Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Literally, the term geography; means Earth-writing and this module examines the diverse manners of representation of the human and physical worlds. We will explore the ways in which these have changed as geography has evolved as a discipline as well as the diverse methods used by geographers to represent the world. Particular attention will be paid to maps, which have an important historic role as representations of the world. Furthermore, in recent years mapping has undergone a revolution through the development of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and this module will develop the practical skills required to capture, store, manage, manipulate, analyse and visualise spatial data. These skills are important across all sectors in business, NGOs, government, and academia.
Aims
1. To provide a foundation in Geographical Information Science by completing a series of practicals related to human and natural processes.2. To develop advanced knowledge and skills in GIS and remote sensing applications which are currently at the forefront of human and physical Geography.3. To promote a detailed understanding of remote sensing and spatial data collection and analysis.
Intended Learning Outcomes
describe the fundamental principles and advanced aspects of geographic information and remote sensing system: 1,2use a range of specialist geographical techniques to collect, analyse, present and interpret a range of primary and secondary data: 1,2evaluate the quality of geographical and remote sensing data and determine the most effective techniques for the analysis and presentation of these data: 2synthesise, and evaluate the results obtained by applying GIS analytical techniques to a problem-solving context within a GIS/remote sensing framework and make valid conclusions: 2critically interpret the images created from remote sensing data and design maps with effective cartographic communication for a range of applications pertinent to Human and Physical Geography: 1,2
10 h scheduled lectures20h Weekly practical sessions15h Directed wider reading, online and library 2h Clinic support session 40h Advanced preparation of computer work in support of practicals and project work 15h Independent wider reading, online and library48h Preparation and writing of module assessments and exercises
Description of Module Assessment
1: Portfolio weighted 30%Short problem-solving exercisesShort problem-solving exercises equivalent to 1500 words. Students will complete problem-solving exercises that evaluate their learning and demonstrates their GIS, Remote Sensing, and R programming skills and understanding.
2: Practice Based Assessment weighted 70%GIS/Remote Sensing Practical ReportStudents will complete an Individual GIS/Remote Sensing practical report (2000 words) based on a series of practical analysis tasks done during the practical session. The submission will include a written report summarising the techniques, data used, and the main results. The report should be accompanied by computer-based maps, an explanation of the solution they have achieved, and make relevant conclusions and recommendations.