Module manager: Clare Gordon
Email: C.E.Gordon@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
GIS (geographic information systems) software is widely used by many consultancy companies and others, for environmental mapping and modelling. This module aims to provide students with skills in the analysis and presentation of spatial data through training in the use of GIS. An understanding of the principles behind GIS will link with experience in using GIS software to produce maps related to environmental subjects. The skills learnt will be applicable to projects in the future, such as the final year dissertation.
This module provides skills in the analysis and presentation of spatial data with GIS. This module aims to:
- Provide students with a background in the key concepts of spatial data and GIS, enabling further - exploration in the future, e.g. in a dissertation or employment.
- Provide practical experience in the use of GIS software to analyse a range of spatial data for applications in the geosciences.
- Develop an awareness of the principles and skills to present scientific spatial data as maps.
- Demonstrate understanding of a range of environmental data sources, including specific problems and issues relating to data quality and spatial data models.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
SSLO1: Apply the theory and concepts of GIS to a range of problems within the geosciences.
SSLO2: Apply knowledge of GIS applications to process spatial data effectively in preparation for analysis and presentation.
SSLO3: Apply relevant analysis tools to data to produce the required outcome.
SSLO4: An awareness of the presentation of spatial data to an audience in the form of a map or maps.
SSLO5: An understanding of the specific problems and issues relating to data quality, spatial data models and methods of analysis.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
Academic skills:
- SKLO1 - AS3: Presentation skills
- SKLO2 - AS7: Information searching
Work ready skills:
- SKLO3 - WR6: Problem solving and analytical skills
- SKLO4 - WR5: Technical / IT skills
- SKLO5 - WR2: Communication
- SKLO6 - WR13: Active learning
- SKLO7 - WR10: Critical thinking
- SKLO8 -WR18: Research
Digital skills:
- SKLO9 - DS1: Digital proficiency and productivity
- SKLO10 - DS2: Information, data and media literacies
- SKLO11 - DS3: Digital creation, problem-solving and innovation
- SKLO12 - DS5: Digital learning and development
Technical skills:
- SKLO13 - TS: Applying GIS techniques to area of study
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Practical | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Private study hours | 67 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 33 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Continuous verbal feedback will be provided throughout the semester in the practical sessions. More formal written feedback will be given part way through the semester on a formative assignment, and at the end for a summative assignment.
Formative assignment part of the way through the semester – to give students an opportunity to practice essential basic GIS skills in an environment where getting them wrong doesn’t lead to losing marks but to an opportunity to learn further.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team