Professional Research Methods unit (KGA703)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit focuses on designing research to solve real problems, and to communicate your findings. You will learn how to design mixed methods research, scope research problems using existing research literature, consider ethical issues in data collection, generate field data, analyse and present these data, interpret results, and create communication tools to share findings with different stakeholders. You will reflect on all these processes and their application to, for example, policy and professional contexts. The unit is a professional pathway in Masters programs in geography, planning, and spatial sciences.

Summary

Unit name	Professional Research Methods
Unit code	KGA703
Credit points	25
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Discipline	Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Coordinator	Doctor Chloe Rumsby
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• model professional conduct by engaging in mixed methods research design and communication
• collect and analyse social data
• collect, query, and produce spatial information
• collect and analyse environmental data

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Each week, students must complete a small amount of targeted pre-reading and must attend workshops in Zoom or on the Sandy Bay campus in a room allocated each year - see MyLO. Students must also do work to progress all assessments in a sequenced way, and that sequence will be described to them in Week 1 and again each week. Students based in Hobart and environs will attend a 6-hour field trip to Mount Nelson in Week 5. Those remote from Hobart or offshore will be able to conduct their own field work, as covered by a task-based risk assessment.
Assessment	Spatial Research Report (15%)|Environmental Research Report (25%)|Research Journal and Interview (30%)|Social Research and Communication Report (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Please consult the KGA703 MyLO site.
Recommended	Please consult the KGA703 MyLO site.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.