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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.

155006 v.7 Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science

GradDipGIS(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 007889G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 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 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.


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.


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.


Applicants with relevant postgraduate qualifications and experience may arrange a study program covering the basic course material. In such cases, credit for recognised learning may be granted. Credit for recognised learning of 100 credits will be granted to students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science. Optional units are intended to provide students with a broader and deeper insight into the knowledge, skills and applications of GIScience. Credit for recognised learning is not normally granted for optional 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:


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 four (4) foundation units which reflect the basic core areas in the field of geographic information science. These units are extended by four (4) 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 two (2) must be chosen at the 500 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#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1         Y
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      
2014 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.




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 4.0 25.0
314387 v.1   Geographic Information Analysis 510 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
314388 v.1   Spatial Data Representation 510 4.0 25.0
10423 v.6   Remote Sensing 210 4.0 25.0
314389 v.1   Spatial Algorithms 510 4.0 25.0
7073 v.8   Applied Cartography 200 4.0 25.0
310482 v.4   Applications of Global Positioning Systems 200 4.0 25.0
4552 v.7   Spatial Sciences Project 530 9.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
4552 v.7   Spatial Sciences Project 530 9.0 25.0
10422 v.4   Photogrammetric Mapping 210 5.0 25.0
10424 v.3   Coordinate and Mapping Systems 210 4.0 25.0
310046 v.3   Web Mapping 510 4.0 25.0
310360 v.3   Geographic Information Systems Programming 510 4.0 25.0

*    at least 2 of the optional units must be chosen at the 500 level




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 Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.