MSc Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction / Course details

There are no prerequisites. However, absolute beginners who are interested in ArcGIS training are not encouraged to take the unit. All University-registered students can access ESRI training materials for independent study. For more information please contact the School’s GIS & Remote Sensing Officer.

The unit is divided into four blocks. The following is an indicative outline of course contents. Course contents are subject to modification and will be confirmed at the start of the unit.

Block 1 is a non-assessed orientation. It provides an introduction to the key theoretical and practical foundations for the rest of the unit. This block is formatively assessed with an opportunity for students to submit work via the online submission system and receive feedback to assist with preparation for the subsequent assessed practicals.

Block 2 is the first assessed block. It provides the theoretical and practical foundations for carrying out spatial analysis of environmental applications using GIS. It is delivered through lectures and practicals with one practical surgery. The block also has staff-directed reading. 

Block 3 is an introduction to the automation of GIS-based analysis and data interrogation/manipulation. 

Block 4 is about applying the knowledge and skills gained through a project centred on an environmental topic. Most students work on a set scenario, though an alternative project can be agreed with the unit leader. Block 4 provides the opportunity to apply and further extend the theoretical grounding and practical skills covered in taught classes. Guidance on developing & designing a GIS project is provided and an introduction to the set scenario. Consultation sessions (progress meetings) and practical surgeries are used in order to encourage a staged approach to the design and delivery of the project work.

• There are 3 hours per week of timetabled sessions with a mix of lectures and practicals in computer labs. Lectures include some Q&A elements with small tasks to re-enforce learning of key ideas. Practicals have supporting workbooks which can be completed as private study following scheduled classes, as required. Assessment questions are included in the workbooks for Assignment 1. In some weeks timetabled slots may be optional, e.g. practical surgeries or allocated for progress meetings. Otherwise attendance is required. In slots allocated to progress meetings contact time with the lecturer/demonstrator is not for the full session.
• Additional opportunities for assistance and clarification are available throughout the semester through regular office consultation hours. These are open drop-in sessions.
• The unit is supported by a Blackboard e-learning site through which students can obtain copies of presentations, practical handouts and data. Reading lists and materials for further independent work are also provided through the Blackboard e-learning site.
• Teaching in 2022-23 will use ArcGIS Pro version 3.0 (latest release)
• The course is normally delivered entirely within a suitable computer laboratory.
• It is strongly advised that students wishing to take this unit have access to a suitable Windows -based computer for private study. All students have free access to installation software for home use, but the software is only available for Windows 10 operating systems. ArcGIS Pro software is not available for Mac OS X. To check that your personal computer meets the minimum hardware and software requirements, see https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/get-started/arcgis-pro-system-requirements.htm. Please contact Gail.Millin-Chalabi@manchester.ac.uk if you have any questions about hardware or software requirements. In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to make alternative arrangements for software access.

An understanding of key GIS and spatial analysis principles (normally including spatial interpolation, density estimation, distance functions and overlay using multi-criteria techniques); an appreciation of the principles and methods associated with automating GIS tasks; knowledge of a range of environmental applications of GIS; knowledge of GIS project design

Skills in handling and applying technical concepts; skills in critical assessment and evaluation of GIS data, analysis and results; enhanced skills in spatial thinking; research skills.

Extended practical skills in GIS; skills in importing a range of geospatial data from external repositories; enhanced abilities to prepare and deliver a GIS analysis project, including producing and delivering map outputs, geospatial metadata and GIS logic charts.

Experience of communicating and expressing geographical ideas and results in written and visual (map-based) form, report-writing and spatial data handling and management.

No

Feedback is available through staff consultation hours and informal Q&A within class. Formal feedback is also provided on coursework assignments using Black Board and Turnitin.

• F1: Verbal feedback, individual marks and written comments (Week 4)
• A1: Verbal feedback, individual marks and written comments (Week 9)
• A2: Individual marks and written comments (start of Feb 2022)

Two text books cover core themes which are supplemented by additional reading through the course.

Heywood, I., Cornelius, S. & Carver, S. (2011) An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, Fourth Edition, Prentice Hall : Harlow. 

Longley, P. A. Goodchild, M. F. Maguire, D. J. and Rhind, D. W. (2015) Geographic Information Science and Systems, John Wiley and Sons: Chichester Fourth Edition.

Reading Lists should normally be managed through the JRUL 'Link2Lists' facility. This field will generically contain the URL address for the 'Link2Lists' facility, but you can amend this as you wish (either entering a different URL in this field, to the specific reading list for the course unit), or by entering supplementary free text details of the reading list.
It is although advised that the 'Link2Lists' functionality is utilised as standard.