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2011/12 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG2750 GIS for the Geosciences

10 creditsClass Size: 100

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

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2011/12

Pre-requisite qualifications

GEOG1230 or successful completion of level 1 programme in Environmental Sciences

This module is mutually exclusive with

GEOG2004

GIS for Earthsciences

Module replaces

Existing GEOG2750 and GEOG2004.

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module looks at the many ways in which GIS can be applied to the study of the geosciences 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 unseen examination.

Objectives

On completion of this module students should have acquired:
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 geosciences including terrain analysis, hydrology, and environmental assessment;
3. familiarity with the use and application of the ArcGIS package;
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 interpolation.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will:
1. have developed a wider appreciation of the theory and concepts of GIS and its application to a range of problems within the geosciences;
2. be able to apply GIS to a range of problems within the geosciences;
3. have developed a working knowledge of the ArcGIS software and be able to use this effectively.

Skills outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
1. demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the ArcGIS software suite.
2. apply GIS principles to problem solving within the geosciences.
3. use ArcGIS to solve specific spatial data mapping, management and analysis problems.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to GIS for environmental applications,
2. Spatial & temporal variability and environmental data
3. Error and uncertainty
4. Interpolation of environmental data
5. Principles of grid-based modelling
6. Reading week
7. Terrain modelling: the basics
8. Terrain modelling: applications
9. Hydrological modelling
10. Environmental assessment
11. Making decisions.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Practical	10	2.00	20.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Independent online learning hours			20.00
Private study hours			40.00
Total Contact hours			40.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

- Utilising web-based L&T materials.
- Completion of practical exercises and assessments.
- eading and revision for examination.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored through both formative and summative assessment, as well as satisfactory completion of weekly practical class tasks.

A formative assessment (complete to pass) will be required in week 2.

2 x 1,000 word equivalent summative assessments will be set in weeks 3 and 6 with hand in required in weeks 8 and 11, respectively.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	1,000 word equivalent	20.00
Practical	1,000 word equivalent	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

1 x 500 word equivalent formative assessment (complete to pass) required in week 2

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 15 mins	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

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: 27/02/2012

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