Online Courses Handbook 2003

150999 v.4 Bachelor of Science (Geographic Information Science)

Introduction
Geographic Information Science (GIScience) involves the computer capture, display and analysis of spatial information ranging in scale from local to global. Geographic Information Science is a fast growing area of applied computing and is a vital tool for environmental management and a host of other applications. Employment prospects are excellent. The three-year course consists of core studies that provide a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the structure, development, application, implementation and management of geographic information systems. In the final year the student may choose elective units in any appropriate application area including, but not necessarily restricted to, chemistry, computing science, environmental biology, environmental information science, geography, geology, remote sensing, surveying, cartography and urban and regional studies. Double degree programs in GIScience are also available. A GIScience degree may be combined with a Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology) or a Bachelor of Social Science (Geography). Separate entries are available in the Handbook for these courses.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
Applicable Mathematics. Students without this subject may be required to pass an approved bridging unit.

Specific Requirements
Field excursions are compulsory - students who do not complete this requirement will not have completed the course requirements. STAT elements considered are E and Q.

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

Duration and Availability
The course is three years full-time duration and is also available on a part-time basis.

Professional Recognition
The undergraduate bachelor degree in GIScience has received level one accreditation by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). Graduates are immediately eligible for associate membership with full membership following four years of professional practice. Graduates may also obtain membership of the Australasian Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (AURISA) and the Mapping Sciences Institute Australia (MSIA).

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

302318 v.1 Spatial Computations 181 5.0 25.0

4536 v.5 Geographic Information Systems 181 5.0 25.0

4579 v.2 Mathematics 181 5.0 25.0

8920 v.5 Cartographic Statistics 181 5.0 25.0

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

12449 v.3 Geographic Data Analysis 182 5.0 25.0

301995 v.3 Introduction to Communication Skills 116 2.0 12.5

302319 v.1 Spatial Computations 182 5.0 25.0

302531 v.1 Computer Aided Mapping 182 3.0 12.5

4585 v.2 Mathematics 182 5.0 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 1

10163 v.8 Introduction to Programming Environments 152 4.0 25.0

11711 v.4 Spatial Analysis 281 5.0 25.0

7073 v.7 Thematic Cartography 281 5.0 25.0

8933 v.9 Software Engineering 251 3.0 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 2

10423 v.2 Digital Remote Sensing 282 5.0 25.0

10424 v.2 Coordinate and Mapping Systems 282 5.0 25.0

12037 v.3 Spatial Database Systems 382 5.0 25.0

1437 v.4 ** Geography 112 - Global Change - Demography, Economic Development, Environment, Urbanisation and Social Inequality 4.5 25.0

100.0

Year 3 Semester 1

10422 v.2 Photogrammetric Mapping 281 5.0 25.0

10722 v.3 GIS Management 381 5.0 25.0

13381 v.2 Geometronics 381 5.0 25.0

SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

100.0

Year 3 Semester 2

10497 v.3 GIS Project 394 5.0 25.0

10721 v.4 Spatial Data Handling 382 5.0 25.0

302527 v.1 Spatial Modelling 382 5.0 25.0

SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

100.0

** Compulsory field excursion included in this unit