BIMWG2-GIS for Wildlife Managers

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2017/8

Email: g.j.holloway@reading.ac.uk

Summary module description:

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with the fundamental principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and in particular to demonstrate the application of GIS as an analytical and decision making tool for Conservation and Ecological Management using real world examples

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
- Use ArcGIS software.
- Apply GIS analysis techniques to provide solutions to real-life environmental problems
- Produce appropriately labelled GIS maps
- Be familiar with geoprocessing and data input

Additional outcomes:
The module will also provide the students with an opportunity to develop their skills. The assignment will provide the opportunity for students to produce material to showcase their GIS skills to potential employers as an appendix to their CVs.

Outline content:
The material is delivered by external GIS professionals. The major concepts and principles of Geographical Information Systems are considered and the main sources and structure of data and databases are presented. These principles and applications are taught as an intensive one week course entirely based in the computer laboratory. The examples and approach taken is relevant specifically to conservation ecologists and consultants.

Global context:
The techniques covered are universally applicable.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The course is entirely hands-on with each students having continual access to their own computer. The intensive nature of the course is intended to re-enforce the learning process without distraction from modules running concurrently and outstanding assignment deadlines. The assignment offers the student the opportunity to bundle together the skills acquired during the week into a single, assessable output suitable for displaying their GIS skills at a later date.

Other information on summative assessment:
Students will be required to deploy the techniques that they have learnt to produce a fully labelled GIS map of an area of their choice. Since the course is concerned with the application of a technique factors that will be considered in the assignment will include clarity, accuracy, neatness and delivery of the chosen message.

Relative percentage of coursework: 100%

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Length of examination:
No examinations required for this module.

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of at least 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:
Submission of additional coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 31 March 2017