Module Descriptors
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)
GEOG60248
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Ruth Swetnam
Email: R.D.Swetnam@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- REPORT weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Learning Strategies
A series of two hour workshop sessions (24 hours in total) will explain the principles and practice of using a GIS. Problem based learning will be used to illustrate concepts and develop analytical capabilities. Directed learning to reinforce and expand skills will necessitate the use of the software outside contact hours. Directed reading will also be necessary to reinforce the theory.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Project report (1500-2000 words) plus maps, tables and output from a GIS.
100% coursework (Learning outcomes 1-7)
Additional Assessment Details: as this module concentrates on delivering practical based material it is felt to be more appropriate to assess it entirely by coursework. For the report to be considered for a pass grade it must be accompanied by appropriate maps, tables and output from a GIS. The nature and complexity of these compensate for the relatively low word limit for this module.
Formative Assessment: During the weekly workshop opportunities are provided for discussion of responses to worksheet questions with peers and the tutor and this allows students to evaluate their understanding of the module materials, discuss advanced uses of GIS and assess their progress with their project report.
100% coursework (Learning outcomes 1-7)
Additional Assessment Details: as this module concentrates on delivering practical based material it is felt to be more appropriate to assess it entirely by coursework. For the report to be considered for a pass grade it must be accompanied by appropriate maps, tables and output from a GIS. The nature and complexity of these compensate for the relatively low word limit for this module.
Formative Assessment: During the weekly workshop opportunities are provided for discussion of responses to worksheet questions with peers and the tutor and this allows students to evaluate their understanding of the module materials, discuss advanced uses of GIS and assess their progress with their project report.
Module Resources
Sciences IT Suite
ARCGIS software and colour printers
ARCGIS software and colour printers
Module Indicative Content
Geographic Information Systems are widely used in society by governments at local and national level, the utilities, supermarkets, environmental organisations, planners, transport consultants, oil companies and many more. This module will concentrate on learning the skills and knowledge needed to use one. After an initial period which introduces ARCGIS and data sources students will then carry out a project on a dataset. Potential projects include using the census, using international economic data, development data and environmental data. Students are encouraged to make links with their other modules for the project if possible. The module is strongly vocationally orientated.
Module Texts
ESRI (2010) Getting to know ArcGIS desktop (2nd Edition). ESRI Press
Heywood I, Cornelius S and Carver S (2006) An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems. Pearson. London.
Longley, P.A., Goodchild, M.F., Maguire, D.J., Rhind, D.W. (2011) Geographic Information Systems and Science (3rd Edition). John Wiley & Sons
Heywood I, Cornelius S and Carver S (2006) An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems. Pearson. London.
Longley, P.A., Goodchild, M.F., Maguire, D.J., Rhind, D.W. (2011) Geographic Information Systems and Science (3rd Edition). John Wiley & Sons
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None