Research Theories and Methods in Geography

Code:

DGEO005

Acronym:

TMIG

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geography

Instance: 2025/2026 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geography
Course/CS Responsible:	Third cycle of studies in Geography

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
DGEO	7	study plan	1	-	6	39	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The discipline will consider in-depth theoretical and empirical framework, intending to give students a solid education and training in the field of the epistemology of science, discussing the thinking environments that marked the trends and the frames of reference to scientific research in different relevant periods, particularly the latest developments and the main trends.
With regard to the present time, it is intended to present and discuss how different disciplinary areas produce and reproduce knowledge, with emphasis on the social sciences and geography. The central objectives are:
-Discuss theoretical dimension elements that favor the understanding of facts or geographical nature processes.
-To present and discuss different methodologies used in scientific research in geography.

Learning outcomes and competences

Knowledge of theoretical framework and various methodologies and techniques, potentially applicable to the investigation of each student.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1-Trends and current context of the epistemology of science.
2-Theories and methods of research in social sciences/Earth Sciences;
a) Theories and methods in geography and spatial planning.
b) Debate of scientific literature chosen by the students.
c) Theories and methodologies in research projects
3-The empirical research component 
a) Sources and processing of quantitative information.
b) Sources and treatment of qualitative information.

Mandatory literature

*; Não se aplica

Teaching methods and learning activities

The sessions will take place in open debate, in most cases with presentation followed by discussion.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	50,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	50,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	64,00
Frequência das aulas	41,00
Trabalho de investigação	57,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Project presentation

Calculation formula of final grade

50% will take in account the public defense of the project.
50% de exam grade

Examinations or Special Assignments

n/a

Internship work/project

n/a

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

n/a

Classification improvement

n/a