Bachelor of Science (Geographic Information Science)
ObjectivesGeographic information science brings together the disciplines of computing, geography, cartography, environmental science and statistics for the collection, analysis and modelling of spatial data. It is a rapidly developing area, and is used to address problems in an increasing range of applications where location, space and geographic information are important, such as environmental and natural resources management, exploration and mining, land ownership, urban and regional planning, asset management, health planning and demographic marketing. Geographic information science is a dynamic and exciting field dealing with the development and use of geographic information systems. Geographic information systems are powerful computer-based systems designed for spatial data management, web-based mapping, multidimensional representation, and spatial analysis and modelling. This course is one of a small number of degree programs in geographic information science in Australia. Core studies will provide you with a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the structure, development, application, implementation and management of geographic information systems. In your final year you may choose elective units to complement your studies in any appropriate application area such as chemistry, computing science, environmental biology, environmental information science, geography, geology, remote sensing, surveying, cartography and urban and regional studies. Your lectures will be supplemented by laboratory sessions involving practical experience and state-of-the-art software. Fieldtrips will also cement your learning. Flexible learning approaches are a feature of this degree with extensive use of online learning, and partial access to distance education over the Internet.
Entry requirementsOne TEE mathematics subject. Those applying on the basis of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) will be required to meet prerequisites by completing enabling units. This may extend the course duration.
Academic titleBachelor of Science (Geographic Information Science)
Course descriptionBachelor of Science (Geographic Information Science)
BSc(Curtin)
Course CRICOS Code: 010549B
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 3 Years
Introduction
Geographic Information Science (GIS) involves the computer capture, display and analysis of spatial information ranging in scale from local to global. GIS is a fast growing area of applied computing and is a vital tool for environmental and natural resource management and a host of other applications. The three-year course consists of core studies that provide a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the structure, development, application, implementation and management of geographic information systems. In the final year students may choose elective units in any appropriate application area including, but not necessarily restricted to, chemistry, computing science, environmental biology, environmental information science, geography, geology, remote sensing, surveying, cartography and urban and regional studies. Double degree programs in GIS are also available. A GIS degree may be combined with a Bachelor of Commerce (Property), Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology) or a Bachelor of Social Science (Geography). Separate entries are available in the handbook for these courses.
Further Information
Contact the Department of Spatial Sciences. See also Cartography and Surveying.
Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
One TEE Mathematics unit.
Specific Requirements
STAT elements considered for mature-age entry are E and Q. STAT applicants will be required to meet entry prerequisites by completing enabling units. This study may extend the duration of the course. Field excursions are compulsory - students who do not complete this requirement will not have completed the course requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.
Duration and Availability
This course is three years' full-time or equivalent part-time study.
Professional Recognition
Graduates may obtain membership to the Spatial Sciences Institute.
Career Opportunities
Employment prospects are excellent. Jobs range from information technology systems, developers who design and build geographic databases, web-based systems and spatial management analysis tools to professionals who use GIS for providing specialist solutions in a range of environmental, business and development related activities.
Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.
Combined Degree Information
Geographic Information Science may be combined with Applied Geology, Geography, Property.
Course Structure Disclaimer Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.
Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
302318 v.1 Spatial Computations 181 5.0 25.0
305639 v.1 Mathematics 135 4.0 25.0
4536 v.5 Geographic Information Systems 181 4.0 25.0
8920 v.5 Cartographic Statistics 181 5.0 25.0 100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
12449 v.3 Geographic Data Analysis 182 5.0 25.0
301995 v.5 Communication Skills 116 2.0 12.5
302531 v.1 Computer Aided Mapping 182 3.0 12.5
310083 v.3 Geographic Information Systems Programming 182 4.0 25.0
311054 v.1 Mathematics 146 5.0 25.0 100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
11711 v.4 Spatial Analysis 281 5.0 25.0
310045 v.2 Web Mapping 281 4.0 25.0
310078 v.1 Geographic Data Structures 281 3.0 25.0
7073 v.7 Thematic Cartography 281 4.0 25.0 100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
10422 v.3 Photogrammetric Mapping 282 5.0 25.0
10424 v.2 Coordinate and Mapping Systems 282 5.0 25.0
12037 v.4 Spatial Database Systems 282 5.0 25.0
1437 v.5 ** Geography 112 - Global Change 4.0 25.0 100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
10423 v.4 Remote Sensing and Image Processing 281 5.0 25.0
10722 v.4 Geographic Information Systems Management 381 5.0 25.0
310482 v.2 Applications of Global Positioning Systems 381 5.0 25.0
SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0 100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
10721 v.4 Spatial Data Handling 382 5.0 25.0
302527 v.1 Spatial Modelling 382 5.0 25.0
311370 v.1 Spatial Sciences Project 494 5.0 25.0
SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0 100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 3 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
10418 v.2 Plane and Construction Surveying 181 5.0 25.0
10426 v.3 Spatial Business Management 381 5.0 25.0
302321 v.1 Land Planning 386 5.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 3 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
302530 v.2 Spatial Data Processing 182 5.0 25.0
4577 v.5 Electronic Publishing and Evaluation 381 5.0 25.0
** Compulsory field excursion included in this unit
Availability
Year Location Period All* Internal
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y
The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.
*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.
^Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.
#Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.