Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

Environmental science, geography, geology, biology, ecology, urban and regional planning, demography, marketing and business planning all involve questions that are concerned with geographical patterns and processes on or near the surface of the Earth. To answer these questions requires access to geographical or spatial information which is characterized by geographical locations on the Earth's surface, and requires that spatial data associated with geographical locations from different sources be integrated and analysed. This unit introduces basic principles, methods, techniques and applications of geographical analysis. Topics cover the concepts of geography and geographical analysis, the particular ways of spatially representing the real world, the methods for visualising spatial patterns and processes, and geographical information systems (GIS). It equips students with fundamental knowledge and skills in constructing, managing, analyzing, integrating and communicating spatial data, which are essential for investigations in geography, environmental science, and other scientific or social studies that have a spatial dimension.

Objectives

1. To introduce basic concepts of geography and geographical analysis;
2. To develop knowledge in methods and techniques of geographical analysis, including spatial reasoning, mapping, spatial data manipulation and analysis in GIS;
3. To develop skills and competency in basic methods of spatial reasoning and geographical analysis through hands-on practicals and projects using real-world data;
4. To provide a flavor of the breadth and depth of applications of GIS.

Assessment

Poster: 20% (on a chosen spatial debate)
Practical work: 20%
Field report: 20%
Written exam (2 hour): 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Xuan Zhu

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture per week, and one 3-hour practical per fortnight

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Geography and environmental science (ARTS)
Geographical science