Geographic Information Systems

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
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Effective Term: 2024/05
Institute / School :Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Unit Title: Geographic Information Systems
Unit ID: SCENV2600
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): Nil
ASCED: 019999
Other Change:  
Brief description of the Unit
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are important tools in resource management and decision making that is used to display and analyse spatial information. This unit examines spatial information concepts, the use of maps, spatial data analysis, and the use of GIS software and remote sensing in resource management and decision making.
Grade Scheme: Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)
Work Experience Indicator:
No work experience
Placement Component: No
Supplementary Assessment:
Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment
Course Level:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                                
Intermediate                                        
Advanced                                                
Learning Outcomes:
Students undertaking this unit are expected to be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and skills.
Knowledge:
K1.Justify the use of maps in resource management
K2.Interpret the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in resource management
K3.Define the use and limitations of remote sensing techniques
Skills:
S1.Examine and interpret aerial photographs and maps
S2.Build and analyse spatial datasets
S3.Determine appropriate actions and approaches to using GIS to solve spatial problems
Application of knowledge and skills:
A1.Use GIS to communicate spatial information including with high quality digital maps
A2.Perform basic spatial analysis of data using GIS
A3.Use GIS to assist with a decision making process
Unit Content:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are an important tool in resource management and decision making that is used to display and analyse spatial information. This unit examines spatial information concepts, the use of maps, spatial data analysis, and the use of GIS software and remote sensing in resource management and decision making.
•Spatial data concepts and theory
•Map production and interpretation
•Spatial data analysis
•Use of GIS software and tools
•Basic aerial photograph interpretation

Graduate Attributes:
Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.

FED TASK and descriptorDevelopment and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit
Learning outcomes
(KSA)
Assessment task
(AT#)
FEDTASK 1
Interpersonal

Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, inter-act and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display skills in-person and/or online in:

•   Using effective verbal and non-verbal communication

•   Listening for meaning and influencing via active listening

•   Showing empathy for others

•   Negotiating and demonstrating conflict resolution skills

•   Working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams.

Not applicableNot applicable
FEDTASK 2
Leadership

Students will demonstrate the ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others. Students will be required to display skills in:

•   Creating a collegial environment

•   Showing self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect

•   Inspiring and convincing others

•   Making informed decisions

•   Displaying initiative

Not applicableNot applicable
FEDTASK 3
Critical Thinking and Creativity

Students will demonstrate an ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in:

•   Reflecting critically

•   Evaluating ideas, concepts and information

•   Considering alternative perspectives to refine ideas

•   Challenging conventional thinking to clarify concepts

•   Forming creative solutions in problem solving.

K1, K2, K3, S1, S2, S3, A2, A3AT1, AT2, AT3
FEDTASK 4
Digital Literacy

Students will demonstrate the ability to work fluently across a range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in:

•   Finding, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information

•   Collating, managing, accessing and using digital data securely

•   Receiving and responding to messages in a range of digital media

•   Contributing actively to digital teams and working groups

•   Participating in and benefiting from digital learning opportunities.

K1, K2, K3, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2, A3AT1, AT2, AT3
FEDTASK 5
Sustainable and Ethical Mindset

Students will demonstrate the ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in:

•   Making informed judgments that consider the impact of devising solutions in global economic environmental and societal contexts

•   Committing to social responsibility as a professional and a citizen

•   Evaluating ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses

•   Embracing lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to diverse others

•   Implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life.

Not applicableNot applicable
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeighting
1.K1, S1, A1Written short answers to GIS theory questions and production of a mapMap production15-30%
2.K2, S2, S3, A2Spatial data analysis worksheet requiring written explanation and calculationsSpatial data analysis worksheet15-30%
3.K1, K2, K3, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2, A3Major project: Presentation of proposed approach (Part A), and written explanation and calculations (Part B) to a resource management problem.Presentation and Project50-70%
Adopted Reference Style:
Australian Harvard  

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency
1.Threshold Learning Outcomes - Science: Initial
AttributeAssessedLevel
1 Understanding Science
1.1 Demonstrate a coherent understanding of science.
1.1.1 Articulating the methods of science and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry.YesIntroductory
2 Scientific Knowledge
2.1 Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge.
2.1.1 Demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one disciplinary area.YesIntermediate
2.1.2 Demonstrating knowledge in at least one other disciplinary area.YesIntroductory
3 Inquiry and Problem Solving
3.1 Critically analyse and solve scientific problems.
3.1.1 Gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of source.YesIntermediate
3.1.2 Designing and planning an investigation.YesIntermediate
3.1.3 Selecting and applying practical and / or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation.YesIntermediate
3.1.4 Collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data.YesIntermediate
4 Communication
4.1 Be effective communicators of science.
4.1.1 Communicating scientific results, information, or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes.YesIntermediate
5 Personal and Professional Responsibility
5.1 Be accountable for their own learning and scientific work.
5.1.1 Being independent and self-directed learners.YesIntermediate
5.1.2 Working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context.YesIntermediate
5.1.3 Demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct.YesIntermediate