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Applications of GIS (GEOM20013)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
FeesLook up fees

AIMS

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a blend of computer mapping and database technologies used to store, manage, analyse and display geographic data. This subject introduces students to this exciting technology and provides them with the skills and knowledge to design solutions enabling to solve everyday spatial problems in both built and natural environments. Students who complete this subject will have developed knowledge that is immediately applicable in the workplace. The subject also lays the foundations for more advanced studies in geomatics, spatial information systems, and spatial planning. Enrolled students will be encouraged to familiarize themselves with GIS technology before the semester start by online training courses published in LMS.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Basic concepts of GIS, including typology of datasets, Design and operationalization of GIS solutions, Application areas of GIS demonstrated through case studies presented by experts in their professions. In parallel, students train in computer labs the use of GIS for data integration, analysis and mapping, translating a specification of a multi-criteria evaluation problem into a workable GIS decision support solution, inspired by the case studies.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Explain the basic principles and procedures associated with application of geographic information systems (GIS) to the solution of spatial problems;
  • Demonstrate practical skills such as understanding of the data collection, storage, manipulation and visualization of spatial data; 
  • Demonstrate a practical understanding of the principles of spatial reference systems and basic spatial analysis and visualization of spatial data using a GIS software;
  • Describe how GIS can be applied in a range of situations, such as urban planning, site selection, environmental management, facilities and network management, and many more;
  • Explain the particular role that GIS plays in decision making for problem solving purposes;
  • Use GIS software to demonstrate the application of a GIS to support decision making in a selected problem area, such as emergency management, urban development, land administration, environmental assessment or public health.

Generic skills

On the completion of this subject students will have:

  • The ability to apply knowledge of basic science fundamentals
  • The ability to communicate effectively, not only with other scientists but also with the community at large
  • The ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
  • The ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member
  • An expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
  • The capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
  • Openness to new ideas and unconventional critiques of received wisdom.

Last updated: 3 June 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

ENGR10006 Engineering Modelling and Design

Enrolled students will be encouraged to familiarize themselves with GIS technology before the semester start by online training courses published in LMS.

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: 3 June 2023

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

An individual assessment, consisting of the completion of a set of four on-line GIS software training modules. Students are thus given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with GIS software. This can be partly completed during lab sessions, and totals 8% of assessment. You can get an extra 2% if you complete all ESRI online certificates from the list by the end of Week 4. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 2, 3 and 6 are addressed in this assessment

  • 15 hours (of work required)
Week 310%

Individual assessment through on-line quiz questions, one per week on selected weeks, reflecting on the immediate content of the lecture. ILOs 4,5 and 6 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 10 hours (of work required)
Throughout the semester5%

An individual assignment addressing an application of GIS; ILOs 1, 3 and 4 are addressed in this assignment.

  • 15 hours (of work required)
Week 510%

A group assignment addressing an application of GIS supported by a guided study of literature (requiring 15 hours work for each team member), on an application of GIS which will provide the foundation for the final group assignment. This assignment includes an individual component worth 2% (self-appraisal or peer review). ILOs 3 and 4 are addressed in this assignment.

  • 15 hours (of work required)
Week 815%

A group major assignment on the application of GIS combining the skills acquired throughout the semester, and supported by a guided study of literature (requiring each team member committing 40 hours of work). This assignment includes an individual component worth 5% (self-appraisal or peer review). ILOs 2 - 5 are addressed in this assignment.

  • 40 hours (of work required)
End of the teaching period30%

Examination; ILOs 1, 3,4 and 6 are addressed in the examination

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: Students must pass the exam to pass the subject.		During the examination period30%

Last updated: 3 June 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorMartin Tomko
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours48 hours (Lectures: 2 hours per week; Tutorials: 2 hours per week)
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022
    Last self-enrol date11 March 2022
    Census date31 March 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022
    Assessment period ends24 June 2022

    Semester 1 contact information

    Martin Tomko

    tomkom@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Additional delivery details

Last updated: 3 June 2023

Further information

Last updated: 3 June 2023