Department of Geography
BA Undergraduate Handbook
2015/16
Contents
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35.
Welcome
What is geography?
Careers using geography
First Year
Pathways to a geography
degree
Second Year
Third Year
General information
Academic honesty
Further study
Departmental facilities
Departmental staff
Contact information
Welcome
Welcome to the Department
of Geography at U.C.C. where
our central concern is to
create, communicate,
preserve, and interrogate a
wide range of geographical
knowledge. We hope to
challenge both ourselves and
our students to create better
ways of thinking about the
closely interconnected
geographies of cultural,
environmental, socioeconomic and political
transformations across the
earth.
become as enthusiastic about
geographical ideas as we are.
Whether you have studied
geography before or are
approaching it as a new area
of study, we hope that during
your time here you will
Professor Don Lyons
Head of Department
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Please read this booklet
carefully and ensure that you
are aware of any regulations
or policies relevant to you.
Check your student email and
Blackboard regularly so that
you are kept up to date with
any changes during the year.
We wish you a stimulating
and enjoyable year as a
student in the Geography
Department!
3
What is geography?
“Geography is the study of earth as
the home of people” Yi-Fu Tuan
Geographers examine the cultures,
societies, physical landscapes and
environments of the Earth using a unique
combination of the humanities, social and
natural sciences.
We view the Earth, its inhabitants and
the processes that form and transform
the world we live in using a spatial
perspective. This particularly geographical
way of looking at the world allows for an
inter-disciplinary exploration of
4
processes operating in specific places.
As a student of geography, you will learn
to view the world using this geographical
lens.
You will also learn the skills of producing
geographical information through data
collection and analysis. Methods such as
questionnaire surveys, field observation,
interviews, field measurement and
satellite remote sensing allow us to
develop a geographical understanding of
the world. These methods are taught in
Second Year and practiced in field-work in
a variety of urban and rural locations.
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What is geography?
Field work is central to geographical
education so every Major and Joint
honours student completes a week of
field-work during the second year of the
degree. Other modules offer additional
opportunities to develop your field
research skills.
Geographers examine geographical
processes in a variety of thematic areas
within geography including landscape,
heritage, migration, culture, food,
tourism, environment, economy, cities,
climate, geomorphology, development
etc.
The ancient art of cartography has
developed in the digital age to
encompass much more than mapmaking. Geographic Information Systems
(GIS), which you will be introduced to in
Geography, allow us to manage and
analyse geographical data.
As a first-year student of geography you
will be introduced to the thematic areas
and methods of geography and in
subsequent years you will have the
opportunity of developing your
particular interests.
Territory size shows the global proportion of refugees and internally displaced persons living
there. Worldmapper.
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5
Careers using
Geography
Graduates of the Geography
Department work in many careers,
some directly related to Geography
and some using the transferrable
skills learnt while studying
geography. Many have gone on to
study for specialist qualifications.
Conor Flavin
(BA Geography and
Sociology at UCC )works
as Regional Information
Management Officer with
UNHCR covering Colombia
and the refugee
operations of Venezuela,
Ecuador, Panama and Cost
Rica. In his job he uses
the quantitative and
qualitative skills he
learned in geography.
6
Graduates of this Department have gone
on to careers in Urban planning,
Ordnance survey, GIS, Transport
management, Housing, , Social research,
Overseas development, Environmental
management, Met Éireann, Teaching,
Marketing, Civil service, Real estate,
Rural development, Administration and
Coastal management.
Fearghal Ó Nualláin
(BA Geography and
Economics at UCC) is a
geography teacher in
London and when he’s not
teaching he explores the
world. In 2009 he cycled
31,000km around the
globe, in 2011 he walked
across Rwanda and in
2013 hiked and biked from
Istanbul to Albania. He is
currently making
educational films.
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Lisa Clifford
(BA Geography and Music,
and MA Geography at
UCC) works as Principal
Officer in the Housing
Division of the Irish
Department of
Environment, Community
& Local Government. She
is developing new and
innovative ways of funding
social housing delivery in
Ireland.
Careers using
Geography
Geographers work in a wide range of
areas in the private and public
sectors. The skills learned while
studying for a geography degree can
be used to develop careers in a
variety of fields.
Transferrable skills
All geography students are taught to
think critically and creatively. You will
also learn many practical skills that can
be used in geographical work and
transferred to a wide range of other
career areas.
A BA in geography provides you with
several options as you take the next step
after graduation. You may decide on one
of the following:
Depending on which modules you take,
you learn and practice skills such as:
Oral presentation
Producing information posters
Archival work
Report writing
Teamwork
Research design
Field research
Data analysis
IT skills
Problem solving
• to follow a career path directly related
to the knowledge and skills you learned
while studying geography (GIS, tourism
etc.).
• to follow a career path using several of
the transferrable skills that you learned
while studying geography
(administration, marketing etc.).
• to continue to postgraduate study in
order to obtain a specialist qualification
(urban planning, teaching etc.)
As you draft your CV for applications for
further study and for jobs, consider
making an inventory of the skills you
have learned and incorporating them
into your CV.
Academic References
You will probably need references when you apply for a job or further degree.
Lecturers in the Department can provide an academic reference , given reasonable
notice. Always ask their permission before you use their name on an application
form. Choose someone who knows you, preferably. Send the lecturer your CV along
with information relating to the position(s) or course(s) you are applying for.
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7
First Year
Environmental Geography
Year co-ordinators
GG1013 Semester 1
An introduction to geographical
approaches to environmental issues
and processes that addresses
climatological, ecological,
geomorphological and human factors
shaping the environment.
Mr Ray O’Connor
[email protected]
Dr Denis Linehan
[email protected]
Tues 10:00 Boole 4
Thur 12:00 Boole 4
Society and Space
GG1014 Semester 2
An introduction to debates and issues
in contemporary human geography.
The module themes explore the
intersections between society and
space and between people and places
at a variety of spatial scales in a range
of global sites.
Tues 10:00 Boole 3
Thur 12:00 Boole 4
Applied Geography
GG1015 Semesters 1 & 2
An introduction to geographical skills,
analysis and critical thinking in relation
to key concepts and thematic areas in
the discipline of geography. The
module will develop competence in
data interpretation and analysis, which
includes the use of text and graphic
presentations.
Fri 12:00 Boole 4
8
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To pass First Year and progress to
Second Year, candidates must
1. achieve an average of at
least 40% across the four
subjects combined.
and
2. achieve at least 40% in each
of three subjects (15 cr. each)
and
3. achieve a mark of at least
30% in the remaining subject
(15 credits) . If the subject
mark between 30-39%, you
can pass the subject by
compensation.
Note: a subject passed by
compensation cannot be taken in
2nd or 3rd year. However, you can
opt to repeat this subject at the
Autumn Supplemental
Examination for a higher mark.
First Year
Applied Geography GG1015
This module is designed to develop
your geographical skills. You will
learn geographical writing, data
analysis and map making.
Required textbook (€7.33)
The module consists of two taught
components: workshops on geographical
writing, and lectures on the Geography
of Development.
Workshops Semester 1:
These small-group classes provide
opportunities for students to discuss
geographical issues and develop new
skills, including library research and
communication skills. Your tutor will
guide the discussion , provide guidelines
for academic essay preparation and be
available for your questions. You will be
asked to prepare material in advance of
each session, and then participate in a
discussion or work through exercises.
Attendance and participation in all your
workshops is obligatory and will account
for 5% of your final module mark.
Workshop times will be allocated using
Blackboard during the first week of term.
Workshops will take place weekly
starting September 21st.
Lectures Semester 2:
Lectures on the Geography of
Development and methods for the
associated assignment will l take place
on six Fridays in Boole 4 Lecture Theatre
at 12:00:
Friday 11th January
Friday 18th January
Friday 25th January
Friday 1st February
Friday 8th February
Friday 15th February
Assignments:
1: 1000 word illustrated essay (25 marks)
due October 12th, 2015
2: 2000 word illustrated essay (35 marks)
due November 9th, 2015
3: Human Development report (35
marks) due February 26th, 2016
4. Workshop attendance (5 marks)
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Pathways to a
geography degree
Geography is a broad discipline
where you can build a degree
pathway that reflects your
particular interests.
Second Year
GG2005 Quaternary Environments & Geomorphology
10

Cities of Diversity
Geography of Tourism
The Atmospheric Environment
Economic and Rural Geography
Biogeography
Introduction to Geoinformatics
Geographies of Environment and Sustainability


GG2041 Contemporary Human Migration and European
Settlement and Society

GG2010
GG2014
GG2016
GG2023
GG2025
GG2037
GG2040
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Planning
Sustainability
Secondary teaching
Geoinformatics
Physical geography
These are suggested module
combinations. Remember that you still
need to comply with the 2nd and 3rd year
requirements outlined in this handbook.
Human geography
As you plan your degree, you could think
about postgraduate and career options
and select your modules accordingly.
First Year geography consists of
foundational modules. The pathways on
this page and the next outline
complementary module combinations in
2nd and 3rd year.
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Planning
Sustainability
Secondary teaching
Geoinformatics
Physical geography
Human geography
Third Year
GG3003
GG3006
GG3007
GG3010
GG3012
GG3027
GG3037
GG3038
GG3041
GG3039
GG3043
GG3045
GG3046
GG3048
GG3049
GG3051
Contemporary Studies of the EU
Research Methods & Dissertation
Coastal Geomorphology
Global Urbanism
Advanced GIS
Regional and Local Planning
Geography of Heritage
Geographies of the Irish Diaspora
Environmental Remote Sensing
Dynamic Climatology
Historical Geographies of the City
Food Geography
Geopolitics and Geostrategies
Environmental Economic Geography
Historical Geographies of Ireland
Landscape Paleoecology& Palynology
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Continuing pathways to UCC postgraduate qualifications
Human
geography
Physical
geography
Geoinformatics
Secondary
teaching
Sustainability
Planning
MA
Geography
Cities, Space
and Culture
MSc Applied
Coastal and
Marine
Management
MSc GIS and
Remote Sensing
Professional
Master of
Education
MPlan
Planning and
sustainable
development
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11
Second Year
Requirements
Year Co-ordinators
40 credit Geography
Dr. Úna Ni Chaoimh
[email protected]
GG2038 Geographical Research Methods
GG2022 Field Work
One physical geography module
One human geography module
Any FOUR other GG modules
Dr. Colin Sage
[email protected]
30 credit Geography
GG2038 Geographical Research Methods
GG2022 Field Work
One physical geography module
One human geography module
Any TWO other GG modules
20 credit Geography
Carry forward
20% of the total 2nd year
Geography mark is carried
forward to 3rd year. The final
Geography degree mark
consists of 20% of 2nd year
mark + 80% of 3rd year mark .
12
GG2038 Geographical Research Methods
One physical geography module
One human geography module
Any ONE other GG module (except
GG2022 Field Work)
Note:
Human geography modules listed on p14
Physical geography modules listed on p15
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Second Year
Timetable
Semester 1
GG2005 Geomorphology and Quaternary
environments
GG2014 Geography of tourism
GG2016 Atmospheric environment
GG2037 Introduction to geoinformatics
GG2038 Geographical research methods
GG2041 Contemporary human migration
L
P*
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
P*
P*
P*
P*
P*
P*
P*
L
L
Thu
Thu
Tue
Thu
Tue
Thu
Wed
Tue
Tue
Tue
Wed
Thu
Thu
Fri
Fri
Fri
Mon
Wed
15:00- 17:00
15:00- 17:00
15:00- 16:00
14:00- 15:00
14:00- 15:00
13:00- 14:00
11:00- 13:00
09:00- 10:00
11:00- 12:00
09:00- 11:00
09:00- 11:00
09:00- 11:00
15:00- 17:00
09:00- 11:00
12:00- 14:00
15:00- 17:00
17:00- 18:00
13:00- 14:00
C_GG_LT
GG_PGL
C_KANE_G19
C_GG_LT
C_ELECT_L1
C_BOOLE_1
C_CE_G10
C_GG_LT
C_GG_LT
GG_PRES_LAB
GG_PRES_LAB
GG_PRES_LAB
GG_PRES_LAB
GG_PRES_LAB
GG_PRES_LAB
GG_PRES_LAB
C_CE_G10
C_GG_LT
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
Fri
Tue
Tue
Thu
Thu
Tue
Tue
Thu
Mon
Wed
14:00- 16:00
15:00- 16:00
15:00- 16:00
14:00- 15:00
14:00- 15:00
13:00- 15:00
13:00- 15:00
15:00- 17:00
17:00- 18:00
13:00- 14:00
C_GG_LT
C_CONN_S3
C_CONN_S3
C_CONN_S2
C_CONN_S2
C_KANE_G02
C_KANE_G02
C_GG_LT
C_KANE_G18
C_GG_LT
Semester 2
GG2022 Field Work
GG2023 Economic and rural geography
GG2010 Cities of diversity
GG2025 Biogeography
GG2040 Geographies of environment and
sustainability
•
All students do not attend at every
practical time. Individual practical
times will be allocated at lectures.
Some modules are necessarily clashed
because of timetable constraints. The day
and time cannot be changed.
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13
Second Year
Human geography
Geography of Tourism
GG2014 Semester 1
Economic and Rural Geography
GG2023 Semester 2
This module examines the rapidly changing
geographical relationships and environmental
impacts of the tourist industry. Particular
attention will be focused on the geography of
tourism in Ireland and Western Europe
generally. Special emphasis will also be
placed on the expanding heritage industry in
Ireland.
100% exam
Significant changes in both rural and
industrial societies are underlined by a
variety of forces such as innovation and
technology, rural industrialisation, service
employment, counter-urbanisation,
migration, flexible labour markets and
regional development policies. In the
emergence of these new spaces, the
relationships between outside forces (e.g EU
and the State) and local interests are critical.
100% exam
Contemporary Human Migration and
European Settlement and Society
GG2041 Semester 1
An examination of the process of European
migration from emigrations of the 19th
Century to the phases of post-war migration
to western Europe. Individual state migration
patterns together with policy initiatives and
models of citizenship form the framework of
this module.
100% exam
Cities of diversity
GG2010 Semester 2
This module examines the social, cultural and
economic processes that have shaped and
transformed western cities. It considers the
impacts of these transformations on people
living in urban areas. We explore notions of
difference, encounter and inequality in the
city. Students participate in field work in Cork
city.
100% assignments
14
Geographies of Environment and
Sustainability
GG2040 Semester 2
The module critically explores the
intersection of economic development and
environment, outlining the ways in which a
growth-centred approach has significantly
impacted upon the natural environment. The
module focusses upon energy, sustenance,
and settlement, the degree to which current
resource use diverges from what might be
considered 'sustainable‘ and measures
needed to bring some degree of convergence
between these two trajectories.
80% exam; 20% assignments
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Second Year
Physical geography
Quaternary Environments &
Geomorphology
GG2005 Semester 1
Introduction to Geoinformatics
GG2037 Semester 1
This module examines the geomorphology
and associated sedimentary processes of key
environmental system(s) and Quaternary
environmental changes of glacial/inter-glacial
cycles, linked climate changes, plant and
animal history, and human impacts on the
environment.
60% exam; 40% assignments
Atmospheric Environment
GG2016 Semester 1
A study of major processes influencing
weather worldwide including mid-latitude
storms, tropical cyclones, precipitation and
moisture processes, pressure and winds, and
extreme weather. Particular attention will be
given to weather conditions that occur during
the period of the module and to weather
forecasting.
100% assignments
An introduction to the key concepts,
principles and theory of GIS, Remote Sensing,
global satellite positioning systems, and
related Geoinformatics technologies, their
use in Geographical and Earth Sciences, and
practical techniques of spatial data analysis.
100% assignments
Biogeography
GG2025 Semester 2
A grounding is provided in fundamental
ecological relationships between organisms
and their environment, within an ecosystems
framework. A combined ecological,
geographical and historical approach is taken
to understand current biogeographical
patterns of distribution. The reciprocal
relationship between humans and the
biosphere will be studied within such topics
as evolution, biodiversity, nature
conservation and island biogeography.
100% exam
Further details of modules can be found
in the UCC Book of Modules online.
www.ucc.ie/modules/
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15
Field Work
GG2022
Fieldwork is central to geographical
education and provides learning
opportunities which cannot be
replicated in lectures.
In the field module you experience at
first hand landscapes, places, people
and issues. You also learn the skills of
the geographer and put them into
practice in a real environment. This
way of learning greatly enhances your
understanding of geographical
concepts and features.
During the field week, students carry
out field work in both urban and rural
areas. Typical activities include
research projects carried out by
students in small groups; visits by the
whole group to locations of interest;
talks by local experts; analysis and
presentations of your field data; poster
presentations. There is a focus on
research designed and carried out by
students in field locations.
Field work in Barcelona
In previous years students have
participated in field work in Ireland and
continental Europe. The field
destinations for this academic year will
be posted on the Blackboard site
around the middle of Semester 1.
Field work in Clare
16
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Field Work
GG2022
Requirement:
Each Second Year Joint (30 credits) and
Major (40 credits) Honours student must
complete the field module which
consists of a week-long residential
course in Ireland or abroad. Several field
courses to different destinations are
organised by the department.
Lectures:
Lectures associated with the field
module are compulsory and will take
place during Semester 2. The first
lecture, for all students taking GG2022,
will take place in early February.
Thereafter, lecture dates will depend on
field course destination. All lectures will
take place on Fridays 2-4pm.
Dates and destinations
Field courses take place during the
Easter break. Dates depend on
destination. A list of field destinations
with dates will be posted during
Semester 1.
Cost:
The cost of field courses generally
ranges between €250-400, which covers
travel and accommodation. If you are in
receipt of a Local Authority grant, the
cost may be recouped from your Local
Authority after you have completed the
field course. Students are covered by
UCC’s travel insurance while they are
participating in the field week.
Booking:
Once details of destinations have been
announced, your destination preferences
will be collected together with a deposit
of €200 to secure your place. The
balance is payable early in Semester 2.
Your preferences will be taken into
account. A particular allocation for an
individual student cannot be guaranteed,
nor can a group of students request
allocation to the same destination.
Exceptional personal circumstances may
be taken into account when allocating
you to a field course.
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17
Third Year
In the third year of the BA in geography you have the opportunity to focus on
your particular interests in the discipline, as a wide range of thematic modules
is offered.
The core module, GG3001 Geographical
Ideas, is required for all Major and Joint
Honours students. It presents geography
as a critical and reflective discipline and
enables students to appreciate the
plural, dynamic and contested nature of
the discipline. It aims to communicate to
students how reflection on the
theoretical approaches that underwrite
geographical ideas offers opportunities
to develop their own arguments and
research as geographers.
Third Year is also when you will start to
consider your next steps. As you choose
your optional modules, bear in mind
your interests and where those interests
might lead you after you have completed
the degree.
The Department of Geography offers
several opportunities for post-graduate
study (p29). An information session
during one of the GG3001 lectures will
outline the department’s postgraduate
programmes.
.
Preparing a presentation
18
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Third Year
Requirements
Carry forward
20% of the total 2nd year
Geography mark is carried
forward to 3rd year. The final
Geography degree mark
consists of 20% of 2nd year
mark + 80% of 3rd year mark.
For 3rd year BA geography
there are no physical/human
geography requirements.
If you plan a career as a
second level teacher please
check the requirements of
the Teaching Council and
select modules accordingly.
www.teachingcouncil.ie/
40 credit Geography
GG3001 Geographical Ideas
and either option A or B
A. any SEVEN other GG modules
(excluding GG3006)
or
B. GG3006 Research methods and
Dissertation + any FIVE modules
30 credit Geography
GG3001 Geographical Ideas
and either option A or B
A. any FIVE other GG modules
(excluding GG3006)
or
B. GG3006 Research methods and
Dissertation + any THREE modules
20 credit Geography
Any FOUR GG modules (excluding
GG3006)
Year Co-ordinators
Dr. Therese Kenna
[email protected]
Dr. John Crowley
[email protected]
Note:
Students taking GG3027 cannot register
for SS3033 or SC3007.
Only those students who have attained
at least 55% overall in Second Year
Geography may select GG3006.
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19
Third Year
Semester 1
Coastal and Marine Geomorphology #
GG3007 Semester 1
Geography of Heritage *
GG3037 Semester 1
The study of geomorphological and other
physical Earth surface process controls
influencing the development of coastal and
marine environments, from local to global
scales. Themes covered include wave studies,
coastal sediments and beach development,
coastal erosion, seabed mapping and sealevel changes, coastal management and
planning.
60% exam; 40% assignments
This module examines the meaning of
heritage in contemporary societies and deals
with issues of conservation and
representation. Important heritage
landscapes continue to be threatened by
modern development. Using case studies, we
examine the value placed on heritage in
society and the politics of heritage. Questions
of identity, nationalism, and multiculturalism
are central to the geography of heritage.
100% exam
Environmental Remote Sensing #
GG3041 Semester 1
Through analysis of examples taken from
across the world the application of air and
space borne remote sensing in studying
environmental change will be investigated.
Topics covered include changes in the
biosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere,
atmosphere and urban areas. The role of
remote sensing in contemporary natural
disasters and in policy formation will also be
addressed, and ethical issues examined.
60% exam; 40% assignments
Advanced GIS
GG3012 Semester 1
Advanced studies in computer-based
techniques and systems for geographical
information handling and analysis, database
designs and links with the mathematical
modelling and analysis of environmental
systems; case studies of GIS applications to
specific environments; examination of the
societal, commercial and research contexts of
geographic information generation, analysis
and use.
60% exam; 40% assignments
20
Geographies of the Irish Diaspora *
GG3038 Semester 1
We will focus on some of the key debates in
the academic literature on the Irish diaspora
and Irish migration. The module will draw on
current theoretical perspectives on
migration, globalisation and identities, and
students will be encouraged to set familiar
and popular stories and representations of
migration within appropriate conceptual
frameworks. Lectures with some interactive
workshops focusing on skills in critical
reading and analysis.
100% exam
For students wishing to comply with
Teaching Council (secondary) requirements
modules are tagged as follows:
* Human
# Physical
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Third Year
Semester 1
Historical Geographies of the City *
GG3043 Semester 1
This module has a particular focus on the
impacts of modernity on urban life in the 19th
and 20th Century. Through the study of urban
transformations, the module will explore the
principal geographical concerns within
modernity; namely, the reconfiguration of
spatial relations, the reorientation of spatial
experience and the remaking of spatial
practices. We examine debates in
contemporary historical and cultural
geography, with a particular emphasis on
spatial and social theory, and conceptual and
methodological strategies for undertaking
research with primary research material.
100% assignments
Environmental Economic Geography *
GG3048 Semester 1
The module examines the relationship
between production, consumption and the
environment via an examination of the
evolving economic geography of wastes
(particularly scrap materials, industrial wastes
and by-products). Particular emphasis will be
placed on ecological modernisation, industrial
ecology, industrial symbiosis, eco-industrial
parks, material cycling, life cycle analysis,
material flow analysis, and other novel
strategies to redirect wastes back into
production and consumption processes.
100% exam
Geopolitics and Geostrategies *
GG3046 Semester 1
Relations between the different regions of
the world are in a state of constant flux. The
current period is characterised by new forms
of globalisation and increasing competition
for finite resources, including non-renewable
fuels, water and scarce minerals. The struggle
for access to these resources, reflected in the
deployment of various forms of 'hard' 'and
'soft' power, is frequently characterised in
terms of broad regional generalisations: a reemergent Asia, weakening US influence, an
increasingly irrelevant Europe, an unstable
Middle East, a relatively marginalised South
America and Africa.
100% exam
Global Urbanism *
GG3010 Semester 1
The study of cities has never been more
important than it is today with the majority of
social and economic life across the globe now
shaped by urbanisation. This module will
explore some of the major urban conditions
and challenges in the world today. A range of
themes are explored: uneven urban
development; cities and sustainability; urban
infrastructures; human insecurity and war;
and new types of inequalities. The module is
both an empirical and theoretical exploration
of the contemporary city. Case studies will be
drawn from cities including Cork, Sydney,
London and Shanghai.
100% assignments
geography.ucc.ie
21
Third Year
Semester 2
Historical Geographies of Ireland *
GG3049 Semester 2
Landscape Paleoecology and Palynology #
GG3051 Semester 2
The module provides a comprehensive
understanding of how Irish society, economy
and culture has changed, focussing on the
spatial impacts of social movements. Themes
include: place, patronage, politics in Ireland;
the impact of landlordism and landscape
transformation; the distribution of secular and
religious institutions; the origins and
expansion of banking in Ireland; charitable and
loan fund societies; the Great Irish Famine; the
Catholic Church; the co-operative movement;
rural electrification; rural water supply;
industrialisation; emigration; the voluntary
sector; membership of the EU; the Celtic Tiger.
100% assignments
The lectures will introduce students to the
theory and method of palynology, with
subsequent practical classes allowing students
to develop 'hands on' laboratory skills,
including microscopic identification of pollen
grains, data presentation, interpretation and
analyses. Case studies illustrate the application
of palynological data in understanding the
extent and timing of long term patterns of
climate change and the role of human
communities in modifying and disturbing
environmental systems.
Exam 60%; assignments 40%
Further details of modules can be found in the
UCC Book of Modules online.
www.ucc.ie/modules/
Field visit in Co. Clare
22
geography.ucc.ie
Third Year
Semester 2
Contemporary Studies of the European
Union *
GG3003 Semester 2
Regional and Local Planning Issues and
Policies *
GG3027 Semester 2
This module deals with the emergence and
evolution of the European Union. Themes
addressed include the geographic concept of
Europe, the CAP, energy systems,
industrialisation and de-industrialisation,
Trans European Networks, population trends
and the labour market, Structural Funds and
regional coherence, future prospects for the
EU.
100% exam
Regional and local planning issues, dialogues
and strategies, the public administrative and
policy context of planning within Ireland and
the wider global setting.
60% exam; 40% assignments
Dynamic Climatology #
GG3039 Semester 2
In this module we examine the roles of
atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics
(upper level circulations, jet streams, energy
budget, moisture processes, convective
activity) to provide a fully three dimensional
perspective on the development of synoptic
and mesoscale mid-latitude systems, tropical
weather systems and, in particular, on severe
weather events .
100% assignments
Food Geography *
GG3045 Semester 2
This module addresses the contemporary
global food system: what, how, where and
why food is produced. It examines the
evolution and co-existence of different
agricultural systems around the world; the
role of corporate actors in the transformation
and retailing of global foods; and the
changing nature of consumers and
consumption within this system. The module
will explore the dynamics and contradictions
of a food system that, while heralding everwidening consumer choice, leaves one billion
people food insecure and hungry; and
impacts significantly on the global
environment.
80% exam; 20% assignments
For students wishing to comply with
Teaching Council (secondary) requirements
modules are tagged as follows:
* Human
# Physical
geography.ucc.ie
23
Dissertation
GG3006
Completing an undergraduate
dissertation allows you to undertake
an in-depth study of a topic in
Geography. Research projects
usually involve field work and
extensive reading. It is a great
opportunity to learn how to carry out
a research project and to put into
action the research methods,
theoretical approaches and
knowledge that you have gained.
Requirements:
Students who opt to undertake a
dissertation are required to have
achieved at least 55% in Second Year
Geography.
The module GG3006 Research Methods
and Dissertation will consist of a final
piece of work approximately 8,000
words in length (80%), a written
literature review (10%) and an oral
presentation (10%).
All dissertations are to be typed and
presented in a hard binding. Maps and
figures are to be purpose-drawn in a
finalised cartographic form. Scanned or
photocopied maps will not be
acceptable. Late submissions will be
penalised according to departmental
policy (see p. 26).
24
Schedule:
Students opting to take the dissertation
are required to fill out a preference form
available from the Geography Admin
office which must be completed and
returned by 12:00 noon on Friday
September 11th .
Tuesday 15th September:
The name of your supervisor will be
posted on the GG3001 Blackboard site.
Before Friday 18th September:
Meet with your supervisor.
Friday 18th September:
Last day to change registration.
Tuesday 22nd September:
Written proposal due.
Thursday 25th September:
You will be informed whether your
proposal is acceptable.
The Literature Review for your
dissertation is to be submitted to your
supervisor by Friday 6th November.
A Presentation, on a date agreed with
your supervisor, will be organized for
January 2016.
The submission date for the dissertation
is 4 p.m. Friday April 8th, 2016. Submit
to the Geography Admin Office and on
Turnitin.
geography.ucc.ie
Third Year
Timetable
Semester 1
GG3007 Coastal and marine geomorphology
GG3010
GG3012
GG3037
GG3038
GG3041
Global urbanism
Advanced GIS
Geography of heritage
Geographies of the Irish Diaspora
Environmental remote sensing
GG3043 Historical geographies of the city
GG3046 Geopolitics and geostrategies
GG3048 Environmental economic geography
L S1
P* S1
L S1
L S1
L S1
L S1
L S1
L S1
L S1
L S1
L S1
L S1
L S1
Tue
Tue
Tue
Thu
Wed
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Mon
Tue
Mon
Thu
12:00-14:00
12:00-14:00
16:00-18:00
15:00-17:00
16:00-18:00
10:00-12:00
13:00-14:00
13:00-14:00
09:00-11:00
13:00-14:00
14:00-15:00
14:00-15:00
11:00-12:00
C_WGB_G03
GG_PGL
C_WDL_ANLT
C_CONN_J1
C_GG_LT
C_CONN_S3A
C_WW_6
C_ORB_212
C_WDL_ANLT
C_CONN_S3
C_KANE_G02
C_CE_G10
C_GG_LT
L
L
L
L
L
Tue
Thu
Wed
Thu
Fri
15:00-16:00
17:00-18:00
17:00-18:00
10:00-11:00
09:00-11:00
C_GG_LT
C_KANE_G01
C_GG_LT
C_GG_LT
C_BOOLE_1
Tue
Wed
Mon
Thu
Wed
Wed
Wed
Wed
Tue
Tue
Wed
Wed
13:00-14:00
12:00-13:00
14:00-15:00
11:00-12:00
16:00-18:00
16:00-18:00
16:00-18:00
16:00-18:00
13:00-15:00
13:00-15:00
13:00-15:00
13:00-15:00
C_WW_5
C_ELECT_L1
C_CE_110
C_GG_LT
C_CONN_J1
C_CONN_J1
GG_PGL
GG_PGL
GG_PGL
C_CONN_S3A
GG_PGL
C_CONN_S3
Semester 2
GG3001 Geographical ideas (Core)
GG3003 Contemporary studies of the
European Union
GG3027 Regional and local planning issues
and policies
GG3039 Dynamic climatology
GG3045 Food geography
GG3049 Historical geographies of Ireland
GG3051 Landscape paleoecology and
palynology
•
All students do not attend at every
practical/tutorial time. Individual
Practical/tutorial times will be
allocated at lectures.
S2
S2
S2
S2
S2
L S2
L S2
L S2
L S2
L S2
L S2
T* S2
T* S2
L S2b
L S2b
L S2b
L S2b
Some modules are necessarily clashed
because of timetable constraints. The
day and time cannot be changed.
geography.ucc.ie
25
General
Information
Semester dates 2015/16
Semester 1
7 Sept – 27 Nov
Review week
30 Nov - 4 Dec
Exams
7 Dec – 18 Dec
Christmas break 19 Dec – 10 Jan
Semester 2
11 Jan – 18 Mar
Easter recess
19 Mar – 3 Apr
Semester 2 (cont.)4 Apr – 15 Apr
Review week
18 Apr – 22 Apr
Exams
25 Apr – 6 May
Assignment submission
Assignments worth 25% or more are
submitted through Turnitin on
Blackboard and in hard copy to boxes on
ground and 1st floors. Each hard copy
must have a cover sheet attached and it
must be dated using the machine
provided.
Communication
The Department communicates with you
through your UCC email and through
Blackboard. It is your responsibility to
keep an eye on both for important
information.
All communications to staff must be
signed. Staff will not respond to
anonymous emails.
Degree grades
70%+
1st class
60-69%
2nd class grade 1 (2:1)
50-59%
2nd class grade 2 (2:2)
45-49%
3rd class
40-44%
Pass
Under 40% Fail
Timetable
Students must ensure that they select
modules that do not clash either within
Geography or with their other
subject. The timetable cannot be
changed.
26
Late submission penalty
Where work is submitted up to and
including 7 days late, 5% of the total
marks available shall be deducted from
the mark achieved. Where work is
submitted up to and including 14 days
late, 10% of the total marks available
shall be deducted from the mark
achieved. Work submitted 15 days late
or more shall be assigned a mark of zero.
Attendance
Students are required to attend lectures,
tutorials, practicals and field trips of all
modules for which they are registered.
Lectures normally begin at 5 minutes
past the hour. Students should have
taken their places by then. If late arrival
is unavoidable, enter quietly and take
the first available seat. Lectures end at 5
minutes to the hour.
Mobile phones must be switched off
during classes.
geography.ucc.ie
General
Information
Individual modules
Content, prerequisites, requirements,
assessment, repeat procedures etc. for
individual modules are contained in the
UCC Book of Modules.
www.ucc.ie/modules/
Programme requirements
Required modules, optional modules,
credit requirements etc. for CK101 and
other programmes can be found in the
UCC Undergraduate Calendar
www.ucc.ie/calendar/
Passing/failing/compensating
Regulations governing pass/fail, repeat,
compensation etc. for a given year of
the BA programme can be found in
UCC Marks and Standards
www.ucc.ie/marksandstandards/
Administrative offices
There are two administrative offices in
the Geography Building which deal
with queries as follows:
Ground Floor
All 2nd Arts
Postgraduate
Head of department
1st Floor
All 1st & 3rd Arts
All Field courses
BSc programmes
Offices are open to students during the
following hours:
Mon –Fri
10:00 – 11:00
11:30-12:45
14:45-16:00
Geography students at work
geography.ucc.ie
27
Academic
honesty
Work that you submit for assessment must be written entirely by you and all
of the sources that you quote or use to research your assignment must be
referenced appropriately.
Referencing
Penalties for plagiarism
Your particular attention is drawn to the need
for meticulous referencing in all submitted
essays, dissertation etc. Details of how to
reference sources can be found on the
Geography Department Website under
Undergraduate Resources.
On identifying a possible piece of plagiarism
or collusion the lecturer/supervisor will grade
the assignment as follows:
In addition, direct quotations must always be
reproduced in quotation marks. Please
remember that the marks you gain for a
piece of work are for your contribution. A
piece of work consisting of large chunks of
material quoted from another source leaves
very little room for your ideas.
Note that copying of maps, diagrams or other
graphic elements, without due attribution of
source, will also constitute evidence of
plagiarism and thus be subject to sanctions.
Plagiarism
A section of work is considered to be
plagiarised if it does not adhere to these
standards.
If you dispute the allegation of plagiarism you
can appeal to the Geography Department
Plagiarism Committee. Please see details of
the appeals process on the Geography
Department website.
28
(a) minor plagiarism (e.g. paragraphs or a
cluster of sentences extracted verbatim from
a book/paper/website and not referenced, or
up to maximum 10% of overall length of the
essay / work submitted) 20 % will be
deducted from the final mark.
(b) major plagiarism (more than two
paragraphs copied verbatim or with only
minor changes of language) a mark of zero
shall be assigned for the work submitted.
(c) If a student has been found to have
copied work from a peer that constitutes a
significant portion of the assignment either
with or without permission, a mark of zero
shall be assigned for the work submitted.
(d) If there are very serious issues the
University Discipline Committee shall be
informed.
Except in extreme circumstances, incidences
of plagiarism assignments will be dealt with
directly by the appropriate lecturer/tutor
according to the actions described above.
geography.ucc.ie
Further study
After graduation, many students
continue their study of geography by
taking a postgraduate degree. This
allows you to deepen your
understanding in an area of particular
interest and involves undertaking a
piece of independent research.
The Department of Geography offers
three 1-year taught master’s degrees:
MSc in Applied Coastal and Marine
management, MA Geography: Cities,
Space and Culture and MSc in GIS and
Remote Sensing. Further details and
requirements for these programmes can
be found on the Department of
Geography website. In addition, the
department offers a Higher Diploma in
GIS.
The Department also contributes to the
MPlan (2 years), the professional
qualification for a career in planning and
to two interdisciplinary (1 year)
programmes, the MA in Contemporary
Migration and Diaspora Studies and the
MA in Irish Studies.
Students with at least 2:1 BA degree can
apply to undertake a research degree.
The Department of Geography offers the
MRes (1 year), MPhil (2 years) and PhD
(4 years). If you are interested in a
research degree, speak to lecturers in
your areas of interest early in your final
year.
Posters advertising programmes in other
universities are posted on notice boards
in the Geography Building. Staff can
discuss these options with you.
geography.ucc.ie
29
Departmental
Facilities
Computer Labs
On the top floor of the Geography
Building, the Fahy lab is used for
undergraduate teaching and when
not in use for classes is available for
use by 2nd-4th year students taking
geography modules. To arrange a
login, contact Brendan Dockery (2nd
fl.). Computers have GIS, remote
sensing and statistics software
Working in the Fahy computer lab
The Postgraduate Teaching Lab is
used by students taking master’s
degrees in the department. Black and
white and colour printing and plotter
are also available through the
computer labs.
The Geography Department shares
the Pres Lab in the Connolly Building.
Login is through your UCC account.
First Year cartography workshops are
held in this lab.
Geography building
Physical Geography lab
The “phys lab” is used for
undergraduate teaching.
Environmental lab
Equipped with diatom and water
quality analysis resources and a fume
cupboard, the environmental lab is
used by students doing research
projects.
Physical geography lab
30
geography.ucc.ie
Departmental
Facilities
Instruments
The department has a range of
instruments for meteorological
measurement, surveying and soil
analysis available for student
research projects. Details of
equipment and procedures for their
use can be found online by searching
for physicalgeogucc.
Maps and cartography
The department has a paper and
digital archive of historical and
current OS maps. Computer
cartography is taught to all students
and mapping software is available on
departmental computers.
Geography Library
The library is used as a teaching space
and houses the department’s
collection of undergraduate
dissertations. To view past
dissertations, contact Brendan
Dockery (2nd fl.)
Surveying
Dissertation collection
Wi-Fi
Access to Wi-Fi is available in the
Geography Building using your UCC
login.
Coastal survey
geography.ucc.ie
31
Academic staff
32
Darius Bartlett
Lecturer
GIS
John Crowley
Lecturer
Tourism and heritage
[email protected]
[email protected]
Barry Brunt
Senior lecturer (retired)
Economic geography.
[email protected]
Kieran Hickey
Senior lecturer
Geomorphology and climate
History
[email protected]
Fiona Cawkwell
Lecturer
Remote sensing
Therese Kenna
Lecturer
Urban geography
[email protected]
[email protected]
Liam Coakley
Lecturer part-time
Migration
Denis Linehan
Senior lecturer
Cultural geography
[email protected]
[email protected]
geography.ucc.ie
Don Lyons
Professor and Head of Dept
Economic geography
Eileen O’Rourke
Lecturer
Biogeography
[email protected]
[email protected]
Piaras Mac Éinrí
Lecturer
Migration
Brendan O’Sullivan
Senior lecturer
Planning
[email protected]
[email protected]
Úna Ní Chaoimh
Lecturer
Climate and meteorology
Colin Sage
Senior lecturer
Food systems
[email protected]
[email protected]
Ray O’Connor
Lecturer
Rural geography
[email protected]
Tutors
Sander Van Lanen
Tutor
Tara Kenny
Tutor
[email protected].
[email protected] .
Richard Scriven
Tutor
[email protected]
geography.ucc.ie
33
Technical & Administrative
support staff
Helen Bradley
GIS Officer
Mary Murphy#
Senior technical officer
[email protected]
[email protected]
Suzanne Bermingham*
Senior executive assistant
Field courses and BSc
Mike Murphy
Cartographer
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mary Collins
IT Technician
Roisin Murphy#
Senior technical officer
[email protected]
[email protected]
Brendan Dockery
Departmental Operative
Fahy Lab accounts
Agnes O’Leary
Executive assistant
BA 2nd year and postgraduate
[email protected]
[email protected]
Noreen McDowell*
Senior executive assistant
Field courses and BSc
Bernadette O’Mahony
Senior executive assistant
BA 1st and 3rd years
[email protected]
[email protected]
* job-share partners
# job-share partners
34
geography.ucc.ie
Contact
Information
Address
Department of Geography,
University College Cork,
Western Road, Cork
Enquiries
Phone:
(021) 490 2804
(021) 290 2517
Head of Department
Professor Don Lyons
Phone: (021)490 2517
Email: [email protected]
E-mail:
[email protected]
Administrative
Office hours
Mon –Fri
10:00 – 11:00
11:30-12:45
14:45-16:00
Website:
geography.ucc.ie
geography.ucc.ie
35
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information/material contained
in this booklet, the Department assumes no responsibility for and give no guarantees, concerning
the accuracy, completeness or up to date nature of the information provided. Please ensure that
you read emails from the department and announcements on Blackboard for updates.
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