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Spatial Modelling for Nature and People (GEOG30030)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
Overview
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Spatial modelling and analysis underpins many successful management applications for our environment and society. Questions surrounding humans, natural environments, and the relationships between them are inherently complex and necessitate advanced spatial analysis skills to understand and solve.
This subject will provide highly desired competency in geospatial modelling. These skills are sought after in the workplace, and are also advantageous for students planning further study or research. Here, students will not only learn spatial modelling techniques, but they will also gain a thorough understanding of how to use these methods to address complex environmental, physical and human geography issues. Students will learn to analyse spatial patterns, build their own models, and relate observations to processes in natural and human environments.
This subject builds on students’ existing skills and knowledge in spatial analysis for geography. It covers advanced spatial analysis and modelling topics spanning geoprocessing, networks, accessibility, and making predictions relating to the environment (e.g. ecosystem services) or human activities (e.g. land-use change). The primary software used for this subject is ArcGIS, including the Model Builder functionality. Emphasis is placed on project-based learning through computer-based practicals and individual assignments where students build their own geospatial models to answer questions relating to physical, environmental and human geography. This subject is taught in intensive mode, centred around a 2.5 week teaching period beginning late November.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Apply a number of geospatial analysis and data management methods
- Apply and critically evaluate a range of geospatial modelling methods
- Demonstrate the value of making spatial predictions to inform decision making
- Interpret, evaluate and communicate the results of spatial modelling and analyses
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex problems
- Ability to apply knowledge from physical and human geography
- Ability to communicate effectively, including visual and written modes
- The capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
GEOG20017 | Spatial Analysis in Geography | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
OR
Equivalent experience by permission of the subject coordinator
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Students would benefit from having a basic understanding of statistics. The following subjects would provide sufficient background knowledge, but are not required:
- Critical Thinking With Data (UNIB10006)
- Data Analysis 1 (MAST10010)
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Four 200-word practical class exercises, equally weighted
| Throughout the teaching period | 20% |
Modelling exercise 1 (Model builder)
| Middle of the teaching period | 15% |
Modelling exercise 2 (geographic distributions)
| 1.5 weeks after the teaching period | 35% |
Examination
| 0.5 weeks after the teaching period | 30% |
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Time commitment details
170
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 11 April 2024