GIS for Environmental Consultants

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research
• Recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles
• Applying knowledge and understanding to complex and multidimensional problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The need for both a multi-disciplinary and an interdisciplinary approach in advancing knowledge and understanding of Earth systems, drawing, as appropriate, from the natural and the social sciences
• The processes which shape the natural world at different temporal and spatial scales and their influence on and by human activities
• Methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing environmental science information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use
• The contribution of environmental science to the development of knowledge of the world we live in
• The terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in environmental science
• The contribution of environmental science to debate on environmental issues and how knowledge of these forms the basis for informed concern about the Earth and its people

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)
• Appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collection, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory
• Communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms
• Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills)
• Preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages including geographic information systems
• Solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer-based techniques
• Using the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Planning, conducting, and reporting on environmental investigations, including the use of secondary data
• Referencing work in an appropriate manner
• Collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the field and laboratory

The module comprises a series of lectures and computer laboratory sessions. The computer laboratory sessions provide the technical skills necessary to use leading GIS packages, whilst the lectures provide understanding of the fundamental assumptions underpinning spatial analysis. Indicative content includes:

• Creating a professionally formatted map.
• Working with vector and raster data.
• Geoprocessing of data.
• Data projection.
• Overalay analysis.
• Proximity analysis.
• Multi-criteria analysis.

The module will be delivered by lecture and computer laboratory sessions. These will be delivered by the module leader, with support from postgraduate demonstrators in the laboratory sessions. Learning activities include:

• Attendance at lecture / laboratory sessions.
• Self-directed learning – additional practical work, additional reading.
• Private study – research and preparation for the module assignment.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.