BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION (HGISEO)
| Module Code | Module Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HGISEO100 | Geographic Thought & Practice | This module introduces students to theory and practice in geography, focusing in particular on relationships between geographical concepts and the practices of geographic science. Students are exposed to a full range of geographic concepts with the aim of improving their ability to develop and clarify research questions in geographical sciences, develop scientific writing skills and help them to design fieldwork, collect data and analyze it. In addition, the module focuses on the history of geographical thought and understanding of how these historical developments have influenced geographic methods. The last section of the module provides students with an understanding of the impacts of key global environmental changes occurring in different parts of the world. |
| HGISEO101 | Geographic Information Science | The module introduces students to the principles and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Principles covered in this include: map projections, GPS, spatial representation, visualization and spatial analysis. The theoretical concepts presented in lectures provide knowledge needed to use GIS software effectively and correctly while laboratory exercises are meant to familiarize students with GIS software. |
| HGISEO102 | Geographical Data Analysis | Understanding of Spatial Data is critical in providing scholars and researchers, decision makers, and citizens with a powerful analytical framework for spatial pattern recognition, decision making, and data mining/exploration. However, it might be impossible and not prudent to do a complete census or study the whole population of interest but to invest in a sample. The accompanying method used for sampling, collecting and then analysing the data all depends on the type and nature of the data collected. The module will help the student understand the methods used to analyse data, the nature of the data and then apply the correct statistical method to make a sound conclusion from a subset of the data. The goal of statistical data analysis is for students to be able to select the correct statistical model to apply to sampled data and then make learned inference for the whole population. |
| HGISEO103 | Spatial Statistics | All geographic data have a spatial element to them. For example, crimes are committed at a location and diseases and species are distributed unevenly across space. Conventional procedures of data analysis do not make use of this important spatial information and this tends to limit our understanding of processes operating in space and time. The primary goal of this module is to teach students the theory and practical applications of spatial statistics. In this course, different methods for exploring and analysing spatial patterns are explained using different worked examples drawn from a wide range of spatial data sets. Three types of spatial data will be covered: point patterns, regional/area-referenced (lattice) data and spatial data coming from measurements of continuous processes (geostatistical data). The target students are those interested in pursuing careers in Geographic information science applications and who wish to understand the processes generating spatial patterns observed in nature and society. |
| HGISEO104 | Remote Sensing | This module introduces students to the principles of remote sensing and image processing and their applications in natural resource management, agriculture and vegetation assessments. It details the science and applications of remote Sensing. Further, the course describes the principles of image interpretation and classification. |
| HGISEO105 | Environmental Science | Understanding our environment and its interaction with humans is important in enhancing our ability to respond to global environmental change. This module builds on scientific principles, methods and concepts in understanding environmental problems both natural and human-made, and it also enables students to evaluate and examine alternative solutions for managing or preventing environmental problems. It also focuses on methods used to detect and analyze environmental problems. |
| HGISEO106 |
Environmental Systems Analysis |
Environmental Systems Analysis tries ways to apply technology systems solutions to environmental problems. Environmental systems analysis creates frameworks for analysis, methods, and tools that can be applied to a variety fields. The primary goal of this module is to teach students environmental systems analysis. The target students are those interested in pursuing careers in Geographic information science applications. The module will use computer-based laboratory exercises to complement and reinforce theoretical concepts from the lectures and cover application of skills to different case studies. |
| HGISEO107 |
Natural Hazards and Society |
This module examines the different types of natural hazards in the environment and their impact on society. Emphasis will be placed on their spatial distribution, the risks that they present to society and the various methods of mitigation and response. The primary objective is to understand and appreciate the impact of extreme natural events and develop methods of monitoring and predicting these events. Focus will also be on the use of technology in natural hazard risk and vulnerability assessment. |
| HGISEO200 | Research methods for Spatial Scientists | Methods of conducting scientific research are central to the application of the scientific methods to understanding how the real world works. The primary goal of this course is to teach students how do conduct scientific research and communicate the results to the wider audience so that the new knowledge can be applied. All students must complete this course. The technical knowledge and skills to be acquired in this course enhance the competency of graduates interested in pursuing careers as Geo-information scientists, Geospatial Analysts, Spatial Ecologists, Remote Sensing Scientists, Geodatabase Managers, Geo-intelligence Specialists in government, the private sector and development agencies. |
| HGISEO201 | Global Navigation Satellite Systems | This course is an introduction to the Global Positioning System and its applications in different areas. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use and processing of these data within GIS. The course provides an in-depth overview of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and its growth. The course provides a description of the NAVSTAR constellation and the various types of augmented GPS systems including international GPS systems such as Galileo and GLONASS. In this course, emphasis is placed on understanding GPS use, sources of GPS error and their correction, characteristics of GPS signals as well as practical applications of GPS. |
| HGISEO202 | Computer Programming for GIS | Knowledge of a computer programming is critical in spatial analysis especially in the development of new GIS functions and tools which might not be readily available in existing GIS application software. The primary goal of this module is to teach students on the development of GIS programs for the automation of Geo-processing functions and image processing. |
| HGISEO203 | Environmental Impact Assessment | The module focuses on the principles and application of GIS and Remote sensing and other spatial technologies in the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) of human activities. The module has a field work component culminating in the submission of an ESIA report. The field trip will provide a location for studying the biophysical impact and human society dimension of the environment. The course equips students with practical application of ESIA principles, techniques and methods as an environmental planning management tool. |
| HGISEO204 | Geodatabase Design and Management | Geo-Spatial databases are ideal for storing and managing geospatial data as they make access to data easy, filterable, and comparable making them important decision support tools. The primary goal of this module is to teach students on how spatial databases are designed with the aim of improving the quality of decision making. The target students are those interested in pursuing careers in the application of GIS in research, government, policy makers, the private sector and development agencies. |
| HGISEO205 | Web GIS | Geographical Information is now being made available on the web. In this regard, web design and Web GIS are becoming invaluable in the field of Geoinformation Science. This course trains students to design and apply Web GIS. |
| HGISEO206 | Unmanned Aerial Systems | The module focuses on the general principles and state of the art use of unmanned aerial systems for collecting high resolution earth observation data. The module is relevant to areas such disaster management, emergency response and vegetation and environmental analysis. |
| HGISEO207 | Remote Sensing and Image Processing | Remotes sensing is an integral part of understanding the earth system. In this regard, understanding and developing methods of extracting data and processing it into information from various remotely sensed images is critical. The module will stress an understanding of different algorithms at both theoretical and practical levels, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. This module teaches students in understanding image processing algorithms that lead to understanding of different land cover types, as well as different spectral features in remotely sensed imagery. |
| HGISEO380/HGISEO370 | Industrial Attachment/Industrial Project | This module allows students to apply knowledge gained in the first two years at a relevant institution to acquire geospatial skills and or competences in earth observation. The main objectives of the module are: to help the student to put into practice the basic experimental and theoretical skills which were learnt; to provide exposure to and experience of the industrial environment; and to embark, if possible, on a research project under the joint supervision of a member from the department and a member of the training institution. The Industrial attachment will be assessed jointly by the industrial supervisor and the academic supervisor as well as by written reports submitted by the student. |
| HGISEO470 | Dissertation Project | Students are required to do independent investigations of selected problems pertaining to dissertation. The dissertation is a core course commencing in the first semester of level four and students must pass the dissertation to graduate. Generally, research proposals originate from the student or Departmental research groups. The dissertation involves systematic collection of data relevant to the problem under investigation followed by appropriate analysis and interpretation. Purely theoretical or applied work leading to development of innovative solutions and or customized geo-applications is encouraged. A written report must be submitted by a specified deadline for assessment. |
| HGISE400 | GIS and Remote Sensing Applications in Agriculture | This module provides an overview of principles and applications of remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and global positioning system (GPS) technologies in the agricultural sector. In addition, the course provides hands-on experience in crop yield estimation, crop condition monitoring and precision farming |
| HGISE401 | Geospatial Health | Often researchers and decision makers want to know whether a disease incidence is abnormally high in a geographical region, or associated with some source of environmental risk. All geographic data have a spatial element to them. This module covers conventional procedures of spatial data analysis do not make use of this important spatial information and this tends to limit our understanding of processes operating in space and time. |
| HGISE405 | GIS and Remote Sensing for Natural Disaster Management | GIS and remote sensing are very useful and effective tools in natural hazard monitoring and disaster management. This module will introduce students to the various natural hazards and how they can be monitored and analyzed using GIS and RS. Spatial data are perfectly suited to studying, identifying, characterizing and monitoring natural hazards. Remote sensing and GIS are becoming mainstream technologies, being applied in many organizations and work processes with a geographical orientation. Remote sensing images are used for identifying and characterizing different natural hazards and their controlling factors. Digital image processing techniques as well as more advanced remote sensing approaches (e.g. radar, laser scanning) will also be considered. Digital terrain modelling provides terrain parameters to support hazard identification and to serve as input for landslide and erosion modelling. |
| HGISEO403 | Geoapplication Development | Programming and scripting is important for the automation of GIS tasks and development of customized geo-applications. This module focuses on the design and creation of specialized geo-applications for various users of geographic data and clients. Students will learn how to write algorithms, automate GIS tasks, design and implement geospatial applications and services with an emphasis of using free open source software tools and mobile computer technologies. |
| HGISEO404 | Forest Carbon Management and Modelling | Forests are a major component of the global carbon cycle and play an important role in maintaining global climate. In light of climate change it becomes important to monitor forest carbon to allow quantification of carbon stocks and changes in order to keep track of GHG gases. The module teaches students on a range of techniques for estimating, mapping and modelling of forest carbon. The target students are those interested in pursuing careers in global and regional environmental management in government, the private sector and development agencies. |
| HGISEO406 | Spatial Ecology and Wildlife | Spatial approaches are increasingly of interest to the conservation and management of wildlife. Spatial ecology concepts and spatial analysis contribute to an increased understanding of spatio-temporal dynamics of wildlife populations, which is essential in developing novel spatial approaches to wildlife management. In this module students examine the role of spatial ecology in wildlife management. |
| HGISEO407 | GIS for Asset and Infrastructure Management | Managing and monitoring infrastructure assets such as water, wastewater, road, bridges, fires and other utilities and natural occurrences is now increasingly being done by GIS powered Applications which are powerful, affordable and easier to use for service providers looking for utility asset management solutions. This course demonstrates the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with asset and infrastructure management applications. Proper GIS database provides crucial planning input for infrastructure planning, land-use planning, environmental planning, slum development planning, local economic development, livelihood support and planning related to health and education. GIS database provides invaluable inputs not only for planning of infrastructure such as road, sewerage and drinking water, but also helps manage important services to various stakeholders. All the above planning components are interlinked with each other and the visualisation, storage, analysis and usage of Spatial Data can be efficiently optimised through the usage of mobile application and web applications. |
| HGISEO402 | Hydrology and Water Resources Management | Water resources management considers how water should be managed by considering the multiple viewpoints and factors that need to be taken account of when making decisions and taking actions and applying the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) . The aim of this module will be to examine the structural and non - structural components of water resources management and to cover the various techniques and measures available. The course places an emphasis on the economics of water and water resources and policy perspectives). The target students are those interested in pursuing careers in technical, managerial and organisational aspects of making water resources available for a variety of uses. |