MSC IN GIS FOR CATCHMENT DYNAMICS AND MANAGEMENT
MODULE SUMMARIES
GEOG5010M Principles of GIS (15 credits)
This module provides an introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS), a rapidly evolving area within business, environment, health, planning and retail environments. This is a largely a theoretical module that provides an essential grounding in the concepts and underpinnings of GIS. We explore topics including spatial data models, data capture, spatial analysis and modelling.
GEOG5020M Using Databases and GIS (15 credits)
This practical module involves an introduction to various database packages and geographical information systems that are very useful for those wishing to undertake social and environmental science research as well as those who want to have an understanding of the application of geotechnology as practitioners. Lectures are used to cover more conceptual issues or methodological steps and associated practical classes allow students to have hands-on experience with a range of proprietary systems including: Microsoft Access, Web-based Interface to Census Interaction Data (WICID), and other web-based data sources such as CASWEB, UKBORDERS and NOMISWEB. Students are introduced to the range of desktop GIS functions including thematic mapping, spatial querying, spatial aggregation, geocoding, buffering, overlay, etc. using MapInfo and Idrisi.
GEOG5040M Using and Adapting Arc GIS (15 credits)
This module will take people with no experience of Arc and teach them how to use Arc to analyse geographical data, and then to program it using a scripting language and a more fully fledged computer language. No computer programming experience is necessary - the course will train you up to a standard suitable for adapting Arc (this course will not make you a 'computer programmer' in the fullest sense - for a more complete programming course see GEOG 5560). By the end you will have a good knowledge of Arc as it comes off the shelf, but also be able to program Arc to do more complex analyses.
GEOG5060M GIS and Environment (15 credits)
In this module students will be introduced to the key concepts concerning the application of GIS to environmental problems; and learn about space-time variability within environmental data and what this means for GIS applications in the field. You will apply GIS software (principally Arc/Info and Idrisi) to the solving of environmental problems; and develop your own environmental applications of GIS.
GEOG5070M Spatial Analysis (15 credits)
In this module you will learn how to perform a broad range of spatial analyses, and how to determine the appropriate approach for a geographical problem, and assess the resources needed to solve it. You will gain practical experience in the application of geographical analysis methods to real problems, as well as a detailed and critical understanding of the theoretical and practical problems involved in spatial analysis. Students develop a broad understanding of the approaches to geographical problems used in industry.
GEOG5400M Issues and Skills for Catchment Dynamics and Management (15 credits)
This module provides an up-to-date overview of catchment problems and management practice. It provides training in skills for professional oral presentations and for written reports for academia and industry. Topical issues are covered including climate change, land management and the latest policy requirements. Visiting speakers from industry are involved with the course and there are visits to flood warning centres and water company premises.
GEOG5410M Water Resource Management (15 credits)
The module provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements for the water industry and catchment planning. This includes discussion of the required engineering principles, management structures and legislation. Subjects such as raw water quality requirements from the catchment (including how land management can be used to improve water quality) and effluent treatment requirements are considered. Drought planning and demand forecasting are also considered, as are urban drainage problems and sustainable urban drainage systems.
GEOG5560M Introduction to Java Programming (15 credits)
This module will take people with no programming experience and teach them how to program computers using a professional computer programming language. By the end you will not only be able to program your own applications, applets and network communications, but you will have an understanding of programming as an industry and a life-style choice. This is a demanding course, but a rewarding one.
GEOG5710M Digital Image Processing for Environmental Remote Sensing (15 credits)
Students gain an understanding of the principles of remote sensing of environment; and of how remote sensing images are structured and stored. You are introduced to approaches to digital image processing for the analysis of remote sensing images of the terrestrial environment; and to digital image processing applications using ERDAS Imagine software. You will learn how output from image processing can be input to geographical information systems.
GEOG5770M Hillslope Hydrology and River Discharge Analysis (15 credits)
This module involves lectures, a fieldclass to a 17th century water garden, computer lab practicals, and a physical soil laboratory practical. The module covers hydrological processes and the practical skills revolving around how to measure hydrological processes. It also provides core skills of river discharge and rainfall analysis techniques, flood modelling and land management impacts on river flow. These are key skills required by environment agencies, water companies and consultancies.
GEOG5810M Discharge, Sediment and Solute Dynamics in River Management (15 credits)
This module explores the key factors that determine the physical and chemical properties of rivers and how these have been influenced through changes in land use and river management. In particular the course covers the following topics:
(a) The impact of agricultural practices on the nitrate and phosphorus content of river water and the impact of this on water quality and river ecology.
(b) Management options available for reducing nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) loss from soil to rivers.
(c) River channel change and adjustment following (i) tectonic, climate and eustatic changes and (ii) anthropogenic changes.
(d) The success of river management projects: technical and social issues.
The course also includes a one day fieldtrip to Elsalck Reservoirs, near Skipton, which has water quality problems associated with high levels of turbidity, aluminium and manganese following storms. The field trip gives you an opportunity to collect water samples, analyse them for a range of chemical parameters in the School of Geography Laboratories and write a report on the data analysis.
GEOG5950M Dissertation for Catchment Dynamics and Management (60 credits)
Students follow an individual programme of original research under the guidance of a staff member appointed as their supervisor. Students identify and critically review the literature relevant to their research programme; they identify and apply the conceptual understandings and practical research skills necessary for the thorough and coherent exploration of their chosen topic; they locate their own original investigations within the wider current developments in contemporary geographical research. They prepare academic journal papers for submission, and succinctly and appropriately communicate their research findings.
GEOG5830M Environmental Assessment (15 credits)
This module aims to: (a) provide a vocationally oriented introduction to the principles and practice of environmental assessment (EA); (b) develop an awareness of the historical development of EA, its scope, processes and techniques, and current legislation (principally EU / UK); and (c) provide an integrating framework for knowledge and skills gained elsewhere. A broad range of environmental and sustainability assessment tools will be explored, including those in common usage (e.g., SEA, environmental risk assessment, life cycle assessment) as well as more recent developments in the field (e.g., health impact assessment, environmental equity appraisal). The course draws on case studies that address a wide variety of impact types (on air, water, etc) and development activities (e.g.. water resource management, transport planning, infrastructure development).
GEOG5840M Work Placement for Catchment Dynamics and Management (15 credits)
This modules provides an ideal opportunity to gain experience of applied projects with organisations that match your career ambitions. Individual projects are done with suitable organisations in which you can apply your existing skills and gain new ones in a workplace environment. The projects can be tailored to your needs and the needs of your chosen organisation.
GEOG5940M River Ecosystems (15 credits)
With the introduction of the recent EU Water Framework Directive, improving and maintaining the ecological status of surface waters has become a high priority. This module gives students a research level introduction to natural River Ecosystems, focusing predominantly on four dimensions of study: (1) temporal variability; (2) lateral processes linking terrestrial-aquatic systems; (3) longitudinal patterns and processes from headwaters to lowlands, and; (4) vertical patterns and processes (groundwater-surface water interactions). This module also provides students with an opportunity to apply understanding from earlier lectures by producing an assessed essay, and undertaking a data analysis practical. The data analysis practical provides an opportunity to develop sought after statistical skills by gaining experience of using multivariate ordination techniques (CANOCO) alongside more common techniques (e.g., ANOVA, Regression) to examine species-habitat relationships.
SOEE5425M Groundwater Modelling (15 credits)
This module is designed to give the student an understanding and practical experience of modelling groundwater flow and contaminant transport in the subsurface. Modelling software used includes Winflow and Wintran (simple 2D groundwater flow and transport), Groundwater Vistas and Modflow which has been designated as an industry standard by the Environment Agency and RAM (risk assessment software) that is commonly used in industry. The student learns to use the software through case studies and practical exercises.
