Module manager: Dr Francesca Pontin
Email: f.l.pontin@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| COMP5712M | Programming for Data Science |
| GEOG5003M | Programming for Geographical Information Analysis |
| GEOG5990M | Programming for Geographical Information Analysis: Core Skil |
Students previously took COMP5712. This new module will replace that as their core module
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module provides foundation level skills in computer programming with Python, software development, and spatial data visualisation. It assumes no prior programming experience and will provide the key skills and experience that are required to produce computer-based applications in a spatial context. The module is taught through a series of lectures and supervised hands-on sessions.
This module seeks to:
- Introduce the fundamental skills of Python programming and software system development, including programming fundamentals, spatial data manipulation, visualisation, and mapping.
- Enable students to feel confident in programming, by gaining knowledge of the main tools and libraries used by spatial data scientists and through learning how to identify and find solutions to problems in a self-directed way.
- Develop a clear understanding of how to conduct reproducable scientific analyses through software development.
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
1- Create, build, and test computer programs in Python in a supported lab class
2- Independently demonstrate reproducible software development through: the production of well documented source code, software testing, version control, and the production of user documentation
3- Evaluate their programming and visualisation skills across a range of spatial data science topics
4- Identify suitable data sources for spatial data science applications, with an understanding of issues around bias, representation, scale and relevant ethical implications.
Skills Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
5- Demonstrate digital creation, problem solving, and innovation skills through application of Python programming (digital creation, problem-solving, creativity and innovation)
6- Critically analyse spatial data approaches to ensure robust academic and industry research. (critical thinking, strategic practice, research )
7- Use creativity, innovation, and reflection in communicating data visualisations for a range of audiences. (effective communication, information technology)
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Practical | 9 | 2 | 18 |
| Private study hours | 123 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 27 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Student progress will be monitored through formative practical tasks in workshops and by email and through normal requests for help during open office hours. In the workshops, the students are to follow a detailed set of detailed instructions with exercises and quizzes to learn how to read, test, document and develop program source code and develop their awareness of good practice. Feedback will be provided before the second assignment deadline in order for students to learn and adapt from this.
The module leader will also be on hand to provide support (email / Teams / discussion board / etc) during the teaching weeks, in advance of assessment. Whilst not directly formative assessment, this will ensure that the students receive feedback / support on matters of need.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 30 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 26/02/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team