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Unit of study_

OLET2612: GIS: Thinking Spatially

Intensive August, 2021 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Rapid advances in space and aerial-borne remotely sensed technologies and the proliferation of geo- referenced data, through location-enabled devices, have dramatically transformed the way geographic information is produced and shared. This presents exciting opportunities for exploring geographical pattern in environmental and social landscapes. This growing 'geocyberspace' of information comprises diverse aspects of society and the environment. As this information is often utilised in understanding processes and addressing critical social and environmental problems there is an increased demand for modelling and advanced analysis approaches that handle geospatial data. This unit will provide the conceptual background to more advanced GIS analysis applications and spatial reasoning methods in the context of contemporary environmental and social issues. The course is designed to provide an introduction to spatial analysis techniques available within a GIS environment, explore a diversity of both social, health, business and environmental applications. In addition the unit aims to address key issues currently emerging from GIS applications including spatial data analytics, techniques for managing data uncertainty, GIS ethics and participatory GIS.

Unit details and rules

Unit code OLET2612
Academic unit Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points 2
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

It is assumed students already have an understanding of basic GIS concepts and analysis methods which can be acquired through OLEO1609 GIS: Geographic Information Systems (0 cp).

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Eleanor Bruce, eleanor.bruce@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Mapping the impact of projected sea level rise on coastal mangrove ecosystems
Written assessment
35% -
Due date: 07 Sep 2020 at 23:59
~500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Tutorial quiz Spatial Interpolation Quiz
Canvas quiz (Module 1)
25% Week 01 25 questions (Ocp OLE)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO2
Tutorial quiz Online Quiz: Pattern Analysis
Quiz
10% Week 02 ~ 30 minutes (unlimited time)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Online task Online Quiz: privacy, access and ethics
Quiz
15% Week 04 ~ 30 minutes (unlimited time)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO6
Online task Online Quiz: mapping uncertainty
Quiz
15% Week 06
Due date: 28 Aug 2020 at 23:59
~ 30 minutes (unlimited time)
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO7 LO6 LO5

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Online practicals Self-paced content Online class (10 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 02 Online practicals Self-paced content Online class (10 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO8
Week 03 Online practicals Self-paced content Online class (15 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 04 Online practicals Self-paced content Online class (15 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance at the weekly in-person workshops is optional but highly recommended, as these sessions provide an
opportunity to discuss issues and resolve any questions you may have relating to analytical concepts and the practical exercises.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 2 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 40-50 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. recognise the role of spatial analysis in understanding pattern in social and environmental landscapes, business systems, and health
  • LO2. construct spatial data sets including interpolation of continuous variables
  • LO3. apply advanced geospatial data analytics
  • LO4. understand geospatial data structures and the importance of design in database construction
  • LO5. understand the importance of spatio-temporal scale
  • LO6. demonstrate an ability to evaluate and understand the implications of data uncertainty in geographical analysis
  • LO7. adopt principles of geographical reasoning and analysis in resolving complex social and environmental problems
  • LO8. reflect on how the outcomes of spatial models can inform decision making and influence policy, and consider ethical issues associated with geospatial data.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Revisions have been made in response to student feedback.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.