MJRH-ADGIS v.1 Geographic Information Science Major (BAdvSci) (Honours)
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.
This honours level major provides a flexible and personalised approach to studying Geographic Information Science (GIScience) with students able to explore the field through opportunities for immersive research experiences, industry placement and team-based projects. The major culminates in a personalised capstone experience. 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 (Global Positioning System), 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.
Professional Recognition
Graduates of this Major are eligible for membership of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) which is the national body representing the interests of surveying and spatial sciences professionals.
Career Oppotunities
Students graduating with an honours degree in science have demonstrated an ability to work independently, to plan and implement an investigation, to meet project deadlines and to communicate information to a professional standard. For this reason, many employers of chemistry professionals have a preference for honours graduates, and some employers will only consider graduates with an honours degree. Graduates from the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) have the added advantage being able to evidence the development of high level discipline, leadership and entrepreneurship skills through engagement with industry and research groups throughout their course. Excellent career pathways are available for GIScience graduates across a wide range of disciplines nationally and internationally.
Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details
Prerequisites: Mathematics Methods ATAR
Course Entry/Completion Note
To progress to the final year of study and hence to qualify for this award students will be required to provide evidence of research experience totalling at least 96 hours.
Major/Minor/Stream Organisation
Major/Stream Learning Outcomes
A graduate of this course can:
1. demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the nature of science, its methods and processes, and an advanced capacity to apply geographic information science concepts and methods to existing and emerging geospatial applications
2. critically, logically and rationally analyse spatial information, generate innovative solutions to challenging and multi-faceted problems in spatial science through research using practical and theoretical tools and critically evaluate findings within the current body of disciplinary knowledge
3. access and make judgements on the value of available knowledge using a variety of tools, and incorporate them into the planning, conduct and communication of their own work
4. communicate approaches and solutions, ideas and findings to an audience of geographic information science professionals through written word and by oral presentation
5. use established and emerging technologies to analyse and communicate spatial information and to address complex research questions
6. demonstrate intellectual independence and engage in self-driven continuous discipline and professional education and training in the chemical sciences
7. participate in the generation and application of science in addressing global problems while applying Australian and international ethical and best practice standards in geospatial methods and technologies
8. work collaboratively and respectfully with scientists from a range of cultural backgrounds and understand the importance of cultural diversity and individual human rights that impact research in the spatial sciences or the broader profession
9. be able to work as an independent spatial scientist and collaboratively within teams either as a professional leader or collaborator using effective problem solving and decision making skills within the professional context of the spatial sciences
Duration and Availability
This course is four years full-time or equivalent part-time study. One intake is offered each year in February.
| Course Structure | Hrs/Wk | Credit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Semester 1 | |||||
| MATH1017 | v.1 | Accelerated Mathematics 1 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| OR | |||||
| MATH1015 | v.1 | Linear Algebra 1 | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT1007 | v.1 | Geographic Information Systems | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| NPSC1002 | v.1 | Science, Technology and Global Problems | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT1006 | v.2 | Spatial Data Modelling and Errors | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 1 Semester 2 | |||||
| MATH1018 | v.1 | Accelerated Mathematics 2 | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| OR | |||||
| MATH1016 | v.1 | Calculus 1 | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT1003 | v.1 | Spatial Computations | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| OR | |||||
| COMP1005 | v.1 | Fundamentals of Programming | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT2009 | v.1 | Geographic Information Analysis | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT1002 | v.1 | Spatial Database Systems | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 1 | |||||
| SPAT2012 | v.1 | Applied Cartography | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT2010 | v.1 | Spatial Data Representation | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: | 25.0 | ||||
| 75.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Full Year | |||||
| NPSC2001 | v.1 | Research, Leadership and Entrepreneurship in Science 1 | 7.0 | 50.0 | |
| 50.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 2 | |||||
| SPAT2002 | v.1 | Coordinate and Mapping Systems | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT2001 | v.1 | Remote Sensing | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: | 25.0 | ||||
| 75.0 | |||||
| Year 3 Semester 1 | |||||
| SPAT3007 | v.1 | Geospatial Analysis | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT3006 | v.1 | Spatial Algorithms | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: | 25.0 | ||||
| 75.0 | |||||
| Year 3 Full Year | |||||
| NPSC3000 | v.1 | Research, Leadership and Entrepreneurship in Science 2 | 7.0 | 50.0 | |
| 50.0 | |||||
| Year 3 Semester 2 | |||||
| SPAT2005 | v.1 | Geographic Information Systems Programming | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT2004 | v.1 | Web Mapping | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: | 25.0 | ||||
| 75.0 | |||||
| Year 4 Semester 1 | |||||
| SPAT3008 | v.1 | Geovisualisation and Mapping | 25.0 | ||
| 25.0 | |||||
| Year 4 Full Year | |||||
| NPSC4001 | v.1 | Advanced Science Capstone | 3.0 | 150.0 | |
| 150.0 | |||||
| Year 4 Semester 2 | |||||
| SPAT3010 | v.1 | Spatial Modelling | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| 25.0 | |||||
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