Course coordinator
Dr Frank Zou
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course looks at geographical theories & models of human spatial behaviour. It will examine human activities in time & space, including case studies relating to health, residential location and journey to work, crime and anti-social behaviour, travel & transport, consumer behaviour & retailing. The course will explore both empirical material of spatial behaviour in these contexts and GIS and modelling approaches to effect better planning solutions (especially in relation to facility location).
GEOG2001 explores how human behaviour interacts with space and place through the lens of geospatial technologies. The course begins by unpacking key societal challenges that demand spatial thinking — such as population mobility, housing and transport resource allocation, climate change impacts, and the spatial dynamics of human interactions. Through this lens, students develop both conceptual foundations and applied skills in digital geography, including the collection, processing, analysis, and visualisation of geospatial data. Emphasising real-world applications, the course equips students to engage critically and creatively with urban and environmental planning challenges in an increasingly data-driven world.
GEOG2001 incorporates a field trip in which students are expected to collect primary geospatial data on various types using a range of data collection methods, such as survey, count, and GPS tracing. Students will actively participate in group-based pre-trip workshops, fieldwork, and post-trip analytical sessions. The primary data, in combination with secondary data from various outlets, will be used as the core component of the course project.
Details of travel and accommodation will be provided in Week 1 during the introduction to the course. Costs for lodging and transport are to be finalised.
Students can access ArcGIS Pro from UQ's IT Services website to install the software on their own machines outside of UQ. Students are required to log in and follow the prompts to download the program. The same program is used in SENVﾠlabs.
Course requirements
Assumed background
GEOG2001 will involve some basic quantitative analysis and will draw on concepts from human geography, demography, environmental psychology and economics. For the successful completion of assignments, students will require a basis in written and graphic communication such as they can at least benefit from the help offered in class. Students with introductory course experience in statistics, psychology, sociology, architecture, geography, engineering or planning are welcome to enrol in GEOG2001.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
GEOG1000 or GEOM1000
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
GEOS2201
Restrictions
Minimum enrolment quota of 15 students
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Frank Zou
Professor Jonathan Corcoran
Fieldtrip coordinator
Dr Frank Zou
Professor Jonathan Corcoran
Fieldtrip manager
Dr Michele Elmes
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
GEOG2001 aims to introduce students to the importance of analysing human spatial behaviour in a number of applied settings. The course starts by exploring general principles of spatial behaviour, including a number of core geographical concepts. Then the course examines human spatial behaviour in the fields of journey to work, public transport, migration, residential location and social opportunities. Examples will be drawn from both the developed and developing world.ﾠ ﾠ The aims of GEOG2001 are to help students to develop knowledge and skills that will assist them to apply an understanding of aspects of human spatial behaviour to enhance their prospects of employment in fields in which geographers and plannersﾠwork, including urban and regional planning, market research, and locational analysis. These aims areﾠachieved through: providing students with an understanding of the theoretical basis for investigating human spatial behaviours at the macro and micro scales;ﾠdeveloping a familiarity with the methods of information collection and data analysis for analysing human spatial behaviour at the aggregate and individual levels of scale; developing an awareness of the implications of patterns of human spatial behaviour for urban and regional planning and the design of urban environments; and applying theoretical and methodological knowledge and skills into a real-world human mobility project.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Practical Workbook | 20% |
1/09/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Notebook/ Logbook, Presentation, Project |
Human Spatial Behaviour Project (Fieldtrip)
|
25% |
Project 1: Workshops and Fieldwork 22/09/2025 Project 2: Group-based Presentation 20/10/2025
Due In Class & on Field Trip. |
| Project |
Human Spatial Behaviour Project (Report)
|
25% |
31/10/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Practical Workbook
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
1/09/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Complete all practical exercises set during Weeks 1 to 4 and submit as a compiled report. There is no word limit for the workbook.
The workbook will be assessed on the basis of the precision with which the student completes and responses to each of the exercises and questions posed in each practical. Higher marks will be awarded to students who relate their results and interpretations to aspects of human spatial behaviour raised in the lectures and through their broader reading as well as the overall quality of outputs (such as mapping), general presentation and documentation of references.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets required.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Human Spatial Behaviour Project (Fieldtrip)
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Notebook/ Logbook, Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Project 1: Workshops and Fieldwork 22/09/2025
Project 2: Group-based Presentation 20/10/2025
Due In Class & on Field Trip.
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Peer assessment factor.
Task description
Students will collect, analyse and interpret primary data from the field trip to describe and study various human spatial activities. Utilising conceptual knowledge (e.g., journey-to-work), spatial skills (e.g., survey) and practical tools (e.g., GIS), students will work in small groups, designing data collection tools, conducting fieldwork, analysing geospatial data and presenting findings with insights into spatial planning and policymaking.
This assessment concluded two components:
Workshops and Fieldwork: (15% weighting)
Students will work in groups on four workshops (two pre-trip preparation workshops + two post-trip analysis workshops) as well as fieldtrip activities on Week 7. 10% marking is assigned to the active participation in all five weeks (Weeks 5 - 9) via completion of workshop activities. The other 5% marking is based on the peer evaluation of teamwork and communication (Week 9)
Group-based Presentation: (10% weighting)
A group-based presentation showcasing the analytical results and insights with effective visualising and storytelling techniques is assessed for 10% marking on Week 12.
The use of AI and MT:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Details regarding the assessment submission will be provided by the Course Coordinator via a Blackboard announcement.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
This is a group-based assignment, and may only be eligible for extension if exceptional circumstances arise on the day of the scheduled activity. Please contact your course coordinator if exceptional circumstances arise preventing you from attending the group activities. All group members must agree to the extension prior to application.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Human Spatial Behaviour Project (Report)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
31/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Individual Report:
An individually written report highlighting various human spatial behaviour patterns from fieldwork is due in Week 13. Students are expected to combine primary data from the fieldtrip and secondary data, such as the National Visitors Survey data, Census data, and other open data. Higher marks will be awarded for in-depth spatial knowledge and analysis, high-quality data visualisation (charts and maps), effective communication and critical thinking on planning and policy implications based on project findings.
The use of AI and MT:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets required.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
On campus in person invigilated exam held during the central exam period.
This assessment component is a 90-minute, open-book exam during the semester central examination period. In line with the course goals, its role will be to assess your knowledge of the content in GEOG2001 and to tap certain of your process capacities in analysing and integrating materials. The final exam consists of short-answer questions, each with multiple subsections. More details about the final exam will be available on Blackboard as the end of the semester approaches.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Open book examination - any written or printed material is permitted; material may be annotated |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle
In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
- You must obtain 45% or more on the End of Semester exam
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to the UQ website for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Students can download ArcGIS software free of charge from UQ's IT Services website to access on their own machines outside of UQ. Students are required to login and follow the prompts to download the program. The same program is used in SENV labs.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Lecture |
Geospatial Knowledge and Society
|
Practical |
Basic Mapping in GIS
|
|
Week 2 |
Lecture |
Geographies of Social Interactions
|
Practical |
Mapping Mobility Traces
|
|
Week 3 |
Lecture |
Geographies of Everyday Mobility
|
Practical |
Mapping Journey-To-Work
|
|
Week 4 |
Lecture |
Geographies of Tourism
|
Practical |
Mapping Tourism Data
|
|
Week 5 |
Lecture |
Workshop I: Fieldtrip Survey Tool Design
|
Practical |
Workshop I: Fieldtrip Survey Tool Design
|
|
Week 6 |
Workshop |
Workshop II: Fieldtrip Data Collection
|
Practical |
Workshop II: Fieldtrip Data Collection
|
|
Week 7 |
Fieldwork |
Fieldtrip
|
Week 8 |
Workshop |
Workshop III: Fieldtrip Data Entry and Processing
|
Week 9 |
Workshop |
Workshop IV: Fieldtrip Data Visualisation and Spatial Analysis
|
Mid Sem break |
Not Timetabled |
Mid Semester Break |
Week 10 |
Lecture |
Geographies of Human-Nature Interactions
|
Practical |
Fieldtrip Data Interpretation
|
|
Week 11 |
Lecture |
Geographies of Artificial Intelligence
|
Practical |
Fieldtrip Result Presentation
|
|
Week 12 |
Workshop |
Fieldtrip Group Showcase
|
Practical |
Fieldtrip Report Finalisation
|
|
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Careers in Geoscience and Course Conclusion
|
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: