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Spatial Analysis in Geography (GEOG20017)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
There has been an explosion in the collection, and availability, of spatial information in the modern era. Locational data from smart phones, drones, and new generations of satellites, are examples of the growing opportunities that spatial data present for geography. Spatial analysis skills are now in high demand among many employers.
Understanding how to think about spatial data, and how to analyse those data, provides transformational skills. This subject equips students to map connections between nature and people, spatialise the impacts of climate change on humans and their environment, and use spatial data to inform decisions. Students will also gain an understanding of technical, ethical and analytical dimensions of spatial data. This subject teaches broad spatial skills and is equally useful for students of human, environmental, or physical geography.
While the subject develops competency with relevant software, the emphasis is on understanding key concepts regarding spatial data and how to formulate and answer spatial questions. The subject is structured around weekly, computer-based practicals which combine spatial skills with critical thinking. Half of the assessment comes from assignments in which students individually solve spatial data problems in geography.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course students should be able to:
- Evaluate ethical issues and key debates around data collection, storage, use, and publication.
- Illustrate the principals of visualisation and communication of spatial data and analyses
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of geospatial data structures and formats
- Demonstrate competency in basic geospatial data processing to address problems in geography
- Demonstrate and evaluate how spatial data can be used to inform decisions across human and physical geography.
Generic skills
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
- Ability to communicate effectively, including visual and written modes
- Ability to manage information and documentation
- Ability to apply knowledge of geography fundamentals
- Develop the capacity for lifelong learning and professional development.
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
While this subject includes an introduction to ArcGIS software (ESRI software provided by the University), the following subjects also provide relevant background knowledge (but are not required).
- GEOG10001 Famine: The Geography of Scarcity
- GEOG10002 Landscape Information Systems
- GEOM20013 Applications of GIS (Semester 1)
- ENVS10006 Mapping Environments
Note that this subject involves some numerical analysis so it is recommended that students have some basic competency in mathematics.
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: 15 February 2024
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Four Practical class exercises
| Throughout the teaching period | 20% |
Analysis exercise 1 (Data analysis)
| Week 6 | 25% |
Analysis exercise 2 (Decision making)
| Week 10 | 25% |
Exam (1,200 word equivalent)
| During the examination period | 30% |
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator James Grove Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024 Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024 Census date 2 September 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 20 September 2024 Assessment period ends 15 November 2024 Semester 2 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Science Course Bachelor of Biomedicine Major Geography - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- 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: 15 February 2024