MSc in Geographic Information Systems
Course content for 2009 entry
8 core module(s):
Click on a module title to display key features.- Databases
- Identify the key issues relating to the management of relational database systems and object-oriented database systems
- Model the logical structure of database systems using different data models
- Analyse data and document structures using different models
- Create and query relational databases using SQL
- Evaluate the new developments in data and document handling systems and understand their practical applications and implications
- Digital Information Technologies and Architectures
- Use computers to manage data effectively, through appropriate digital technologies and techniques, to support a wide range of information related tasks
- Employ established and evolving standards to create data that explicitly represents information in unambiguous, inclusive and useful ways
- Describe, assess and exploit recent advances in information and communications technology to work with proficiency and efficiency in an online digital environment.
- Geographic Information Science
- Represent spatial processes and models in a form suitable for handling by a computer; understand how spatial geometry, modelling and analys can be used to as the basis for modelling geographic information
- Use the theory of GI science to evaluate its implementation in geographic information systems
- Interpret and evaluate technical publications in GI science
- Geovisualization
- Explain - the complex issues associated with geovisualization - with clarity and from an informed perspective by drawing upon relevant theoretical material and academic research
- Evaluate - a range of maps and data graphics - by drawing upon principles and theories of design from a variety of sources
- Design and create - maps and data graphics - that are effective, consistent and that exhibit graphical integrity
- Use - maps, data graphics and visualization tools - to communicate information and explore multifaceted data sets in a manner that is professional, informed and ethically sound
- Evaluate and make appropriate use of - academic research - that addresses current issues in geovisualization
- GI technologies and applications
- Demonstrate a practical knowledge of the functioning of a variety of GI technologies, based around GI systems; understand the dependencies between the principles of GI science and the implementation of GI technologies
- Participate effectively in group work in laboratory and field conditions, while evaluating their own practice and that of others in terms of precision and accuracy
- Assess the benefits and limitations of using GI systems in a number of application areas
- Evaluate the role that geographic information can play in decision support in a number of application scenarios
- Programming with Java
- Create object oriented models of some aspect of the real world with a spatial context
- Break down a problem into logical steps (an algorithm)
- Interpret an existing Java program of moderate complexity by identifying its structure, state and behaviour
- Convert algorithms and object-oriented models into clear, well documented Java; develop and share Java code as part of a team
- Requirements Engineering
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the range of problems which arise in requirement engineering
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the state-of-the-art practices and leading academic research that are aimed at addressing the range of problems which arise in requirements engineering
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the differences between alternative requirements modelling techniques
- Apply start-of-the-art requirements methods and techniques to acquire, model and analyse requirements for complex systems
- Research, Methods and Professional Issues
- Research activity in terms of the effectiveness of its approach and implementation
- Understand and apply a range of research methodologies such as inductive and deductive reasoning, explanation and prediction in the evaluation of published research
- Recognise and use a range of secondary data sources when performing a research task
- Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using a range of media
- Evaluate the legal, ethical and professional dimensions of typical information professions and information industry practices
These modules provide a balance between:
(i) Detailed technical skills development (e.g. DITA, SPJ, Databases) and the context in which these technologies may be used (RE, GITA). This balance allows student to ensure they are suitably aware of current relevant technical developments in the field as well as allowing the effective management of people who use these technologies.
(ii) GI specific issues (GI Science, VGI, GITA, SPJ) and a wider context of information and technology application (Databases, DITA, RE). Since much of the use of GI technologies overlaps with more general technological and computing issues, it is important to be able to relate the specific to the general.
They also importantly allow students not only to develop specific technical skills, but also develop the skills required to evaluate and communicate complex technical issues (RE, VGI, RECS).
Successful completion of this combination of modules produces graduates who are technically literate, and are able to apply these skills, and critically evaluate and communicate effectively in the GI field.