GV2GISNU-Environmental Information Systems

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Kevin White
Email: k.h.white@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides the students with an understanding of Environmental Information Systems, with a focus on applying knowledge and methods acquired from other modules in environmental science, monitoring and management.

Aims:

This module aims to develop skills in the creation, management and use of Environmental Information Systems in environmental decision making, including the application of GIS, remote sensing and environmental mapping.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Master the rudiments of environmental information, databases and GISs.


• Recognize the significance of Environmental Information Systems (EIS) in environmental decision making and protection.


• Outline the current situation and trends in the use of EIS.


• Understand the various methods for acquiring environmental data.


• Explain the structures and development processes adopted in environmental databases and EIS.


• Discuss the factors influencing the development of EIS.


• Design EISs conceptually towards resolving an actual environment problem.

Additional outcomes:

Students will have the opportunity to enhance their library, IT and language skills, as well as improve their skills in the analysis, evaluation and presentation of researched material.

Outline content:

Theory sessions will include:                                                                                ;                                                                                   & nbsp;                                            

• What is an Environmental Information System?


• Research advances


• What is GIS?


• How to acquire environmental data


• Standardization of envi ronmental information


• Acquiring spatial data in GIS


• Overview of databases


• Spatial data models in GIS


• Geodatabase in GIS


• Data mining in EISs


• Processing of spatial data in GIS


• Spatial analysis in GIS


• Meta-data


• Procedures for developing an EIS


• Application case studies

Practical sessions will include:

• Getting to know ArcGIS


• Exploring ArcCatalog and ArcMap


• Assembling the geodatabase


• Performing the spatial analysis


• Presenting the results by mapping

Global context:

The basic concepts, methodologies and applications of Environmental Information Systems are transferrable worldwide.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The theory section of the module is taught through lectures that introduce the student to the principles of the subjects studied. Seminars allow students to research and discuss topics in greater depth whilst case studies and videos may also be used to enhance understanding. Monthly homework assignments are designed to develop the student's understanding and to provide feedback on written work. Regular surgery tutorials provide an opportunity for students to seek additional help, if requi red.

The practical section of the module will comprise five sessions in ArcGIS. The students will follow the instructions after the teacher’s demonstration.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	22
Seminars	5
Tutorials	5
Practicals classes and workshops	16
Guided independent study:	52
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	40
Written assignment including essay	15
Report	20
Practical skills assessment	10
Class test administered by School	15

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written assignments: Five, monthly short exercises based on data storage, data analysis and the development of an EIS.  These will be given during the appropriate theory class and provide the opportunity for feedback and feed-forward.

Practical skills assessment and report: these will cover a selection of the practical sessions, including ArcGIS.

In-class test: in the second half of the semester, comprising multiple-choice and other short-answer questions.

Formative assessment methods:

Students have the opportunity to anonymously peer-review draft coursework in order to improve their scientific writing skills.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in February

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: 2 December 2021