Task Description:

Students will create the introductory section of a professional report, in the form of a professionally presented ArcGIS Storymap.
This will include:
1. Introduction to the research project (with reference to existing literature) that provides the problem context.
2. At least 1 map, using at least 3 relevant data layers, and appropriate map architecture and captions. The map data should be chosen to help understand the research problem and assist project scope.
3. Spatial analysis - description of the findings of at least 2 spatial analysis operations that help to understand the data represented in the map.
4. Research scope - based on the information above, describe what information might be needed to address the problem. Identify appropriate research questions and methods to investigate them.
5. References (in a separate tab of the Storymap)

Task Length:

Due Date:

Week 4 (31/Jul/2026)

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

Task Description:

Students will combine desktop analysis with data collected during a field trip to create the second section of a professional report, in the form of a professionally presented ArcGIS Storymap.
This section (new tab) of the StoryMap will include:
1. Field site description and map
2. Environmental Methods - description of research methods used.
3. Results - description and analysis of data collected, including figures and tables to illustrate findings.
4. Discussion - implications of the research for the research questions.
5. The References section of the storymap will be updated to include any new citations.

Task Length:

Due Date:

Week 7 (21/Aug/2026)

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

Task Description:

In this task, students keep a weekly handwritten research journal and participate in a brief reflective interview at the end of semester. Across the journal and interview, students demonstrate their understanding of research design, ethical practice, reflexivity, and communication in research. Students will be given weekly prompts to structure writing, and are expected to reflect on set readings, fieldwork activities, interview practice, and their own developing research skills. This assessment focuses on authentic engagement and growth rather than polished writing.
The interview is an assurance of learning task and is done under secure conditions.

Journals submitted 23 September. If you are studying remotely, you may submit a PDF scan of your journal. Individual 10 minute interviews (assurance of learning task) will be scheduled for week 12.

Task Length:

Due Date:

Week 12 (23/Sep/2026)

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

Task Description:

Students will use thematic analysis of interviews carried out by the class, together with a description of a communication output they have created for a public event, to write the final section of a professional report, in the form of a professionally presented ArcGIS Storymap.

This section (new tab) of the StoryMap will include:
1. Social research methods, including ethical considerations
2. Results of thematic analysis including theme summaries and illustrative quotes
3. Discussion of findings, how they help to answer research questions, how they relate to existing knowledge on this issue, and recommendations based on those findings.
4. Description of the communication tool developed by the student - its aims and limitations.
5. The References section of the storymap will be updated to include any new citations.

Task Length:

Due Date:

Week 12 (02/Oct/2026)

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION