

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:
An individual written assignment that is presented orally at a seminar (Pass/Fail).

Module 2:
Three individual written assignments (0-10 points each).

Module 3:
Four seminars (Pass/Fail)
An individual written assignment that is presented orally at a seminar (0-30 points).

The assignments are assessed in accordance with the information above. The maximum score on the course is 60 points. At least 50 percent of the maximum score on each assignment is required for passing. 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 have at least 75 percent of the maximum score 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.   

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.

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.