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ESC-30152 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

ESC-30152 - Applied GIS
Coordinator: Ruusa-Magano David
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are of increasing importance to our understanding and management of environmental and socio-economic problems. People with appropriate GIS skills are in high demand across all sectors of business, government, environment agencies and property developers. This module aims to acquaint you with the broader context of GIS application to address a range of real-world societal and environmental issues within geography, environmental sciences and ecology. The module introduces fundamental GIS concepts and theories and deepens the practical knowledge of GIS processes. The module will also teach the essentials of other spatial technologies including but not limited to Remote Sensing, UAVs, 3D printing/ modelling. You will acquire essential skills in collecting, analyzing, and displaying spatial data using industry-standard GIS software. Additionally, you will explore how GIS can be integrated with environmental impact assessment by applying your skills to geographic data in practical sessions and addressing specific case studies.

Aims
To enhance students' knowledge and comprehension of the concepts of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and develop their spatial data analysis skills using industry-leading GIS software to solve real-world problems in the private, public and NGO sectors.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Contextualize and explain the fundamental principles and key applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related geospatial technologies, including Remote Sensing, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and GPS using real-world examples.: 1,2
Analyse spatial data systematically, integrating it with other field of studies, and effectively produce accurate, clear, and purpose-driven maps tailored to specific contexts.: 1,2
Critically evaluate, integrate, and interpret spatial data from multiple sources within a GIS framework to address practical problems across various disciplines, including environmental science, human geography, and physical geography.: 1,2
Apply GIS knowledge in unfamiliar contexts, communicate and synthesize ideas and information effectively to generate innovative practical solutions.: 1

Study hours

Semester 1:
Semester 1 Active Learning Hours
30h (3h *10) Scheduled theory and Practical analysis tasks sessions, supervised
6h (3h *2) Drop-in session to provide support for case studies
42h Engagement with self-led practical work and case studies
15h Directed reading and research, journal reviews
Semester 1 Independent Study Hours
17h Independent reading and research
40h Exercises and assessments preparation and completion
Semester 2:
Semester 2 Active Learning Hours
30h (3h *10) Scheduled theory and Practical analysis tasks sessions, supervised
6h (3h *2) Drop-in session to provide support for case studies
30h Directed reading and research, journal reviews, case studies
Semester 2 Independent Study Hours
34h independent reading and research
50h Exercises and assessments preparation and completion

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Report weighted 60%
Project report
A report on the Applied GIS project (3000 words) focusing upon a particular real-world application using GIS and other geospatial technology (i.e., remote sensing) data and techniques explained and practiced in lecture and practical sessions. The student will choose from three case studies describing a real-world problem (human, physical and Environment/Biodiversity) and the student will propose a method to find a solution, implement the process, display the results and discuss the outcome.

2: Class Test weighted 40%
Practical GIS Test
A 120-minute practical test with a mixed set of questions on data analysis, scenarios, and open questions involving both topics covered during theory and practical sessions. Questions will assess whether the students can perform appropriate GIS operations, solve spatial problems, and interpret the practical outcomes. The practical test will be conducted in the final week of the semester. Students will complete the test using the GIS software utilized in their practical sessions to ensure familiarity with the tools and processes.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. 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/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025