This course will introduce students to the principles of geographic information systems (GIS) and their application within environmental science. Through a combination of lectures and practical sessions, students will develop confidence and awareness of the use of geospatial data and other forms of spatial analysis.

2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of seminar/tutorial/workshop or practical work weekly.

Report: Data analysis report utilising GIS data (60%) [ILO 1,2,3]

Project Output: Mapping project with short report (40%) [ILO 1,2,3]

This course aims to:

1. Examine the principles of geographic information systems (GIS) including data structures and concepts

2. Introduce GIS applications and analytical tools, and apply environmental science data

3. Build confidence in the use of one particular GIS package (QGIS, ArcGIS, or equivalent) and develop transferable skills

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Explain the principles of GIS as a combination of geospatial data input, processing and output

2. Describe and critically assess the use of geospatial data analysis

3. Utilise, and understand the application of GIS software to display and interpret environmental data

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.