This is an introductory course in the fundamental techniques of geographical data acquisition, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. It aims to give new students a common foundation in both physical and human geography research techniques. It provides a grounding for further research-based courses, particularly GG1032 (the 1st-year Spanish fieldtrip), GG2003 (2nd-year fieldtrips), and GG3001/GG3005 (final-year dissertation).
Digital Geographies provides an introduction to the use of
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Geography. GIS is an important
transferrable skill that you can develop during your degree as it is
widely used in industry, retail, transport and environmental
management. Former students have gone on to employment in local
government and Transport for London, for example, or have taken MSc
courses on GIS to gain advanced skills. The importance of GIS for a
professional career is reflected by the Royal Geographical
Society's professional accreditation of Chartered Geographer (GIS),
which can be applied for when in employment.
This course introduces the fundamentals of GIS, taught through lectures outlining key theory and hands-on practicals where you get to analyse geographic datasets, including remotely sensed satellite imagery (Physical Geography) and a range of health, census, and infrastructural data (Human Geography).
(1) Develop students' appreciation of the historical context which underpins theory concerning environmental history, present-day environmental problems, and the prediction of future environmental changes.
(2) Give practical training in laboratory methods relevant to testing such theories.
(3) Train students for readiness to undertake fieldwork and third year independent studies (dissertations) in a range of topical research themes in Quaternary environmental change.
The accent throughout the course is on precision and accuracy of methods used, and independent testing of theory and models of environmental change.
This Y3 option course explore the climates and environments of the Quaternary Period (last 2.58 Ma). It seeks to develop students understanding of the driving factors of climatic change over a range of timescales and how these influence the environment around us. The course also seeks to develop student understanding of the key numerical techniques used to attempt to extract and model palaeoclimatic data.
By the end of the course students should: (i) have a thorough knowledge of the substance of regeneration and urban policies, particularly with regards to the UK; (ii) understand the interventionist rationale and role of the state and non-state actors in society and particularly in relation to local economic development; (iii) understand the political, contested, and contradictory nature of spatial policies and programmes.
The first half of the course will explore the roots and development of urban regeneration policies from the ‘Choketown’ conditions of the nineteenth century through to inner city problems of the twentieth century. The second half of the course will look at contemporary themes in regeneration and urban policy such as the role of community and the pursuit of ‘sustainable’ forms of regeneration.
Lectures: Thursdays, 11.00-13.00: Queen's 174
Seminar: Wednesday 15th November, 11.00-12.00: Library@Geography
Course Leader: Dr Alasdair Pinkerton
Drop-in hours: Weds 09:30-10:30 [Online]; Thurs 14:30-15:30 [Office]
Room: 152e, Queen’s Building
Email: a.d.pinkerton@rhul.ac.uk