Skip to content
Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2015

This handbook contains information on courses and components (majors, minors, streams and units) at Curtin in 2015.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2014.

GD-GISC v.1 Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science

GradDipGIS(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 007889G
Registered full-time Duration: 1 Year


Course Overview

Graduate Diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


This course is designed for graduates inmining, agriculture, planning, built environment, business, geography, health, computing, environmental science, geology, mathematics, biology and related fields seeking to understand the role of geospatial information and develop knowledge and skills in the principles and applications of geographic information systems (GIS). It provides a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the structure, development, application, implementation and management of geographic information systems. It provides instruction in fundamental principles relating to geospatial information, spatial problem solving, GIS analysis and spatial databases. This course is available on campus to Australian and International students and by distance education via online learning to Australian and International students.


Additional Course Expenses

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



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants for a Graduate Diploma are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Applicants generally require a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


A degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary educational institution. The qualification may be in any discipline. Applicants are assumed to have a background in mathematics and statistics equivalent to first year university level. Applicants without this background may be required to undertake appropriate preparatory units.


Intermediate Awards

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 awards approved for this course:


GC-GISC Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some Master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Graduate Diplomas contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.


This course comprises five (5) foundation units which reflect the basic core areas in the field of geographic information science. These units are extended by three (3) specialist options in the GIScience core areas, The choice of optional units may be limited depending on the semester of entry and the availability of units in each semester. Of the optional units listed, at least one (1) must be chosen at the postgraduate level.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply geographic information science concepts and research methodology to geospatial applications

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

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

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

5. select, 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 proactive decision making

7. interpret and apply Australian and international best practice standards in geospatial methods and technologies

8. develop respect for cultural diversity in professional life

9. employ ethical and professional behaviours, whilst working autonomously and with others


Duration and Availability

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


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2015 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2015 Bentley Campus Semester 1         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.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
SPAT5006 v.1   Geographic Information Systems 4.0 25.0
SPAT1003 v.1   Spatial Computations 4.0 25.0
SPAT5005 v.1   Remote Sensing 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
SPAT1002 v.1   Spatial Database Systems 4.0 25.0
SPAT5002 v.1   Geographic Information Analysis 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
SPAT5003 v.1   Spatial Data Representation 4.0 25.0
SPAT5004 v.1   Spatial Algorithms 4.0 25.0
SPAT2012 v.1   Applied Cartography 4.0 25.0
SPAT2006 v.1   Applications of Global Positioning Systems 4.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
SPAT5000 v.1   Web Mapping 4.0 25.0
SPAT5001 v.1   Geographic Information Systems Programming 4.0 25.0



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.




Handbook

The Courses Handbook is the repository of Curtin University ("Curtin") course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavours to keep this handbook up to date, information on this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the: course structure and contents, student assessment, tuition fees and to: withdraw any course or its components which it offers, impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or vary arrangements for any course without notification via the website.

For course and enrolment information please visit our Future Students website.