Geographical information system, 15 Credits

Contents

The course provides advanced knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), primarily with applications within environmental science, including ecology and geoscience.

The course focuses on theoretical knowledge within GIS, in addition to practical applications of various GIS programs in order to process and analyze various types of spatial data with a focus on raster data and point data to create maps. The course assumes that the student has a basic understanding of the following aspects within GIS: projections and coordinate systems, processing of vector data including selections from attribute tables, editing vector data and attribute tables, digitizing new vector files, georeferencing, and vector analyses. The course focuses on processing and various types of analyses of raster data, including digital elevation models, remote sensing, interpolations, hydrological analyses, etc.

The course is divided into three modules of 5 ECTS each.

Module 1: Practical exercises focus on practical exercises by learning to conduct advanced spatial analyses with a focus on raster data in various GIS software in lectures and lab exercises.

Module 2: Theoretical elements focus on understanding the theory behind GIS analyses and how they are used in scientific studies, through lectures and seminars.

Module 3: Project includes a project where the students obtain their spatial data to answer their questions.

Data will be obtained and handled during the course from various digital databases, maps, orthophotos, and GPS points. Various types of digital data are included as course material, including from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), the Swedish Land Survey (LM, and the Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences (SLU). 

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

Module 1 (5 ECTS): Practical exercises

ELO 1: Show an understanding of, carry out, and report practical GIS analyses for ecological and geoscience questions.
ELO 2: Show an understanding of and describe various mapping techniques to effectively present spatial data.

Module 2 (5 ECTS): Theoretical elements

ELO 3: Discuss and show an understanding of spatial questions and how GIS analyses are used within scientific studies
ELO 4:  Show an understanding of theoretical GIS concepts and terms, be able to describe how various analyses are built, and describe how to theoretically plan and solve a spatial problem

Module 3 (5 ECTS): Project work

ELO 5: Be able to obtain data to independently answer a scientific question based on analyses of spatial data
ELO 6: Report the project in writing and orally, using effective text, maps, and presentation techniques

Required Knowledge

60 ETCS in earth science, or 60 ECTS in biology, chemistry or environmental science and 30 ECTS in earth science, Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

Teaching is in the form of lectures, labs, seminars, and a project. The labs, seminars, and project work are obligatory.

Examination modes

Examination of module 1 is done through written or oral presentations of labs. The grades of Fail (U) or Pass (G) are given on the labs. Examination of module 2 is done through a written exam and active participation in seminars. The grades of Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG) are given on the exam, and grades of Fail (U) or Pass (G) are given on the seminars. Module 3 examines through an oral presentation and written report of the project. The grades of Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG) are given on the project. Grades for the entire course are only given when all mandatory modules have been completed and approved and the the grade Pass with Distinction is given when both module 2 and 3 are graded Pass with Distinction. Students who have passed an exam may not take a new exam for a higher grade. Students who fail an exam have the right to take a new exam. A student who has passed two tests for a course or part of a course without a passing result has the right to have another examiner appointed unless there are special reasons against it (HF chapter 6, § 22). The request for a new examiner is made to the head of the Department of Ecology & Environmental Science (EMG).

Crediting
Students have the right to have their previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession tested whether it can be credited for the corresponding course at Umeå University. Application for credit is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. For more information on credit transfer available on Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of accreditation may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole as well as part of the application if accreditation is refused.

Other regulations

In the event that the course plan ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exam opportunities (including regular examinations) according to the rules in the syllabus that the student was originally registered for, for a maximum of two years from the date of expiry of the previous course plan or the course ceased being offered.