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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2013

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2013.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2012.

310057 v.4 Master of Science (Geospatial Science)

MSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 056083G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 2 Years

Introduction

This course provides an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and skills in the geospatial sciences and undertake a significant investigation in the theory and application of geospatial technologies and systems. Units and project topics explore problems of continuing or emerging significance and often will relate strongly to relevant problems of industry and government.

Course Entry Requirements

A degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary educational institution. The qualification would normally be in engineering, cartography, surveying, geographic information science, applied science or in a relevant planning, geography, environmental, biological or agricultural science. Applicants must have a background in mathematics and statistics equivalent to first year university level.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.Optional units are intended to provide students with a broader and deeper insight into the knowledge, skills and applications of GIScience. Recognition of prior learning is not normally granted for optional units.

Duration and Availability

Course duration is two years full-time or equivalent part-time study. Flexible modes of program delivery are utilised and the course is available on campus and as well as fully online. Part-time and external study is only available to Australian resident students and international students studying outside Australia .

Intermediate Awards 1

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Awards II

Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science, Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science

Course Organisation

The course comprises core and advanced units in the field of geographic information science and the geospatial sciences. Students will extend this knowledge and skills by undertaking optional units and a supervised geospatial project that requires preparation of a project report. Of the optional units, at least two (2) must be chosen at the 500 level and three (3) at the 600 level. The choice of optional units may be limited depending on the semester of entry and the availability of units in each semester..

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership in the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) as well as the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Career Opportunities

Graduates are able to pursue careers in geographic information science and the broader spatial sciences.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

Further Information

For further information contact the Department of Spatial Sciences on (08) 9266 7566 or email: spatial@curtin.edu.au or visit our website http://spatial.curtin.edu.au

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
302318 v.2   Spatial Computations 100 4.0 25.0
4536 v.6   Geographic Information Systems 100 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
12037 v.5   Spatial Database Systems 110 5.0 25.0
314387 v.1   Geographic Information Analysis 510 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
10625 v.4   Research Methodology 600 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   75.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
13284 v.5   Spatial Sciences Project 630 20.0 100.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
10422 v.4   Photogrammetric Mapping 210 5.0 25.0
10423 v.6   Remote Sensing 210 4.0 25.0
10424 v.3   Coordinate and Mapping Systems 210 4.0 25.0
310046 v.3   Web Mapping 510 4.0 25.0
310360 v.3   Geographic Information Systems Programming 510 4.0 25.0
310482 v.4   Applications of Global Positioning Systems 200 5.0 25.0
314388 v.1   Spatial Data Representation 510 25.0
314389 v.1   Spatial Algorithms 510 25.0
4552 v.7   Spatial Sciences Project 530 5.0 25.0
7073 v.8   Applied Cartography 200 4.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
12451 v.4   Spatial Modelling 610 5.0 25.0
12452 v.5   Spatial Project Management 610 5.0 25.0
304017 v.4   Geographic Information Science 630 5.0 25.0
314390 v.1   Geospatial Analysis 610 25.0
314391 v.1   Geovisualisation and Mapping 610 25.0

**    Year 2 options must be chosen from 600 level

NB    Year 1 options must include at least two (2) units from 500 level

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2013 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2013 Bentley Campus Semester 1         Y
2013 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      
2013 Bentley Campus Semester 2         Y

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.



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