2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG5008M GIS and Environment

15 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Steve Carver
Email: s.j.carver@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 01 Oct to 31 Dec, 1 Feb to 31 May (4mth)(adv yr), 1 Mar to 31 May, 1 Sep to 31 Dec (adv yr) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Students should have completed the PGCert year of the programme before attempting this module, or be able to evidence equivalent prior learning through other educational programmes or work experience.

This module is mutually exclusive with

GEOG5060

GIS and Environment

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module looks at the many ways in which GIS can be applied to the study of the environmental sciences including modelling terrain, hydrology, ecology and land use. The module considers important issues in the application of GIS such as sampling strategies, scale and generalisation, error and uncertainty, and grid-based modelling before moving on to look at how these methods can be applied to gain a better understanding of landscape processes. The module concludes with a look at how GIS is being applied to inform better decisions about the natural environment within the human dimension of the planning process. The module is assessed through the completion of practical assignments and an individual project report.

Objectives

This module seeks to:

1. Introduce the role of GIS in environmental modelling with reference to spatial and temporal variability, scale and uncertainty in environmental systems, pattern and process.

2. Work with a range of commonly used/available environmental datasets to develop spatial models and applications across a range of environmental themes and topics including ecology, hydrology and geomorphology.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. an understanding of the role of GIS in mapping and analysing the environment
2. knowledge of the use of GIS across a range of applications in the environmental sciences including terrain analysis, spatial ecology, hydrology, and environmental assessment
3. familiarity with the use and application of ArcGIS and other GIS packages
4. knowledge of environmental data sources, skills in the interpretation of spatial environmental data and an awareness of specific problems and issues relating to data quality, spatial data models and methods of analysis


Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

1. Understanding environmental applications of GIS
2. Use of appropriate datasets and tools
3. Skills in interpretation of spatial data and model results
4. Awareness of specific problems/issues pertaining to environmental applications of spatial data and methods

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Discussion forum	8	2.00	16.00
Individual Support	8	1.00	8.00
Independent online learning hours			48.00
Private study hours			78.00
Total Contact hours			24.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback will be provided during practical activities where students will be encouraged to post outputs to devoted unit-by-unit discussion boards. This will allow for peer critique in addition to staff comments. Note that the outputs requested here will differ from those required as part of the summative assessments.

The module leader will also be on hand to provide support (email / Teams / discussion board / etc) during the teaching weeks, in advance of assessment. Whilst not directly formative assessment, this will ensure that the students receive feedback / support on matters of need.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	30.00
Assignment	Coursework	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:14:37

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