Environmental Science BA (B), Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS), 7.5 credits

Aim

The course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge in solving environmental issues using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). In particular, the course aims to develop practical skills that can be useful in future studies and/or working life.

Course objectives

After completing the course, students should be able to:

1. design and carry out a study of an environmental problem using GIS using appropriate methods,
2. identify, retrieve and process in different ways ready-made geographical data (geodata) from different sources,
3. collect and process own geodata, for example using drones/GPS,
4. develop methods and data management workflows for problems that require continuous data management,
5. generate effective visualisations of geodata, and
6. assess and evaluate data quality and validity of different solutions.

Content

The course provides knowledge of GIS analyses and the collection and processing of data from, for example, authorities, satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and GPS. The examples and tasks given in the course are mainly based on environmental issues which the students will analyse and solve using GIS. Students will be trained in problem formulation relevant to the subject and spend a large part of the course carrying out an individual project. The aim is that the knowledge and ability to practically use GIS is trained in a realistic situation.

The course ends with a joint project which is carried out in groups or individually (students' choice). Both the results and the steps to find the solution in the work will be presented by the students, leading to a horizontal knowledge transfer.

The course will use only open source software and student-owned hardware and therefore all knowledge and software skills will be directly available to the student in any job or learning situation also after the course.

Entry requirements

15 credits of courses in Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science, or 15 credits of courses related to environment, sustainability or land use in another subject. In addition, 7.5 credits in GIS are required, which can be part of the 15 credits that are required according to the previous sentence.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The theoretical knowledge transfer will partly take place through recorded lectures. After each lecture, a quiz will be answered. Each recorded lecture or set of tasks will be followed by a question and answer session to ensure that all questions are clear and that all students are at the right level. In addition, a discussion round will be conducted after each block within the course where problem solving strategies are discussed.

Teaching will be given in English.

Examination form

I100: Written assignment, 2 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Collection and analysis of drone/GPS data

R100: Project report, 5.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx
Carried out individually.

Link to grading criteria: https://www.miun.se/gradingcriteria

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

Other information

The course can also be included in the Environmental Engineering main field of study.