Geospatial Analysis in the Social and Environmental Sciences

This course provides an introduction to spatial analysis, an important tool for exploring, analysing, modelling and visualising geospatial data. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to investigate and understand spatial patterns resulting from social and physical processes operating on the surface of Earth, such as epidemics, crime and pollution. A variety of software packages will be introduced and used to explore different aspects of spatial analysis. A number of issues inherent to dealing with spatial data, such as the ecological fallacy and modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP), will also be highlighted.

15 points

30 points of 200-level Geography, including GEOG205, or in special cases with approval of the Head of Department.

Web GIS and Geoinformatics

This course builds on GEOG205 Introduction to GIS, delving deeper into the nuts and bolts of how GIS work and advancing students' knowledge and skills in geographic data management, geographic information systems design, geographic information visualisation, and human computer interaction from a geoinformatics perspective. GEOG324 is a technical, largely lab- and project-based course, where students will use a mix of proprietary and open source GIS software to gain advanced skills in GIS, focusing on Web GIS applications. Students will learn how databases are used to store geographic information, and gain practice in the creation of dynamic web maps and Internet-based spatial analysis. There is also a research component to the course in order to ensure students are aware of the research landscape in geographic information science (GIScience) and are able to critically analyse work undertaken in GIScience.

15 points

30 points of 200-level Geography, including GEOG205, or in special cases with approval of the Head of Department. Recommended preparation: COSC121, or equivalent introductory programming course.

Health, Wellbeing and Environment

Human health and wellbeing are profoundly shaped by the environments in which we live. This course examines the influence of the physical, built and social aspects of the environment on health and wellbeing. In addition to gaining increased understanding of health-environment interactions, students will develop skills in tracking environmental exposures and in presenting research findings in both written and oral formats.

15 points

30 points of Geography at 200 level; or 30 points from Science, Arts or Health Sciences.

GEOG322