Last Updated 9/4/98
Geomorphology Web page maintained by R. Oches
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As part of this course you are being asked carry out an independent research project in which you will compile and present information regarding a specific aspect of Geomorphology. The project may consist of either a library research paper or a field or laboratory-based geomorphic investigation. You will be expected to formulate a research question, or thesis, and, using whatever resources are most appropriate, you will carry out an investigation that will address your chosen topic. The results of your research will be summarized in the form of a 10-15 page research paper, which will be presented to the class during the last meeting of the semester.
1. To investigate in detail a particular topic in geomorphology that interests you and that will not be addressed in detail in the class.
2. To do library research in order to become familiar with the process of a literature search, library resources for geologic investigation, and the current literature on a specific aspect of geomorphology.
3. To obtain the most current data for a specific geomorphic problem, critically evaluate different interpretations, and reach a conclusion based on scientific inquiry.
4. To gain experience identifying a research problem, devising a method to address the problem, carrying out independent research, presenting research findings, and writing a comprehensive report.
In the second lab you will have an opportunity to begin thinking about your topic. You will complete an exercise that will familiarize you with library resources available for geologic and geomorphic literature reviews. In the next few weeks you will be expected to define your topic or research problem and begin work on the project. The literature search should be primarily library-based. However, you might also check the Geomorphology Links on the class homepage for some useful Internet sites that might help you with your research. Be aware, however, that the Internet is not necessarily a reliable source for scientific literature. There is no peer review process - much of what you find may be merely someone’s opinion disguised as research.
Important Dates:
Thursday, September 24th - Submit (in writing) the research problem you will investigate. This should be posed in the form of a research question or thesis statement. It should be sufficiently narrowly focused to assure completion within the semester. Describe the process by which you will address the problem, either by outlining the library resources on which you will draw, or by describing the field or laboratory approach you will use.
Thursday, October 8th - Submit an annotated bibliography of major references (~ 20) that you have selected for use in addressing your research problem. If you are doing a project, you should also submit a list of resources you will be using (e.g., specific maps, air photos, sites you will visit, equipment you will use, etc.)
Thursday, November 5th - Submit a detailed outline of your anticipated final paper. This should include a nearly complete reference list, description of the problem and data you have collected, outline of the structure of your paper, and preliminary conclusions.
Thursday, November 12th - OPTIONAL BUT ENCOURAGED - Submit a first draft of your paper. I will review these and return them to you within a week with comments, suggestions, and other feedback that you can use to improve the final product (essentially guaranteeing yourself an "A" on the project).
Thursday, December 3th - Final meeting of the semester. Each person will present his or her project and results to the class. This should be done in the form of a 10-15 minute professional meeting-style talk, including visual aids, overhead transparencies, poster presentation, or whatever method you choose to best present your research.
The format of the project will be up to each individual, but it must include a final written product and public presentation (in class, ~10 minutes). Additional creativity through the use of the Internet, graphical display of findings, poster presentations, etc., will be welcomed, and you are encouraged to be as innovative as possible.
The Paper: Your final paper must be a professional looking product. It should be word-processed, double spaced, spell checked, free of typos, and grammatically correct. These qualities will be considered in assigning the grade!
The paper should have an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and a list of references. Be certain to give credit for other people’s work using an appropriate reference style. You can look at professional journal articles for common ways of referencing others’ works within the text. Any figures and tables used must be referred to within the text. If at any time you have questions about what I expect, or how to organize your paper, please come see me. I will be happy to work with you to make sure you are on the right track or to help you find the resources you need.
NOTE: Don't wait until the last minute to begin. Research requires careful planning and time management. Gathering materials may take longer than you expect!
Last Updated 9/4/98
Geomorphology
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