Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)
Module GEOL2281: GEOINFORMATICS
Department: Earth Sciences
GEOL2281: GEOINFORMATICS
| Type | Open | Level | 2 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2015/16 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- GEOL 1051 Field Studies
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- GEOL2291 Geophysical Data Applications
Aims
- To introduce fundamental concepts of Earth observation and remote data acquisition.
- To acquire basic GIS and remote sensing skills.
- To gain independent geospatial skills and apply them to selected Earth structures and processes.
- To acquire digital cartography skills appropriate to communicating geoscientific datasets to diverse audiences.
Content
- This module will be a combination of lectures and IT-based practicals to introduce concepts and practice of geoinformatics.
- Case studies will highlight the application of remote sensing and geoinformatic methods to a range of Earth Science topics; including geohazards, resource estimation, environmental assessment.
- An independent project will give students an opportunity to design, manage and carry-out their own geospatial investigation.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- The fundamentals of digital geospatial data, GIS data structures and remote sensing methods.
- How to investigate Earth processes using geoinformatic methods.
- An understanding of the capabilities and limitations of Earth observation methods.
- How to design and execute a project based on geospatial data.
Subject-specific Skills:
- IT skills and in particular a basic competence in GIS software
- How to find/obtain GIS/remote sensed datasets and prepare them for analysis
- Troubleshooting GIS issues and self-teaching via online forums/help tools
- Interpretation of Earth observation datasets
- Evaluate uncertainties associated with particular datasets
- Carry out hypothesis driven analysis of understand limitations of results
- Preparation and Presentation of geoinformatic outputs
Key Skills:
- Discipline specific skills: Critical analysis, practical competency
- Independent study skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- IT skills
- Entrepreneurial skills
- Personal effectiveness
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 | weekly | 1 hour | 10 | ■ |
| Practicals | 10 | weekly | 2 hours | 20 | ■ |
| Project work | 10 | various | 1 hour | 10 | ■ |
| Preparation & reading | 160 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Class test | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Class test | 100% | ||
| Component: Poster Presentation | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Poster Presentation | 100% | ||
Formative Assessment:
Formative feedback will be provided in all practical sessions and during project work sessions. Formative feedback will be given on the class test and the poster presentation
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University