Online Courses Handbook 2003

186107 v.4 Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science

Introduction
The course is intended for students with a significant knowledge and experience of Geographic Information Science (GIScience) and has been designed as the first stage in obtaining specialist postgraduate qualifications in GIScience. It is also used as a qualifying course for entry into the Master of Science (Geographic Information Science). The objectives of the course include the gaining of extensive knowledge of the theory, practice and applications of geographic information systems.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
The requirement for entry is one of - a degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution containing a significant geographic information science component (typically a bachelors degree potentially including geography, surveying, cartography, computing or GIScience majors), or a Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science, significant experience in the geographic information systems/land information systems industry as determined by the Department's Coordinator of Postgraduate Studies, with a bachelors degree or equivalent in any field. Students not meeting the above standard in all areas are required to enrol in appropriate preparatory units as determined by the Department's Coordinator of Postgraduate Studies on a case-by-case basis.

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

Duration and Availability
The course is one year of full-time study but may be taken on a part-time basis over two years or more.

Course Organisation
A substantial proportion of the course comprises postgraduate units in geographic information science. The remainder varies according to the goals and background of the individual. Units are selected from areas of graduate technology, project work and professional practice and management, humanities and conversion units (students may vary the credit distribution with permission of the Coordinator of Postgraduate Studies).

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

301774 v.2 Graduate Technology Stream (PG Dip) 100.0

301777 v.2 Project Work and Professional Practice Stream (PG Dip) 50.0

305589 v.1 Management, Social Science and Conversion Stream (PG Dip) 50.0

200.0

# A student's program may include from two to five units from the Graduate Technology area.

* A student's study program may include up to two units from the Management/Social Science area and up to three units for updating and conversion to this study area.

^ Students are required to complete a major project equivalent to a double unit with the option of completing an additional single unit in the professional practice area.