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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

314639 v.1 Geographic Information Science Major (BSc Science)


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


Geographic Information Science (GIScience) involves the acquisition, visualisation and analysis of geospatial information ranging in scale from local to global. GIScience is a fast growing area of applied computing, digital mapping and spatial modelling. Geographic information systems (GIS) and digital earth technologies are vital tools for disaster management, environmental and natural resources management, planning, health, minerals and energy, agriculture, utilities and transportation infrastructure, and a host of other applications. The program prepares students with a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of: acquiring data using instruments such as GPS, remote sensing and laser scanners; utilising GIS, digital earth and web mapping to manage, visualise and analyse geospatial information, and analysing geospatial information using spatial analysis, modelling and simulation technologies. A double degree program is available in which a GIScience degree may be combined with a Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology). Excellent career pathways are available for GIS graduates across a wide range of disciplines nationally and internationally.



Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details

The Geographic Information Science major requires WACE Mathematics 2C/2D; (WACE Mathematics 3C/3D is desirable).



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply geographic information science concepts and methods to geospatial applications

2. think critically and creatively to generate innovative solutions and apply logical and rational processes to analyse spatial information

3. access, evaluate and synthesise spatial and related information from multiple sources

4. communicate in ways appropriate to the discipline of geographic information science

5. use and apply technologies, recognising their advantages and limitations when applied to spatial information

6. demonstrate responsibility and self-learning skills by applying critical reflection and being proactive

7. describe and apply australian and international best practice standards in geospatial methods and technologies

8. demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life

9. work ethically and professionally, both within a team and independently


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 2 Semester 1
310482 v.4   Applications of Global Positioning Systems 200 4.0 25.0
10423 v.6   Remote Sensing 210 4.0 25.0
314393 v.1   Spatial Data Representation 210 4.0 25.0
7073 v.8   Applied Cartography 200 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
310083 v.5   Geographic Information Systems Programming 210 4.0 25.0
310045 v.4   Web Mapping 210 4.0 25.0
10422 v.4   Photogrammetric Mapping 210 5.0 25.0
10424 v.3   Coordinate and Mapping Systems 210 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
10722 v.5   Spatial Project Management 310 4.0 25.0
314394 v.1   Spatial Algorithms 310 4.0 25.0
314395 v.1   Geospatial Analysis 310 4.0 25.0
314396 v.1   Geovisualisation and Mapping 310 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
302527 v.2   Spatial Modelling 310 4.0 25.0
311369 v.3   Spatial Sciences Professional Practice 430 50.0
311370 v.2   Spatial Sciences Project 430 9.0 25.0
  100.0




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