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ESC-30044 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

ESC-30044 - Applied GIS
Coordinator: Ruusa-Magano David
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are of increasing importance to our understanding and management of environmental and socio-economic problems and people with appropriate GIS skills are in high demand by such diverse sectors as the military, central and local governments, the environmental agencies and the likes of insurance companies and property developers. The module introduces fundamental GIS concepts and capabilities and examines a variety of applications ranging from natural resources management, to population issues and pollution monitoring. In recognition of the applied nature of the course training in the use of industry-standard GIS software is provided and an opportunity is presented for students to apply their skills to addressing a specific case study.

Aims
The primary aim is to further student knowledge and comprehension of the concepts of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and to demonstrate ways in which such understanding can be applied to solving real-world problems.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-30044/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate a systematic understanding of GIS and its inter-relationship with other fields of study: 1,2
apply GIS knowledge in unfamiliar contexts, synthesising ideas and information to generate novel solutions: 1,2
deploy GIS techniques and processes to evaluate and solve real-world problems: 1
work independently with limited supervision, within agreed guidelines, taking responsibility for accessing support and accepting accountability for determining and achieving personal outcomes: 1,2

Study hours

9 h Scheduled theory sessions
22 h Practical analysis tasks and tutorial sessions, supervised.
44h Engagement with self-led practical work and tutorial videos
15h Directed reading and research
15h Independent reading and research
45h Exercises and assessments preparation and completion

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Project weighted 60%
Project report
A project report (2000 words max) focusing upon a particular real world GIS application, suggested by the lecturer or, if agreed with the lecturer, the student, which will apply the methods, theories and techniques explained and practised during lectures and practicals. A typical report should identify an issue, propose a method to find a solution, implement the process, display the results and discuss the outcome.

2: Computer Task weighted 40%
Computer based class test
Computer task with a random selection of questions from a pool, covering topics introduced during theory and practical sessions. Questions include, but are not limited to, identifying key GIS concepts, solving spatial problems or performing GIS operations. The test consists of a variety of question types, including, but not limited to, MCQ, short answer, fill in the gap or ordering questions. Students obtain immediate feedback after completion.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024