Core Units

CORE UNIT 1

PATTERNS AND PROCESSES IN THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Core Unit 1 aims to provide a useful tool by which students and teachers can understand and interpret the physical landscape. Traditionally, teachers focused mainly on the development of landforms, with less attention given to the physical processes at work at scales ranging from global to local. The current syllabus adopts an integrated approach that embraces new developments in the earth sciences. The approach is firmly grounded in plate tectonics that now informs all aspects of physical geography.

The unit is structured around seven statements in a logical sequence. This approach provides a thinking tool for the interpretation of the physical landscape at a range of scales or levels rather than focussing on content and the acquisition of fact.

The unit also places a significant emphasis on human interaction with the physical processes at work in the environment. Human interaction with the rock cycle and the impact of human activity on surface processes are also given considerable attention.

Statement 1.1 introduces the tectonic cycle which explains how large scale global structures like the plates of the earths crust are created, changed, and destroyed, and is the key to our understanding of rock formation and change over time and space. Students will examine the internal structure of the earth, the plate tectonics model, and processes at work at plate boundaries. As with all areas of the syllabus, there are suggested national and international settings. The teacher and student are free to use these settings or to apply the syllabus statements to any other appropriate settings.

Statement 1.2 introduces the rock cycle which deals with the way rocks are continually being created, changed, destroyed, and reconstituted by a variety of processes. These processes are an interaction between the internal forces (endogenic) of plate tectonics and the external forces (exogenic) of erosion and weathering. The resulting sediments from these processes are then reconstituted to form new rocks. Students are also asked to focus on human interaction with the rock cycle. They are given the choice of studying one of four areas of interaction with the rock cycle: mining, extraction of building materials, oil and gas exploration, or geothermal energy production.

Statement 1.3 examines landforms influenced by the operation of the tectonic cycle. Students will study volcanic activity, sedimentary processes and the impact of folding, faulting and doming.

Statement 1.4 deals with landforms influenced by the rock cycle. Students will study landforms associated with particular rock types and examine the impact of different rock types on the physical landscape.

Statement 1.5 examines the development of landforms based on surface processes. Students are expected to study all the listed processes, that is, have a general understanding of the processes, be familiar with the terminology and be able to recognise the resultant landforms in diagrams, maps and photographs. In addition, students are required to make a detailed examination of one of the processes. Mass movement processes, fluvial processes, coastal processes and glacial processes are listed for study.

Statement 1.6 deals with the balance between internal and external forces in relation to landform development. This section shows how landforms result from a combination of crustal uplift and denudation by surface processes over both time and space.

Statement 1.7examines how human activities can influence the surface processes already studied. Students can select a study of the influence of human activities on either mass movement processes, river processes or coastal processes.

The approach to patterns and processes in the physical environment represents a change from existing practice with its almost exclusive focus on landform development. This unit places landform development firmly within the twin building blocks of the rock and tectonic cycles. While the unit is mainly concerned with the study of landform development, the emphasis is placed on processes rather than on the description of end product landscape features. This new approach will lead the student to a deeper understanding of geomorphology.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The syllabus outlines detailed learning outcomes for both Ordinary and Higher level students studying this unit.

Ordinary level students, having completed their study of the unit should have

• a basic knowledge of the theory of plate tectonics
• an understanding of the process of rock formation, weathering and erosion
• an understanding of the processes of landform development
• an understanding of how human activities can affect these processes.

Higher-level students, having completed their study of the unit, should be able to

• understand in detail the theory of plate tectonics
• illustrate how crustal structures are created, modified, and destroyed by the tectonic cycle
• explain the continual process of rock formation, change, and destruction
• show how landforms develop from the balance between endogenic (internal) forces and exogenic (external) forces
• assess the impact of human activity on the physical processes at work on the landscape.

GEOGRAPHICAL SKILLS

The teaching of skills is to be integrated into all areas of the syllabus where appropriate. These geographical skills are outlined in Core Unit 3 of the syllabus. The skills of

• map interpretation
• figure interpretation
• photograph analysis
• statistical analysis
• figure drawing
• information technology

should be used and applied to the study of Core Unit 1 as appropriate.

TEACHING TIME

This core unit represents 25% of teaching time and should be taught in 45 hours or in approximately 67 class periods of 40 minutes duration at both Higher and Ordinary levels.

CORE UNIT 2

REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY

Regional geography provides students with the opportunity to relate the patterns and processes of both the physical and human environments to particular regions. The student can see the actual expression of the patterns studied in an actual place. This will allow the student to understand the complex interrelationships that exist between physical, human, economic, and cultural environments across a variety of regions.

The approach of this unit to the study of regions is a development of existing practice. The unit examines regions at a range of scales rather than being based on the study of a list of countries. Having studied the concept of a region, students and their teachers will study five regions. Students will choose two contrasting Irish regions for study. This will be followed by a study of two contrasting European regions. These regions must be chosen from either Scandinavia, Western/Central Europe including the United Kingdom or the Mediterranean. Students must then study one continental or sub-continental region of their own choice. Students will also examine the complexity of regions.

The unit is structured under three headings:

• The Concept of a Region
• The Dynamics of Regions
• The Complexity of Regions (i) and the Complexity of Regions (ii).

Statement 2.1 introduces the concept of a region. The emphasis here is to illustrate that regions exist in relation to a range of scales and indices. Students will be introduced to physical, administrative, cultural, socio-economic, and nodal regions.

Statement 2.2 deals with the study of the five chosen regions. Students will study the physical, economic and human processes in each. The emphasis here is on regions rather than on the national boundaries of countries. These regions can cross national boundaries, for example in the study of the Basque country or Lapland. Students must choose two regions within Ireland, two Europeans regions and one continental or sub-continental region. The focus of study will be on the physical, economic and human processes at work in each region. Students should gain an understanding of the character of the region and be able to identify the key characteristics which distinguish it from other regions.

Statement 2.3 draws students' attention to the complexity of regions. It focuses on the sometimes difficult interactions between political boundaries and cultural or economic activities. It also focuses on the European Union as a region and examines the issues relating to political union and sovereignty.

Statement 2.4 examines the extent of change within regions and their identifying characteristics. It focuses on changes in city regions and in language and cultural regions.

REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY AND SETTINGS WITHIN THE SYLLABUS

Regional geography plays a pivotal role within the syllabus structure. As a Core Unit all students will study it. Teachers are expected to use the regions they choose to study as the setting, where appropriate, for other units of study, whether core, elective or option. In this way, regional geography will help to integrate all the syllabus units. It will also shorten the teaching time required, as the regions become the appropriate national and international settings for the other chosen units of study. The benefits of linking can be maximised with a careful choice of Irish regions. For example, the student and teacher may choose the South and East region of Ireland as one, and the Borders, Midland and West as another for study. The most effective way of approaching the unit is to select the most significant topics from Core Unit 1 and the chosen elective, and study them in relation to these two regions. Within Core Unit 1 the Wicklow Mountains. could be used in relation to statements 1.2 and 1.3 and 1.4. Similarly the surface processes for study in statement 1.5 can be applied to both regions.

Similar detailed and more obvious links can be made with the statements and settings in Elective 4 or 5. These topics for study can be applied, where appropriate, to the particular regions chosen in either Ireland or Europe.

At higher level is should also be possible to apply the chosen Optional Unit of study to these regions. While all four optional units have a strong regional expression, particular continental regions could be selected with the study of either Optional Unit 6,7 or 8 in mind. This approach is best illustrated in the sample Two Year Plans contained in Section 3 of the guidelines.

In summary, the careful and considered choice of regions for study in Core Unit 2 can be used to facilitate a more focused and integrated approach to the other units of the syllabus.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The syllabus outlines detailed learning outcomes for both Ordinary and Higher level students studying this unit.

Ordinary level

Ordinary level students, having completed their study of the unit, should be able to

• understand the idea of a region as identified by selected criteria
• show how physical, economic and human processes interact within regions in Ireland, Europe and in one continental/sub continental region
• understand the potential for change in the extent and boundaries of regions
• use the skills listed below, where appropriate, in the study of regions.

Higher level

Higher level students, having completed their study of the unit, should be able to

• explain the concept of a region as identified by selected criteria
• understand the interaction of physical, economic and human processes in Irish and European regions and in one continental/sub continental region
• assess the complexity of this interaction and the potential for change in the boundaries and extent of regions
• use the skills listed above, where possible, to interpret how economic, human and physical processes interact in a regional setting.

GEOGRAPHICAL SKILLS

The teaching of skills is to be integrated into all areas of the syllabus where appropriate. These geographical skills are outlined in Core Unit 3 of the syllabus. The skills of

• map interpretation
• figure interpretation
• statistical analysis
• figure drawing
• information technology

should be used and applied to the study of Core Unit 2 as appropriate.

TEACHING TIME

At Higher level this core unit represents 20% of teaching time and should be taught in 36 hours or in approximately 54 class periods of 40 minutes duration. At Ordinary level the unit represents 25% of teaching time and should be taught in 45 hours or in approximately 67 class periods of 40 minutes duration.

CORE UNIT 3

GEOGRAPHICAL SKILLS AND INVESTIGATION UNIT

The student's proficiency in the application and use of geographical skills will be examined in the context of the terminal written examination and the Geographical Investigation. The core geographical skills are listed in Core Unit 3.

For all students, the teaching of these geographical skills should be integrated into the teaching of the core, elective and optional units where appropriate. The core geographical skills will also be used and applied in the preparation of the Geographical Investigation. It is within this structure that students will be expected to demonstrate their proficiency in the widest range of skills appropriate to their chosen investigation. This proficiency should be clearly illustrated across stages 2, 3, and 4 of the investigation process. The learning of, use and application of geographical skills is central to a student's experience of Leaving Certificate Geography.

MAP AND AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH INTERPRETATION

Map and aerial photograph interpretation are key geographical skills and can be used and applied to wide range of the syllabus content. While the 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey map will continue to be used, students will be expected to use maps of different scales as appropriate. All students should be able to use and apply the spatial concepts of the following:

• co-ordinate systems (latitude and longitude)
• grid references
• scale, distance and direction
• altitude and slope
• sketch maps
• symbol recognition
• cross-sections
• pattern recognition
• statistical mapping
• absolute and relative location using maps and aerial photographs.

SATELLITE IMAGERY

The use and application of satellite imagery is an addition to the geographical skills required by the syllabus. Satellite images can be used to interpret a variety of patterns and processes including weather forecasting, land use, and urban sprawl. Students should be able to use satellite imagery in the examination of large areas of the physical and cultural landscape. Students are expected to relate and use satellite imagery in the study of the content of the core and elective units.

FIGURE INTERPRETATION

Students should be able to understand, analyse, and evaluate information in the form of figures, graphs, and tables. This information in figure form can be applied in all areas of the syllabus, and is useful in the presentation of results in the Geographical Investigation.

CENSUS OF POPULATION DATA

The interpretation of census material is another valuable geographical skill. Students should examine recent census returns for Ireland and be able to use a range of census information to study the demographic structure of a population. Students should examine published census information and understand population trends in their local area. Census materials and population statistics can be used and applied as primary or secondary sources within the Geographical Investigation.

WEATHER MAPS AND WEATHER DATA

On completion of the unit, all students should have a basic ability to read and interpret a simple weather map. This is a basic skill for life. Students should be familiar with daily weather maps, with information shown and symbols used. Students should be able to understand media weather reports and to interpret synoptic weather maps.

TEXTUAL SOURCES

Secondary sources of information should form a significant portion of the material gathered within the Geographical Investigation. Students should understand, and where possible, use a range of textual and secondary sources of information particularly in relation to their geographical investigation. These textual sources could include books, reports, directories, research documents, maps, including historical maps, and a range of electronic sources. Students should be familiar with how to use and acknowledge these sources.

FOR HIGHER LEVEL ONLY

Geographical information systems (GIS)

GIS, as a specialised investigative tool, can be used to combine data sources in the study of particular areas or geographical problems. To use GIS effectively, a large range of computer hardware and software is required. In the future, schools may be in the position to use GIS to explore and solve issues that may arise from the syllabus units or from within the Geographical Investigation. Students should be aware of the use of GIS in the study of one of the following:

• the use of aerial photographs, population census material and maps in the study of urban sprawl
• the use of satellite images and statistical information in the study of changing agricultural land-use
• the use of aerial photographs, maps and statistical information in the study of forestry development
• the use of maps, aerial photographs and the record of monuments and places in the study of the destruction of archaeological sites.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The syllabus outlines detailed learning outcomes for both Ordinary and Higher level students studying this unit.

Outcomes: Ordinary Level

On completion of this Core Unit, students should be able to

• understand and use all the skills listed
• work through the distinct stages of a geographical investigation
• use statistical analysis and information technology in the interpretation of basic results and conclusions
• apply some or all of the geographical skills listed to complete a geographical investigation
• experience, where possible, working conditions similar to those likely to be encountered in employment.

Outcomes: Higher Level

On completion of this core unit students should be able to

• understand, use, and apply the skills listed to complete a geographical investigation
• work through the distinct stages of a geographical investigation
• use statistical analysis and information technology in the interpretation and analysis of results and conclusions
• analyse and evaluate their work and make comparisons with other studies
• experience, where possible, working conditions similar to those likely to be encountered in employment.

TEACHING TIME

At Higher level students should complete their learning and practice of the listed geographical skills and complete their geographical investigation in 54 class periods or 20% of the time allocated to Geography. Ordinary level students are allocated 67 class periods or 25% of the time allocated to Geography.

THE GEOGRAPHICAL INVESTIGATION

INTRODUCTION

The Geographical Investigation is the key area of study in Core Unit 3 and is compulsory for all students. Conducting investigations and other fieldwork activities is central to the experience of all geography students. The Geographical Investigation provides the opportunity for students to apply the appropriate geographical skills that are central to all areas of the syllabus. It also encourages active citizenship and informed participation in the community.

ANNUAL LIST OF INVESTIGATION TOPICS

The topics for the Geographical Investigation will be selected from a list of topics sent to the school by the State Examinations Commission in the first year of the Leaving Certificate cycle. This will allow some research and preparation time before beginning the investigation. The research and gathering can begin once the list has been issued, but it is expected that the main work of the investigation will take place in the first term of Leaving Certificate Year 2. This list will be broad enough to allow all schools and students have a choice of topics to investigate. It will also allow students to focus on a particular issue or aspect of the topic chosen. This list will be changed on an annual basis within the broad content areas of the syllabus. A sample list of investigation topics is presented below:

Sample list of Geographical Investigations

1. Changing demographic patterns in the local area.
2. Physical processes in a river, coastal, glacial or karst environment.
3. Changing settlement patterns in the local environment.
4. Traffic management.
5. A study of a local environmental issue.
6. Economic activities in the local environment.

THE USE OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES

Students will be required to use both primary and secondary sources in the investigation process. Primary sources should make up 60% of the information gathered while secondary sources should provide the remaining 40% of the gathered information.

Such sources should be researched and examined in advance to ensure their suitability to both the topic and the requirements of the investigation process.

THE STAGES OF THE INVESTIGATION

The Geographical Investigation will have five distinct stages.

1. At stage one of the process the students will be expected to select a topic from the list of investigations issued by the State Examinations Commission. They should then focus on a particular aspect, problem, or issue within the topic appropriate to their own school or local environment or to their own area of interest. Students should formulate a hypothesis or a set of clear and achievable aims and objectives. They should begin to formulate the types of information required to achieve the aims or test the hypothesis.
2. Stage two of the process is the planning stage. Students will now select their methods of gathering the information required. They must consider the ratio of primary sources of information to secondary sources. At this stage, questionnaires and work sheets will be designed. Secondary sources of information can be identified and located. The study area or location(s) for the collection of data can be identified and checked as to their suitability.
3. Stage three involves the gathering of the information. At this stage the actual gathering will take place. This may involve the use of measuring instruments and the careful recording of the results. It will involve the completion of observation worksheets, questionnaires, surveys and interviews. It will also include the gathering of relevant information from a range of secondary sources.
4. Stage four of the investigation process involves the preparation of the information and results for inclusion in the reporting booklet which will be provided by the State Examinations Commission. The booklet will be divided into sections which will allow the student to report on each stage of the process. The booklet (see example on page 41) has space provided for each aspect of the investigation. Students will write their report into the appropriate spaces. The booklet can be completed by hand or by using an appropriate IT method. However, the booklet must be submitted in hard copyfor assessment purposes. A confined space is also provided for the illustration of results. These can be drawn by hand or be reproduced electronically. There will be no additional mark allocation for reports that are word processed. Students should take care to select illustrations that are appropriate to the particular element of the investigation being reported.
5. Stage five of the investigation process involves drawing valid conclusions and evaluating the process. Higher level students are expected to show evidence of a detailed analysis of patterns in the results. They should show a level of processing and give evidence that they have tested the results against existing theory or patterns from other studies. They will then draw conclusions that are relevant to the study aims or hypothesis. They should then be in a position to assess the validity of the investigation process and suggest improvements.

Ordinary level students will be required to outline the main patterns in the results and engage in a limited analysis. However they will not be required to engage in detailed analysis and processing of results. There should be an attempt to compare the results to other studies.

In the case of both Higher and Ordinary level students the investigation should have clear conclusions that directly relate to the aims or hypothesis. This stage should also contain an evaluation of the completed investigation process.

GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETING THE REPORT ON THE GEOGRAPHICAL INVEST IGATION

Stage 1: introduction

Students should have a clear and focussed title supported by clear and valid aims. Alternatively, students can present the investigation in the form of a hypothesis to be tested. Clear objectives should be outlined and a clear insight shown into the types of information which the aims or hypothesis will require in order to complete the investigation. At Higher level, students will be expected to fully develop each of the sub headings, including detailed objectives and a full discussion on the types of information required. Ordinary level students will be required to provide short but clear aims with a general discussion of the overall objectives and the types of information required.

Stage 2: planning

Students will be expected to discuss the planning process in preparation for the actual collecting of the information required. Students should describe the issues involved in the preparation of gathering sheets, questionnaires, or surveys. There must also be a clear distinction made between the use of primary and secondary sources. Students should outline how they will access the secondary sources required.

Higher-level students will be required to give a full and detailed outline of the selection of gathering methods and the design of any information sheets or questionnaires. Ordinary level students will be required to address all the sub headings describing their choice of gathering methods and information sheets or questionnaires.

Stage 3: collection of data

This is a key area of the investigation process. Students will be expected to give details on the methods used in the gathering and collection of information. The use of questionnaires and surveys must be outlined. Students must also discuss their use of secondary sources as well as any problems or issues encountered in the whole gathering process.

Higher level students will be expected to give a detailed account of their gathering activities with a full discussion on the actual activities in the gathering of the primary and secondary information. This should be an in-depth discussion and should match both the introduction and planning stages. Ordinary level students will also be expected to describe all aspects of the gathering process. These activities must match with the activities described in stage one and two. There should be a general discussion of the activities and the problems encountered, but there also should be evidence shown of the cohesion and unity of the investigation in relation to the introduction and planning stages.

Stage 4: preparation of the report

At Ordinary level this will involve the organisation of data to establish clear results. These results should then be clearly and appropriately illustrated. ICT applications should be used as appropriate. Higher-level students will be required to give a detailed presentation of results in a number of graphic forms. ICT applications should be used as appropriate. Stage 4 should clearly maintain the cohesive structure of the investigation as laid out in the syllabus.

Stage 5: conclusions and evaluation

Higher-level students will be required to show a clear, detailed and in-depth analysis and interpretation of the results of their investigation. From this discussion, a set of detailed conclusions should be drawn which would have a direct relationship with the aims or hypothesis as set out in stage 1 of the process. There should be a detailed discussion of these conclusions in relation to established theory or to existing research. From this discussion, students should be able to make a detailed assessment of the validity of their investigation and suggest some well argued changes or improvements.

At Ordinary level, students should show a general interpretation and analysis of the results of the investigation. They should draw clear conclusions or evaluate their hypothesis. They should make a general comparison between these conclusions and established theory and existing research. The Ordinary level student should make an overall assessment of the validity of the investigation and suggest some basic changes or improvements.

EXPLORATION OF THE SAMPLE LIST OF INVESTIGATION TOPICS

1 . CHANGING DEMOGRAPHIC PATTERNS IN THE LOCAL AREA

An investigation based on this topic would explore the pattern of population change overtime in a particular study area. It would examine overall growth or decline over time and also the pattern in age and gender structures. A single study area would be chosen or a comparative study between two contrasting localities could be completed. Different parishes, housing estates, suburbs or villages could be chosen. The patterns found could be related to socio-economic changes, infrastructural developments or issues which are particular to the study area. Projections for the future development of the area could emerge from the investigation.

Methods

Primary sources: This investigation would be based on a survey of the residents of the study area. The survey could cover all residents or be based on a sample of the population based on the register of electors. The student would prepare a structured questionnaire asking questions relating to the individual and other residents of the household. Details of age, gender, marital status, number of children and occupation should be included. A separate study of the different land uses in the study area could also be completed. These would include residential, open space, commercial, and industrial land-uses. These patterns of land-use may give an insight into the demographic patterns which will emerge from the survey of residents.

Secondary sources: The study of past census returns for the study area will give an insight into the changing patterns in the population over time. A detailed examination of the small area statistics for the study area will act as a measure and point of analysis for the sample survey. The early editions of the ordnance survey maps will also serve to show changes in the study area through time.

A combination of both these primary and secondary sources will allow the student to make projections for the future demographic structure and development of the study area.

2 . PHYSICAL PROCESSES IN A RIVER , COASTAL AREA , GLACIAL OR KARST REGION

This investigation would examine one of the physical environments listed. Students could examine the physical processes at work in a river catchment, a coastal zone of erosion or deposition, an upland or lowland glacial environment, or in a karst region. The study could examine the range of physical processes interacting in the chosen environment. It would examine how the processes of landform development have been affected through change over time. This could be balanced with a focus on the impact of human interaction on the physical environment both in the past and present.

Methods

Primary sources: Observation, measuring and recording on site would be the main primary sources of information. Students could observe, measure and record the processes at work or find evidence pointing to these processes. Sketches, photographs and work sheets could be used to record these processes. Similar methods could be used to examine and measure the level of human interaction and impact. Local residents, landowners and commercial interests could be interviewed as appropriate.

Secondary sources: Maps of different scales would be the key secondary source for this investigation. A comparison of maps from different periods would show development and change through time. Documentary sources and texts could be utilised. Information on agricultural practices and tourism activities could be accessed through the use of official agencies, directories and the Internet.

3 . CHANGING SETTLEMENT PATTERNS IN THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

This investigation could focus on urban, rural or historic settlement patterns. It could be based on a study area within a rural or urban environment or on the urban rural fringe. The study could focus on changing land use and employment patterns. It could examine planning and land zoning proposals. It could also assess the impact of developments on the local environment, infrastructure and community.

Methods

Primary sources: Surveys, observation, and recording in the field are the key primary source for this investigation.

Students could engage in street surveys of land use or building condition. They could examine employment levels within a particular area or classify the range of employment opportunities. Students could also measure traffic or pedestrian flows within the study area. These methods would provide detailed information to help investigate changing settlement patterns in the study area.

Secondary sources: The analysis of development plans and planning proposals would be an important secondary source for this investigation topic. Local directories, both historical and present day, will also give an insight into changing land use, services and settlement patterns. Interviews with local historians and access to local historical sources and maps would also provide valuable information.

4 . TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

This investigation could examine local or regional traffic patterns and policy. The students could focus on measuring traffic flows using traffic counts. They could also include a study of journey to work patterns and local attitudes to traffic. The investigation could also incorporate an assessment of the impact of traffic policy on future development in the study area. Students could also focus on alternatives to the current traffic pattern and policy and develop an action plan for proposed changes.

Methods

Primary sources: A traffic flow survey is the main primary source for this investigation. This survey could be carried out on a number of key streets or intersections in the study area. The survey could look at the vehicle numbers, speed, direction and the number of occupants. Students could measure flows at different times of the day and at different days of the week. These patterns could then be mapped. The investigation could also be supported by a survey of the attitudes and transport practices of local residents.

Secondary sources: The main secondary source for this investigation would be the local authority transportation studies. The local authority development plan may also contain important information on transport policy. Students can also develop new transport strategies using maps of the local area. The results of the traffic survey may also be compared to national figures on traffic flow and vehicle use.

5 . CONFLICT IN RELATION TO THE USE OF THE LOCAL ENVI RONMENT

This investigation should arise from an issue in the local area. Issues relating to planning, the environment or any type of economic development could be investigated. Local developments in waste management, industrial location, urban development, tourism or a range of environmental issues could be considered as topics for investigation. This investigation could be undertaken as an action research project. The main focus of the study would be an investigation of the issues involved in the proposed development, an assessment of local feelings and attitudes and the preparation of an action plan.

Methods

Primary sources: A primary survey, observation and measurement are the key primary sources for the investigation. The nature of these will be dependent on the nature of the issue and the resulting conflict. Students could attempt a simple base line or environmental impact study of the study area. A study of the awareness and attitudes of local residents would also be an important primary source. Students could also interview local officials on the decision making process involved.

Secondary sources: Planning proposals, development plans or strategy documents will be the main secondary sources of information. Documents such as the local authority development or strategic plans can be analysed. A local action plan can be devised based on these. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and textual sources may also provide valuable secondary source material.

6 . ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN THE LOCAL AREA

This investigation can examine any aspect of the economic geography of the local area. The student could carry out an economic profile of the area looking at the range and type of economic activities in the chosen study area. The student could then investigate the employment pool required by the existing economic activities. It could look at the source of these employees and assess future trends.

An investigation could also focus on one particular enterprise or a group of enterprises. Students could examine one multi-national enterprise in the locality focusing on its processes, markets, source areas for raw materials and its employment profile. Students could investigate a range of issues including the levels of grant aid and the environmental impact of the plant. Similarly students could investigate a number of enterprises within a business park or industrial estate.

Methods

Primary sources: Surveys, questionnaires, and interviews would be the key primary source of information in relation to this investigation. Students should visit the enterprise and complete their structured questionnaires. Students should interview a range of employees from different levels within the organisation. Local residents could also be questioned in relation to the environmental impact. Students could also interview representatives of local enterprise boards or the IDA.

Secondary sources: Development plans or industrial development policy documents are the main secondary sources for the investigation. Students could also examine planning applications and environmental impact assessments. Students could also use maps of differing scales to examine locational patterns, infrastructure and land use.