The Department of Life Sciences

Course Description

A basic course that focuses on how geographical information science (GIS) is used and applied in environmental research and resource management. It introduces students to fundamental concepts in GIS including the basic data structures in GIS, sources of data, geographic positioning systems and other data collection techniques, geodesy (including geoids, datums, geographic coordinate systems and map projections) and data management (including fundamental concepts in the development of geodatabases). Using examples from the natural sciences, we will explore basic spatial and tabular analyses, and how GIS is used to assist environmental scientists and natural resource managers, how it is employed for data management, landscape ecology and how it aids in decision making. The delivery of course materials would involve a combination of lectures, practicals, tutorials, and web based materials. Assessments are designed to encourage students to work continuously with the course materials.

Assessment

Coursework 100%