Graduate Diploma in Geographical Information Systems
ObjectivesThe Graduate Diploma in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and application of GIS and remote sensing and is intended for students with an undergraduate degree that is not related to studies in GIS. It provides a theoretical and practical framework for graduates from a range of backgrounds, as well as those from the public sector and non-government organisations wishing to extend their choice of career path by acquiring knowledge and skills in the capture, synthesis and communication of spatially-referenced information. Students will learn skills which are applicable to a range of areas such as urban and regional planning, infrastructure management, transportation, the environment, biological sciences, biodiversity management and archaeology. Learning outcomes Students who successfully complete the graduate diploma will be able to: * practice advanced skills in GIS analysis in a variety of areas as well as discuss and interpret more complex spatial information theory and methodologies; * demonstrate an in-depth understanding of vector and raster GIS structures, relational databases, geodatabases, data input, data editing and raster interpolation methods; * practice multispectral image interpretation and analysis through a range of geometric and radiometric enhancement techniques, image arithmetic and data fusion; * extract useful information from remotely sensed data through a range of multispectral transformations, band ratios, and classification methodologies; and * demonstrate the practical application and analysis of GIS and remotely sensed data through the implementation of project work.
Entry requirementsApplicants will normally hold either the Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems or an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. Admission may also be granted based on prior work and voluntary experience. This must include four years of industry experience. Admission will be based on the extent to which work or voluntary experience has enabled the applicant to develop an understanding of Geographical Information Systems and or familiarity with software applications, databases or statistics. Applicants who wish to be admitted on this basis will need to provide: * curriculum vitae; * description of the roles and activities in work or voluntary positions; * description of the skills and abilities demonstrated through their work/voluntary experience; and * name(s) of referee(s) who could verify work/voluntary experience. Assessment of the work or voluntary experience will be undertaken by the Chair of the Course Management Committee. The Faculty Board may admit others who can demonstrate fitness for candidature. The Graduate Diploma in GIS is not available to graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Geographical Information Systems or of equivalent undergraduate courses from other tertiary institutions.
Academic titleGraduate Diploma in Geographical Information Systems
Course descriptionThe Graduate Diploma in Geographical Information Systems is a 36-unit program which forms part of the Graduate Program in Geographical Information Systems offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The course is offered on a full fee-paying basis and normally is completed in two semesters full-time or six semesters part-time.
It articulates with the 18-unit Graduate Certificate Geographical Information Systems.
PROGRAM OF STUDY [January, 2009]
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in GIS students must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better from the following list of optional topics. Student choice will be confined by individual topic prerequisites.
A student's program must be approved by the program approver.
GEOG8008
Geographical Information Systems (S1&S2)
6
GEOG7019
Research Project Design, Conduct and Management (S1&S2)
6
GEOG8009
GIS Modelling (S1)
6
GEOG8010
Introduction to Remote Sensing (S1)
6
GEOG8003
Advanced Digital Image Analysis (S1)
6
GEOG9012
GIS for Analysis and Management (S2)
6
GEOG8004
Image Analysis in Remote Sensing (S2)
6
GEOG8007
GIS and RS Field Camp (S2)
6
GEOG8006
Research Project in GIS (S1&S2)
6
GEOG8005
GIS Research Project
12
Note: up to 12 units from other topics may be taken with the approval of the course coordinator.
Except with the permission of the Faculty Board:
* a student may not include a topic (as credit or otherwise) which repeats work previously undertaken at the undergraduate level.
The course is assessed through a varying combination of individual essays and assignments, group project work, computer and individual and group presentations.