PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Programme title: Geospatial Analysis Final award (BSc, MA etc): (where stopping off points exist they should be detailed here and defined later in the document) UCAS code: (where applicable) Cohort(s) to which this programme specification is applicable: (e.g. from 2015 intake onwards) Awarding institution/body: MSc Teaching institution: University College London Faculty: Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences Parent Department: (the department responsible for the administration of the programme) Departmental web page address: (if applicable) UCL Department of Geography Method of study: Full-time/Part-time/Other Full-time/Part-time Criteria for admission to the programme: Upper 2nd class honours degree in a relevant subject such as Geography, Earth or Environmental Science, Geomatics or Oceanography. Applicants with relevant professional experience in spatial analysis and decision support will also be considered. 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time Length of the programme: (please note any periods spent away from UCL, such as study abroad or placements in industry) Level on Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) (see Guidance notes) Relevant subject benchmark statement (SBS) (see Guidance notes) N/A From 2011/2012 intake onwards University College London http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/admissions-and-teaching/postgraduates Level 7 N/A Brief outline of the structure of the programme and its assessment methods: (see guidance notes) Term 1: 4 core modules, each of 15 credits: GIS Principles and Technology (coursework); Mapping Science (exam); Principles of Spatial Analysis (coursework); and Representations, Structures and Algorithms (coursework). Term 2: Choice of 4 modules to value of 60 credits out of the following: Airborne Data Acquisition (coursework); Coastal Change (coursework); Climate Modelling (coursework); Geodemographics & Population Geography (coursework); Geographic Information System Design (coursework); Management/Group Project (coursework); Network & Locational Analysis (coursework); Spatial Decision Support (coursework); Spatio-temporal Analysis & Data Mining (coursework); Surface Water Modelling (coursework); Terrestrial Carbon: Modelling & Monitoring (coursework); and Web & Mobile GIS (coursework). Dissertation with poster presentation and marked components. Board of Examiners: Name of Board of Examiners: Physical Geography MSc Exam Board Professional body accreditation (if applicable): NERC recognition to be applied for at the next available opportunity. Date of next scheduled accreditation visit: EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME: There is a pressing and growing need for scientists who have expertise in one or more domains of environmental modelling and GIS-based spatial analysis and decision support. Such scientists are able to integrate new, highresolution data sets with appropriate analytical tools and computational environments to provide evidence-based, policy-relevant research findings to inform decision-making and policy-making across all sectors of the economy. Such scientists are also ideally placed to help support public understanding of environmental science and its policy relevance. The course combines a rigorous treatment of the theory underlying, and methods of implementing and exploiting, spatial analysis and decision support. The options provide the opportunity to develop expertise in modelling and analysis in one or more areas of environmental science with social and policy dimensions. The MSc provides an ideal foundation for PhD research, or for prospective employment within a wide range of industries, government departments, environmental agencies, and consultancies. PROGRAMME OUTCOMES: The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas: A: Knowledge and understanding Knowledge and understanding of: Teaching/learning methods and strategies: Lectures, practicals and seminars associated with four compulsory courses in term 1 and modules of the student’s choice in term 2. Independent dissertation. Assessment: - - - the principles and nature of geographic data and its representation, including data models and databases spatial analysis methodologies and analytical methods the role of information and analysis in evidence-based decision support computational environments principles of environmental modelling in one or more domains linkages between analysis and modelling in the environmental and social domains and their relevance to policy development climate change policy public understanding of climate change science Students will be assessed through coursework developed around largely lecture and practical-based modules. Coursework will be designed to reflect conceptual understanding as well as the acquisition of the relevant conceptual, analytical and interpretative skills. The dissertation will also assess many of these aspects of knowledge and understanding. B: Skills and other attributes Intellectual (thinking) skills: - an understanding of the theory, methodologies and techniques underlying spatial analysis and decision support - computer-based modelling, including the ability to conceptualise a problem and select appropriate representations, structures and algorithms for use with appropriate computational and analytical frameworks. C: Skills and other attributes Practical skills (able to): - proficiency with scientific computing, including the ability to obtain and manipulate datasets IT skills, including the use of Windows and unix/linux-based GIS and scientific computing environments and sophisticated modelling, analytical and visualisation software Teaching/learning methods and strategies: Laboratory and computer-based practical classes, supported by lectures. Independent dissertation work. Assessment: These elements will be formally assessed through independent project work and practical-based coursework. Furthermore, the dissertation (and the associated oral presentation) will reflect and be judged on the familiarity and quality of these intellectual skills. Teaching/learning methods and strategies: Laboratory and computer-based practical classes, supported by lectures. Assessment: These elements will be formally assessed through practical-based coursework. Furthermore, the dissertation (and the associated oral presentation) will reflect and be judged on the familiarity and quality of these intellectual skills. D: Skills and other attributes Transferable skills (able to): formulate and manage research projects - communication skills (written and oral) - problem solving - independent learning skills - teamwork - Teaching/learning methods and strategies: Teaching/learning methods and strategies: Seminars and associated feed-back Group work during practical classes and in seminar preparation Individual oral presentations Dissertation and associated supervision and guidance Assessment: Embedded in various forms of course assessment, including examination, course work essays and planning and conducting of the dissertation The following reference points were used in designing the programme: the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications: (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf); the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements: (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements); the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable); UCL teaching and learning policies; staff research. Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency. Programme Organiser(s) Dr Paul Densham Name(s): Date of Production: 15 March 2010 Date of Review: October 2015 Date approved by Chair of Departmental Teaching Committee: Date approved by Faculty Teaching Committee October 2015 November 2015