28. Spatial Information Science coursework degrees

Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)

Degree Code: LC052

Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)

Degree Code: LF040

Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)

Degree Code: LG018

This chapter sets out the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science), the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) and the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science). A comprehensive guide to the requirements and units of study of the coursework degrees is listed.

The information in this chapter is in summary form and is subordinate to the provisions of the relevant degree Resolutions, collected variously at the end of this chapter, or in the University of Sydney Calendar. The Calendar is available for sale at the Student Centre, for viewing at the faculty office or the Library, or online at:
www.usyd.edu.au/publications/calendar.

Course overview

The Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) articulated degree program provides an understanding of spatial analysis and modelling theory and use of GIS and Remote Sensing methods in a range of application fields. The opportunity to select optional units in combination with the core GIS units will allow students to focus on a preferred specialisation within the broader spatial science spectrum. In providing a solid grounding in the principles of spatio-temporal analysis and spatial reasoning, the core units will engender a depth of knowledge that is immediately transferable to industry. The optional units will extend this knowledge in specific applications areas and reinforce spatial science skills through practical and field-based training. Students may seek admission to the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science), the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) or the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science).

Course outcomes

The program will enable students to adopt effective spatial analysis methods for addressing broader environmental and socio-economic issues, examine geographical trends, embrace advances in spatial information technologies and contribute to innovations in the spatial science industry.

Graduates of the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) who have completed the 12cp Research Project unit are eligible to apply for admission to a research degree (MSc, MSc (Environmental Science), PhD).

Spatial Information Science postgraduate coursework degree table

Unit of study	Credit points	A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition	Session
All Degreees: Core Units
NB: All students must enrol in GEOG5001 in their first semester of enrolment
GEOG5001 Geographic Information Science A	6		Semester 1 Semester 2
GEOG5002 Geographic Information Science B	6	A GEOG5001	Semester 2
GEOG5003 Environmental Remote Sensing	6	A Knowledge or experience equivalent to GEOG5001 (Introduction to GIS)	Semester 1
GEOG5004 Environmental Mapping and Monitoring	6		Semester 2
Diploma and Masters: Optional Units
Diploma students must complete 12 credit points from the following
Masters students may either: 1) if they have NOT completed 24 cp at credit average or better: complete 18 credit points from the following plus 6 Postgraduate credit points offered by the Faculty of Science and approved by the program coordinator, excluding GEOG5005 and RESP5001 OR 2) if they have completed 24 credit points at credit average or better: complete 24 credit points from the following table
ENVI5809 Environmental Simulation Modelling	6		Semester 1
COMP5338 Advanced Data Models	6	A COMP5138 or equivalent	Semester 2
AFNR5502 Remote Sensing, GIS and Land Management	6	A Some knowledge of GIS and spatial information systems and/or some knowledge of soil science, geomorphology and environmental science P Recommended courses include ENVX3001 (Environmental GIS), SOIL2004 (The Soil Resource), GEOS3007 (Remote Sensing: Imaging the Earth), GEOS3014 (GIS in Coastal Management), GEOG5001 (Geographic Information Science A) and GEOG 5002 (Geographic Information Science B)	Semester 2
Masters: Additional Optional Units
NB: These units of study are available only to Masters students who have completed 24 credit points at credit average or better
GEOG5005 Spatial Science Research Project	12	Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1,	Semester 1 Semester 2
RESP5001 Fundamentals of Research This unit of study is not available in2010	6		Semester 1a Semester 2a

Spatial Information Science unit of study descriptions 2010

AFNR5502 Remote Sensing, GIS and Land Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Inakwu Odeh Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 lec, 1tut & 4hr prac/wk (wks 1-6); Project: (wks 7-12) Prerequisites: Recommended courses include ENVX3001 (Environmental GIS), SOIL2004 (The Soil Resource), GEOS3007 (Remote Sensing: Imaging the Earth), GEOS3014 (GIS in Coastal Management), GEOG5001 (Geographic Information Science A) and GEOG 5002 (Geographic Information Science B) Assumed knowledge: Some knowledge of GIS and spatial information systems and/or some knowledge of soil science, geomorphology and environmental science Assessment: Lab prac reports, group work, presentation and project report.

This unit of study is aimed at advanced techniques in Remote Sensing (RS), linked with Geographical Information Systems (GIS), as applied to land management problems. We will review the basic principles of GIS and then focus on advanced RS principles and techniques used for land resource assessment and management. This will be followed by practical training in RS techniques, augmented by land management project development and implementation based on integration of GIS and RS tools. The unit thus consists of three separate but overlapping parts: 1) a short theoretical part which focuses on the concepts of RS; 2) a practical part which aims at developing hands-on skills in using RS tools, and 3) an application-focused module in which students will learn the skills of how to design a land management project and actualise it using integrated GIS and RS techniques.
Syllabus summary: Lectures will cover: Overview of the basic principles of Geographical Information Science (GISc), Advanced principles of remote sensing, Land resource information and data capture using RS, Digital elevation modelling and terrain analysis using remote sensing; Image enhancement and visualization; Image classification and interpretation; RS data interpretation for land resource inventory; RS and GIS for land use and land cover change analysis; Coupling of models of land resource assessment with GIS and RS. Fifty percent of learning time will be devoted to the design and implementation of projects, which can be selected from GIS and RS applications in: agricultural land management, vegetation studies, water and catchment (hydrological) studies; land-cover and land-use change modelling, pesticide and herbicide environmental risk assessment, environmental impact analysis, land degradation modelling including soil salinity, soil erosion, etc.

Textbooks

van Dijk, A. and Bos, M.G. 2001. GIS and remote sensing techniques in land- and water-management. Kluwer Academic Publisher, Dordrecht.

COMP5338 Advanced Data Models

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: (Lec 2hrs & Prac 1hr) per week Assumed knowledge: COMP5138 or equivalent Assessment: Assignments, written exam.

This unit of study gives a comprehensive overview of post-relational data models and of latest developments in database technology. Particular emphasis is put on spatial, temporal, and semi-structured data. The unit extensively covers the advanced features of SQL:2008, as well as XML and related standards such as XMLSchema, xPath, and xQuery. The last part is dedicated to current developments of advanced data management techniques. Besides in lectures, the advanced topics will be also studied with prescribed readings of database research publications.

ENVI5809 Environmental Simulation Modelling

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Chapman Session: Semester 1 Classes: Six workshops. Assessment: Report

The concept and use of computer modelling in natural resource management is introduced in this unit of study, which is aimed particularly at non-programmers.

GEOG5001 Geographic Information Science A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Chapman Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Six workshops. Assessment: Report

This unit of study gives an overview of basic spatial data models, and enables students to understand the import and export of data to and from a geographical information system (GIS). The manipulation of spatial data at a level appropriate to planning or locational applications, and the development of thematic maps from diverse data layers, will be addressed.

GEOG5002 Geographic Information Science B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Eleanor Bruce Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lectures, one 1 hour tutorial, one 3 hour practical per week for 6 weeks. Assumed knowledge: GEOG5001 Assessment: 2500 word assignment, seminar presentation, tutorial reports, WebCT quiz.

This course will provide the conceptual background to more advanced GIS analysis applications and spatial reasoning methods in the context of contemporary environmental issues. The course is designed to provide an understanding of spatial analysis techniques available within a GIS environment, explore a diversity of both social and physical environmental applications and address emerging issues in GIS research. A range of topics will be introduced including field based capture of spatial information, spatial data structures, surface modelling, visibility analysis, hydrological modeling, network analysis, spatial data uncertainty and social GIS.
Conceptual material presented in lectures and tutorial workshops will be placed in an applied context through a series of laboratory and field sessions designed to strengthen practical understanding and awareness of GIS methods.

GEOG5003 Environmental Remote Sensing

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Richard Murphy Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 one hour lectures and a 4 hour practical per week Assumed knowledge: Knowledge or experience equivalent to GEOG5001 (Introduction to GIS) Assessment: Assignments, practicals and examination

This unit of study provides a comprehensive introduction to the computational manipulation and application of imaging techniques commonly used in environmental management, from the microscopic to macroscopic level. It includes an introduction to the uses of aerial photography and initial training in image analysis using computer-based exercises. The application and interpretation of remote sensing techniques is then covered in computer-based practical exercises that use a mixture of Landsat thematic mapper, Hyper-spectral, airborne radiometric and magnetic databases. The application of processed images in environmental management will be covered through integrated lectures and laboratory exercise, with assignments being done as part of private study time.

GEOG5004 Environmental Mapping and Monitoring

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Peter Cowell Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 hours of lectures and one three hour practical per week. Assessment: Assignments

The unit introduces methods associated with acquiring data in the field and examines issues associated with application of spatial data to environmental monitoring, terrain mapping and geocomputing. Students will learn both theoretically and practically how environmental data is collected using different remote sensing techniques, (pre)processing methods of integrating data in a GIS environment and the role of spatial data in understanding landscape processes and quantifying environmental change.

GEOG5005 Spatial Science Research Project

Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Regular meetings with supervisor Assessment: Written thesis

Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1

This unit provides students with an opportunity for research and in-depth inquiry in a spatial science topic of interest allowing students to further extend their knowledge or theoretical and conceptual material presented in other units. The research topic will be arranged between the student and supervisor and must have a spatial science focus. Potential topics range from modeling coastal impacts of predicted sea level rise, applying remote sensing in vegetation change detection to the spatial modeling of public transport accessibility. The project topic may involve a spatial modeling or field component, or may be entirely literature-based.

RESP5001 Fundamentals of Research

This unit of study is not available in 2010

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof D Dragovich Session: Semester 1a,Semester 2a Assessment: Three 1000 word reports, oral presentation

This unit will provide research training for students wishing to undertake research at a Masters or PhD level. Students will revise or develop the necessary skills for commencing a research degree, including critical reading, developing the thesis proposal, developing a research plan with timelines and benchmarks, critical writing, library search techniques, use of referencing systems like EndNote, working with a supervisor, and matters relating to intellectual property and authorship.

Resolutions

Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)
Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science
Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)

0.1

Course rules

Admission

1.1

The Dean of the Faculty of Science may admit to candidature for:

1.1.1

the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)

1.1.1.1

graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science or any other equivalent award of the University of Sydney;

1.1.1.2

graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.1.1; or

1.1.1.3

persons who have experience which is considered to demonstrate the knowledge and aptitude required to undertake the units of study.

1.1.2

the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science):

1.1.2.1

graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science or any other equivalent award of the University of Sydney;

1.1.2.2

graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.2.1; or

1.1.2.3

persons who have completed requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science, or equivalent.

1.1.3

the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)

1.1.3.1

graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science or any other equivalent award of the University of Sydney;

1.1.3.2

graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.3.1; or

1.1.3.3

persons who have completed requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science, or equivalent.

Units of study

2.1

The units of study for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science), Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science), are listed in the table of units of study for Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) Postgraduate coursework degrees in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook.

2.2

Credit point value, assumed knowledge, corequisites, prerequisites and any special conditions are included in the table.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science), Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)

3.1

Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) are required to satisfactorily complete 24 credit points of units of study comprising GEOG5001, GEOG5002, GEOG5003 and GEOG5004.

3.2

Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) are required to complete satisfactorily 36 credit points of units of study comprising GEOG5001, GEOG5002, GEOG5003, GEOG5004 and 12 credit points from other units in the table in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook.

3.3

Candidates for the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) are required to complete satisfactorily 48 credit points of units of study comprising

3.3.1

GEOG5001, GEOG5002, GEOG5003 and GEOG5004; and either

3.3.2

18 credit points from the list of units of study in the table in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook, not including GEOG5005 or RESP5001; and 6 credit points from an optional unit offered by the Faculty of Science and approved by the coordinator of the Spatial Information Science program; or

3.3.3

only if qualified to enrol in GEOG5005 and RESP5001, 48 credit points of study from the list of units in the table in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook.

0.1

Faculty rules

Details of units of study

4.1

The units of study for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) and the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) are listed in the table in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook.

4.2

A candidate for the course shall proceed by completing units of study as prescribed by the Faculty.

4.3

A unit of study shall consist of such lectures, seminars, tutorial instruction, essays, exercises, practical work, or project work as may be prescribed.

4.4

In these resolutions, 'to complete a unit of study' or any derivative expression means:

4.4.1

to attend the lectures and the meetings, if any, for seminars or tutorial instruction;

4.4.2

to complete satisfactorily the essays, exercises, practical and project work if any; and

4.4.3

to pass any other examination of the unit of study that may apply.

4.5

All units of study for a particular subject area may not be available every semester.

4.6

The Dean may allow substitution of any unit of study by another unit of study, including units of study from other postgraduate coursework programs in the Faculty or elsewhere in the University.

4.7

The Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) shall be awarded in two grades, namely Pass and, in the case of an outstanding candidate, Pass with Merit.

Enrolment in more/less than minimum load

5.1

A candidate may proceed on either a full-time or a part-time basis.

Cross-institutional study

6.1

Cross institutional study shall not be available to students enrolled in the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science), the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) or the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) except where the University of Sydney has a formal Cooperation Agreement with another University.

Restrictions on enrolment

7.1

Admission to candidature may be limited by a quota.

7.2

In determining the quota, the University will take into account:

7.2.1

availability of resources including space, laboratory and computing facilities; and

7.2.2

availability of adequate and appropriate supervision.

7.3

In considering an application for admission to candidature the Dean shall take account of the quota and will select, in preference, applicants who are most meritorious in terms of section 2 above.

Discontinuation of enrolment

8.1

A student who does not enrol in any semester without first obtaining written permission from the Dean to suspend candidature will be deemed to have discontinued enrolment in the course.

8.2

Students who have discontinued from the course will be required to apply for admission to the course and be subject to admission requirements pertaining at that time.

Suspension of candidature

9.1

A student may seek written permission from the Dean to suspend candidature in the course.

9.2

Suspension may be granted for a maximum of one year.

10.

Re-enrolment after an absence

10.1

A student who plans to re-enrol after a period of suspension must advise the Faculty of Science Office in writing of their intention by no later than the end of October for First Semester of the following year or the end of May for Second Semester of the same year.

11.

Satisfactory progress

11.1

Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) and the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) shall be governed by the rules as follows:

11.1.1

A student who has failed a cumulative total of 12cp at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student's enrolment will be transferred to the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science);

11.1.2

A student who has failed a cumulative total of 18cp at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student’s enrolment will be transferred to the Graduate Certificate in Science (Spatial Information Science).

11.1.3

A student who has failed a cumulative total of 12cp at any stage of enrolment in the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to reenrol.

11.2

A student who has failed a cumulative total of more than 18cp in the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) and/or the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to reenrol.

11.3.1

A student who has failed a unit at the second attempt in the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) and/or the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) will be deemed to have failed to complete course requirements and will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol.

11.3.2

If good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.

12.

Time limit

12.1

A candidate for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum enrolment of one semester and a maximum enrolment of four semesters.

12.2

A candidate for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum enrolment of two semesters and a maximum enrolment of six semesters.

12.3

A candidate for the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum enrolment of two semesters and a maximum enrolment of eight semesters.

13.

Assessment policy

13.1

On completion of the requirements for the course, the Faculty shall determine the results of the candidature.

14.

Credit transfer policy

14.1

Credit is not available in the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) and Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) for postgraduate study which has not been undertaken in these award courses within the previous three years.

14.2

A candidate who has qualified for the award of the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) may transfer, within three years, to the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) and receive credit for up to 24 credit points from the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science).

14.3

A candidate who has qualified for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) may transfer, within three years, to the Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science) and receive credit for up to 36 credit points from the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science).

14.4

A candidate who has completed units of study in the Applied Science program within the previous three years, but has not qualified for an award, may transfer to another award course within the same Applied Science program and receive credit for the units of study completed.

The University of Sydney - Handbooks

28. Spatial Information Science coursework degrees

Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)

Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)

Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)

Course overview

Course outcomes

Spatial Information Science postgraduate coursework degree table

All Degreees: Core Units

Diploma and Masters: Optional Units

Masters: Additional Optional Units

Spatial Information Science unit of study descriptions 2010

Resolutions

Resolutions

Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information ScienceGraduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)

Master of Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)
Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science
Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Spatial Information Science)