PgDip/MSc Environmental Management and GIS DL PT (Not starting until September 2017)

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1 PgDip/MSc Environmental and GIS DL PT (Not starting until September 2017) Combines environmental management skills with GIS skills. Students resident in UK & Ireland provided with free student copy of ESRI ArcGIS software. Summary The PgDip/MSc programme in Environmental and GIS aims to provide an advanced education in Environmental, with a strong emphasis on teaching the concepts and methods for analysing spatial environmental data which are encapsulated within Geographic Information Systems. The course aims to teach students the principles and practice of environmental management within the contexts of biodiversity management and the contribution of empirical and case study scientific research, as well as fostering advanced knowledge and skills in the manipulation and analysis of spatial environmental data. About this Course It aims to teach how environmental management tools, such as site conservation planning and environmental management systems, together with the data, tools and techniques of GIS, are applied in making knowledge-based decisions on managing the environment. This is considered in the context of environmental legislative/policy frameworks within which industry, government and voluntary bodies work. Specific objectives are to: Understand the importance of evidence -based approach to environmental policy and strategic decision-making Apply quantitative techniques to assess the effects of environmental management Apply structured planning principles to site biodiversity management and ecosystem restoration Use GIS as a framework for collating, manipulating and managing spatial data relating to the environment Undertake analysis and modeling of environmental problems using GIS approaches Appreciate and address the impacts of scale and zoning on spatial data analysis Students resident in the UK and Ireland will be provided with a student copy of Esri ArcGIS software free of charge. To take this course, you will need access to a computer with a fast internet connection. The course uses the Blackboard learning environment and the modules are delivered using online lectures, including practical and tutorial material. Students and staff interact via , discussion boards, online chat and telephone. You will find that this course is much more flexible than traditional on-campus university courses as you can study using your own computer and the internet, at your own pace, any place and any time (within given timeframes).

2 Entry Requirements Entry to the PgDip: You must hold a degree in a science or other suitable discipline or demonstrate your ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Entry to the MSc: You initially register for the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) and if you complete the PgDip with an overall mark of 50% or higher can proceed to the MSc programme. English Language Requirements English language requirements for international applicants The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement. Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores. Modular Structure Code Title Summary EGM711 EGM712 Principles of GIS Spatial Data This module introduces the theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems, and is intended to provide an understanding of the breadth of potential GIS applications and to equip students with key concepts and skills relating to the input, management, manipulation, analysis and output of spatial data. Lecture-based teaching of key concepts is reinforced by linked practical exercises which allow students to develop competence in ESRI s ArcGIS package. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of GIS. This module builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained in EGM711 to provide students with further experience in the acquisition, manipulation and analysis of spatial data. Methods for generating and collecting digital spatial data from primary and secondary sources are considered, and data processing, selection, integration and analysis extensively practiced. Lecture and practical sessions include digitising, georegistration, GPS, accessing and using secondary sources, spatial join and overlay, network analysis and 3D modelling, and incorporate experience of a variety of large and small scale vector and raster datasets. The module also incorporates practice in statistical analysis and interpretation. Development of GIS software skills focuses on ArcGIS and extensions.

3 EGM801 EGM821 EGM716 EGM721 EGM815 Biodiversity Pollution Monitoring Spatial Analysis GIS for Environmental Environmental Project Biodiversity managers make decisions based on understanding ecosystems and by applying ecological principles to achieve their objectives. This module covers key scientific topics, which are crucial for developing effective biodiversity management plans in different ecosystems. It exemplifies how ecologicalsocial-economic factors interact to influence our ability to conserve and manage biodiversity. This module provides the knowledge and skills necessary to monitor pollution of the environment. The topics included are: the key elements of the monitoring programmes for air, water and land; sample collection; chemical methods of analysis, including quality assurance; biological methods of analysis, including toxicity tests and bio-assessment; use of environmental models; statistics, data analysis and assessing compliance and; critical loads. The student gains experience through lectures, supporting documents, directed reading and practicals. This module builds on the introductory material of EGM711 and EGM712, covering key concepts of spatial data analysis and modelling, and providing extensive practical experience of ESDA and spatial modelling within a GIS environment. This module examines the application of GIS to environmental management, modelling and impact assessment. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for properly researched information to support strategic and operational environmental management decisions, and to be aware of the means by which such information can be obtained and evaluated. This module provides the opportunity for the student to demonstrate the skills acquired during the course, in the form of a final project. The project is presented in the form of a scientific paper on an area agreed with the student s supervisor. Attendance Fully online - part-time by distance learning. You do not need to visit Ulster at any stage to successfully complete this course. The Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) Environmental with GIS and the Master of Science (MSc) Environmental with GIS are linked courses.

4 You must successfully complete the PgDip (120 credit points) before transferring to the MSc (a further 60 credit points), i.e.to get the full MSc you complete 180 credit points in total. The six taught modules which constitute the Postgraduate Diploma are taken over two years (4 semesters). For the MSc an additional two semesters are required to complete the project module i.e. three years in total part-time. (6 semesters) Start Date 25th September 2017 How to Apply Apply online by clicking the link Teaching, Learning and Assessment Assessment is 100% by course work (no sessional examinations); a mixture of methods including practical reports, problem analysis, projects, literature reviews and essays, class tests, group work and a research project. Students are able to use the University's extensive online resources of electronic journals, books and databases. Career Options The majority of students on the course are already working in industry or public services and taking the course has helped them to gain promotion and/or change careers as a result of their new skills. Key skills which will be developed are: Biodiversity management plans and site restoration design Ecological monitoring Environmental management systems Research analysis and data interpretation techniques, processing, analysis, interpretation and presentation of geo-spatial data Operation and use of Geographic Information Systems Professional Recognition Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership.

5 Contact Details School of Geography and Environmental Sciences Dr Paul McKenzie (Course Director) tel: +44 (0)