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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2012

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2012.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2011.

310057 v.3 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. A student will not be permitted to progress in the Master program unless a mark of 65 per cent is achieved in the first 200 credits worth of units. Students who do not achieve this level of academic performance may apply for an intermediate award.

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 should have a background in mathematics and statistics equivalent to first year university level. International students may need to substitute a communication unit for one of the specialist optional units subject to an English communication diagnostic test.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

Normal course duration is two years full-time or equivalent part-time study. The geographic information science stream is available both on-campus and externally through distance and online learning. The surveying and mapping stream is available on-campus and some selected units are available through distance and online learning.

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 and Graduate Diploma in Suveying and Mapping.

Course Organisation

The course comprises postgraduate units in geographic information science and the spatial sciences. Note that unit availability may be limited to specific semesters which may affect the sequence in which units are undertaken. Some units may be on a blockmodular format. Optional units are chosen from the list of units offered. Units outside of this list are subject to approval by the course coordinator. Optional unit availability may be restricted depending on the semester and mode of enrolment.Optional units are intended to provide students with a broader and deeper insight into the knowledge, skills and the applications of GIScience. Recognition of Prior Learning is not normally granted for optional units. Continuing progress in this course is subject to satisfactory performance.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership in the Spatial Sciences Institute.

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
311718 v.1   Geographic Information Science Stream (MSc Geospatial Sc) 400.0
  OR  
311719 v.1   Surveying and Mapping Stream (MSc Geospatial Sc) 400.0
  400.0

NB    Year 2 options must be chosen from 600 level

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2012 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.