Programme Specifications

The M.Sc. in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing aims to provide students with core vocation skills in these two related fields and prepare them for higher level employment in commercial, teaching and research positions, both nationally and internationally. The courses aims to provide students with a) fundamental understanding of GIS and remote sensing concepts, b) knowledge of the diversity of data from existing and forthcoming airborne and spaceborne sensors and c) more specialised skills relating to new processing techniques that are becoming available. The Masters will draw on examples from a range of environments around the world.    

In summary, the aims of the MSc are:

• to provide core knowledge and understanding of  environmental remote sensing and geographical information systems;
• to provide practical training in the use of remote sensing and GIS software;
• to build on and advance the key knowledge-based skills gained at undergraduate level;
• to encourage candidates to develop as postgraduates by providing appropriate facilities and working environment;
• to provide a structured programme of delivery that is academically rigorous and externally audited;
• to further develop transferable skills gained at undergraduate level;
• to further develop independent study and scholarship of the highest standard.

On completion of the programme students should be able to:

• Identify main sources of GIS and remote sensing data and their use for particular applications;
• Understand and fully exploit the functionality of commercial GIS and remote sensing software;
• Develop integrated approaches to monitoring and analysing the environment;
• Design and undertake a structured research programme;
• Statistically analyse data and program within a GIS/remote sensing framework;
• Work both independently and in a team.

On completion of the programme, students should be able to:

•  A1: Understand the basic concepts of remote sensing and GIS; 

•  A2: Understand the various sources and types of remote sensing and GIS data;

•  A3: Make rational, scientific judgments on the validity and use of particular datasets for a range of environmental  problems;

•  A4:  Understand and use the functionality of available GIS and remote sensing software;

•  A5: Assess the appropriateness of the methods for particular issues;

•  A6: Identify the scope and limitations of the techniques;

•  A7: Program and undertake statistical analysis within the framework of a GIS/image processing system;

•  A8: Incorporate downloaded material in spreadsheets, databases, word processing packages; presentation packages, web pages;

•  A9: Access on line academic literature;

•  A10: Analyse data via spreadsheets and other statistical/graphical packages;

•  A11: Synthesise information from a variety of sources;

•  A12: Produce a formal research/discussion paper;

•  A13: Present an oral presentation supported by computerised presentation packages;

•  A14:  Develop and write web pages.

Learning & Teaching:

The first three modules in Semester I on this Masters programme are compulsory. These modules cover 60 credits (i.e. half of the taught element of the course). The learning outcomes A1 to A14 are promoted through a range of teaching methods which include computer-based laboratories, lectures and fieldwork. The first semester provides the foundation for the second, with the courses on Advanced Research Skills, Spatial Data Acquisition and Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and GIS transferring a variety of knowledge and skills to the students, including statistical analysis and programming, communications, data sources and data acquisition, and fundamentals of remote sensing and GIS.  

In Semester 2, the students specialise in remote sensing and GIS.  The two courses (EAM1620 and EAM1720) develop different but complementary skills. Experience in the workforce is given in EAM2020. All three modules allow students to gain an intimate knowledge of remote sensing and GIS data and processing techniques for specific applications. Methods of teaching are primarily laboratory-based and focus on the development of computing skills. The lectures provide support to the students and give examples of applications using the available technologies. The fieldwork component of both modules allows students to understand how remote sensing and supportive GIS datasets are acquired and integrated. EAM1620 and EAM1820are compulsory for the Masters in GIS and Remote Sensing. However, EAM2020 is optional with computer programming Masters level modules run by the Department of Computer Science (e.g. The UNIX Environment and the C language).

Semester 3   During the third semester the students carry out an independent research project which leads to the production of a dissertation (EAM3060). Throughout the research work the students have two dedicated project supervisors

Assessment

Semester 1  

• Practical projects and desk studies (A1-8, A10 A14);
• Project essay assignments (A9-12);
• Technical report writing (A11-12);
• Web page design (A14);
• Presentation design (A13).

Semester 2  

• Practical research projects (A9, A11 A12);
• Fieldwork assignments (A1-3, A5-6, A11, A14);
• research essay assignments (A7-12);
• Technical and research report writing (A11-12);
• Statistical handling of large numerical data sets (A10);
• Assessed presentations (independent and group) (A13).

Semester 3   Dissertation (to include detailed field and laboratory notebooks), independent presentation, poster presentation (A1-14)

All assessments are based on coursework, with the exception of the option to take a final year undergraduate module in semester 1.

10.2.1    Intellectual skills

 On completion of the degree scheme, students will be able to:

• B1  Abstract and synthesise information;

• B2  Critically judge and evaluate evidence;

• B3  Critically interpret data and text;

• B4  Make justified decisions;

• B5  Assess the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and policies;

• B6  Develop a reasoned argument;

• B7  Find ways to overcome problems;

• B8  Write in an appropriate academic style in reporting, reviewing and discussing geographical themes;

• B9 Appropriately and critically employ material from academic literature and correctly cite and reference sources;

• B10 Take responsibility for their own learning and review and reflect upon that learning.

During the first two semesters of the Masters Programme, student development towards outcomes B1 to B10 is primarily promoted through a mixture of staff-led lectures, desk studies, field and practical exercises.   

During the third semester of the Masters Programme, student development towards outcomes B1 to B10 is primarily promoted through the production of a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation and the associated tutoring from two dedicated supervisors. 

10.2.1    Professional practical skills

On completion of the programme students will be able to demonstrate competence in the following professional skills.  They will be able to:

• C1:  Solve complex research/applied problems by designing strategies to sample and analyse a range of environments using remotely sensed and GIS data;

• C2:  Program effectively and efficiently within the framework of GIS and remote sensing software;

• C3:  Understand the importance of appropriate data and analysis techniques;

• C4:  Provide a critical evaluation of new and existing approaches to the remote sensing of the environment and the role of GIS;

• C5: Prepare reports from both desk and field studies;

• C6:  Present data and conclusions orally.

Learning & Teaching

The compulsory elements of Semester 1 teach all of these professional skills through a range of teaching methods. These have been listed above.

Assessment

The range of assessment methods described above allows all of these professional skills to be assessed.

On completion of the programme the student will be able to take responsibility for themselves and their work. S/he will be able to:

• D1:  Work independently;

• D2:  Work as part of a team;

• D3:  Respect the views and beliefs of others;

• D4:  Listen to and engage with other speakers;

• D5:  Use effective verbal communication in a range of settings, including group discussions  and debates and formal presentations;

• D6:  Use effective written communication in a variety of forms;

• D7:  Use information technology to process, store, present and communicat information, including spreadsheets, databases, word processing, use of statistical packages, e-mail and the world-wide-web;

• D8:  Identify, retrieve, sort and handle information from conventional and electronic sources, including libraries, CD-Roms, on-line computer resources, abstracting services and the world-wide-web;

• D9:  Manage time and work to deadlines;

• D10: Research issues and problems effectively;

• D11: Solve complex problems;

• D12: Collate, process and interpret numerical data;

• D13: Develop career awareness. 

Teaching and learning

The degree programme aims to enhance and nurture students’ awareness of and competence in these key transferable skills, many of which students will bring from their first degree experience. All of these skills are developed through Semester 1 core modules and some are enhanced and developed through teaching and learning activities in optional modules from Semester 2. There are skills which are related to the field and laboratory aspects of the course which are not only specific to the courses but are generic and transferable.

Assessment

Assessment of student capabilities in relation to many of the above outcomes (D5 - 12) is central to criteria used to assess performance within the programme.  These include essay-based assignments, project essays, practical exercises, and the independent research project.  In addition, a number of the above skills are explicitly assessed at various points during the programme through a range of methods, including group and independent oral presentations (D1-D5) practical exercises (D12), and the dissertation project (D1, D9).