Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE GEO2035

 
TITLE Geographic Information Systems

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Geography

 
DESCRIPTION This study unit provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) which today are applied in various fields. The study unit defines geographic data as well as explain how it is created and its application, it describes the functions of GI systems and through practical sessions explains the various functions and processes involved in developing, manipulating and analysing geographic information.

Study-unit Aims:

The study unit aims to provide students with a basic knowledge of GIS, one with which they can apply in their studies and in future employment. The study unit covers basic principles, the functions of GIS, data handling and spatial analysis. The lectures and supplemented with practical sessions and a strong element of self-learning through a practical assignment.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- able to understand and explain the concepts of GIS
- define what is geographic data
- explain the problems related to data quality
- apply GIS in a number of fields.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- apply GIS through the use of proprietary or/and open source software
- collect and create geographic data in GIS
- carry out basic spatial analysis.

Reading List:

Burrough, P. (1986) Principles of Geographic Information Systems for Land Resources Assessment, Oxford Science Publications.
Clarke, K. (2000) Getting Started with Geographic Information Systems, Prentice Hall.
Heywood, I. et al (2006) An introduction to Geographic Information Systems. Prentice Hall.
Longley, P. et al (2010) Geographic Information Systems and Science. John Wiley and Sons.



 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Examination (1 Hour) SEM2 Yes 30%
Assignment SEM2 No 70%

 
LECTURER/S Maria Attard
Therese Bajada
Karyn Scerri

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit