NWI-MB021B
Geographic Information Systems
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleNWI-MB021B
Credits (ECTS)6
Category-
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Science; BioWetenschappen;
Lecturer(s)
PreviousNext 1
Lecturer
dr. G.W. Geerling
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. R. Oldenkamp
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
prof. dr. A.M.J. Ragas
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
prof. dr. A.M.J. Ragas
Other course modules lecturer
Coordinator
prof. dr. A.M.J. Ragas
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2018
Period
KW2  (05/11/2018 to 27/01/2019)
Starting block
KW2
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesYes
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listYes
Placement procedure-
Aims
The student can apply GIS concepts and technologies to analyse spatial problems in biology and the environmental sciences.
Content
GIS is an instrument (often a software package) that is used to study and analyse spatial data. Some of the major issues facing society today have a geographical component. This explains why GIS is used for a wide variety of applications and in a wide variety of sectors, for example:
  • Production of (topographic) maps;
  • Route planners for cars and public transport;
  • Delivery of mail;
  • Studying the dispersal of diseases;
  • Analysis of pollutant dispersal;
  • Analysis of vegetation patterns in nature development areas;
  • Spatial planning (e.g., of cities and residential areas);
  • Percision bombings;
  • Studying the dispersal of species and genes.
This GIS Course familiarizes you with GIS concepts and technology. The course focuses on GIS applications in biology and environmental studies. You will learn to think "geographically" and apply GIS software. After the course you will be able to recognize and indicate the capabilities of GIS for analysing biological and environmental issues.
Additional comments
• The course focuses on theory and mastering practical GIS skills.
• The course ends with group project that lasts 5 working days.
• The course runs on Thursdays and Fridays.

Topics
• Knowing GIS
• Understanding GIS
• Data Input
• Data Handling
• Data Output
• Project

Test information
A combination of 3 written individual reports and a group project.

Prerequisites
The course is open to all BSc and MSc students of the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Medical Sciences. Students of other faculties have to submit a motivated request to participate in the course to the course coordinator. It is expected that students have affinity with natural science issues. The course material is English.

Contact information
Ad Ragas, a.ragas@science.ru.nl

Required materials
Book
Ian Heywood, Sarah Cornelius and Steve Carver, An introduction to Geographical Information Systems, Prentice Hall (Pearson Education), Fourth Edition
ISBN:9780273722595

Instructional modes
Computer practical

Remark
60 hrs computer course

Course occurrence

Remark
28 hrs of project work in groups

Individual study

Remark
45 hrs individual study

Lecture
Attendance MandatoryYes

Remark
9 hrs lecture

Presentation
Attendance MandatoryYes

Remark
2 hrs presentations

Question session
Attendance MandatoryYes

Remark
6 hrs question session

Tests
Writing assignment - Understanding GIS
Test weight1
Test typeAssignment
OpportunitiesBlock KW2, Block KW3

Writing assignment - Data Handling
Test weight2
Test typeAssignment
OpportunitiesBlock KW2, Block KW3

Group project
Test weight4
Test typeProject
OpportunitiesBlock KW2, Block KW3