Geography

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Unknown

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

Topics covered in the course will include -

• The Earth-centred coordinate system of spatial referencing, and national variants
• The basis of field measurement of 3-D coordinates, by theodolite and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• The range of sensor platforms used in image acquisition from air and space
• The physical basis of Remote Sensing (RS) using electro-magnetic radiation
• Characteristics of imaging sensors operating in the visible, infrared and microwave spectral regions
• Examples of measuring and mapping the Earth from aerial platforms
• The development of Earth observation satellites since about 1970
• Basics of visual analysis/classification of images
• Principles of digital image processing
• Applications of digital image processing of aerial and satellite images

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

unknown

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

Topics covered in the course will include -:

• Fundamentals of Geographic Data; coordinates, map projections
• Geographical Information Systems and Utility Software
• Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Fundamentals of using a GIS: navigation, data storage, data retrieval and querying, buffering, overlay analysis, mapping
• Extending the Functionality of GIS: using scripts, extensions and utilities
• Advanced Spatial Data Analysis
• GIS and Modelling
• Online GIS, Information Systems and Decision Support Systems

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Unknown

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

Following a brief analysis of the nature and significance of geovisualisation in the past (mainly as cartography), four themes will be developed:

• The importance of geovisualisation as part of human information processing.
• The progressive enhancement of geovisualisation for both presentation and analysis through the application of new methods and technologies.
• Personal experience of using software offering geovisualisation facilities.
• The actual applications of geovisualisation in worked examples and in a variety of subject fields.

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Aileen Stockdale

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of valuation and investment principles. Quantative techniques relevant to the appraisal and analysis of land and property are taught. Specific topics studied are: the economic and investment context for the creation of value in land and property markets; the purpose of land and property appraisal; the financial principles underlying appraisal methods; different appraisal methods; and valuation trends and explanations in specific property markets.

Assessment: 1 multiple-choice class test (20%), 1 essay/report (20%); 1 two-hour written examination.

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr John Loder

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This course focuses on local, national and European policy developments affecting rural development in its wider complex. A key aspect is the inclusion of practical case studies and the application of knowledge and skills to ‘real-life’ circumstances. It includes a series of day field visits (within Scotland) and a week-long European visit. Recent visits have been to Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic. Working either individually or in groups, students complete practical projects intended to integrate the various components of the degree programme.

Assessment: 3 reports (100%)

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Aileen Stockdale

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This course focuses on local, national and European policy and legislative development affecting rural land use, businesses and communities. It critically evaluates a wide range of policies that have shaped today’s countryside. Specific reference is given to the influences upon, nature of, and impacts of these policies, with future policy directions considered. Policies and legislation relevant to agriculture; forestry; conservation; recreation; diversification; planning and development; economic and social restructuring are studied.

Assessment: 1 essay/report (40%); 1 two-hour written examination.

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Douglas MacMillan

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This course provides an understanding of land, property, the environment and planning from an economic perspective. This includes developing an understanding of the structure and operation of agricultural land and property markets, the principles of environmental economics and the development of the ability to make a critical assessment of land use planning policy and methods of policy delivery. Specific topics studied include economic concepts, market failure; economic decision – making; and valuing nature.

Assessment: 1 essay/report (40%); 1 two-hour written examination.

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Unknown

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

The first half of the course will deal with generic issues of relevance to the design and execution of any research projects, such as: philosophical issues in research; objectivity; literature searching; identification of data requirements; selection of appropriate methodological strategies (qualitative and quantitative); ethical issues. The second half will concentrate more specifically on matters relevant to a project involving geospatial technologies, such as: advanced geospatial literature searching; primary and secondary geospatial data sources; sampling methods for image-classification testing; evaluating results of geospatial data processing ; drawing conclusions; presentation (written and graphical).

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Unknown

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

From a pool of potential contributors (drawn from active researchers from across the College of Physical Sciences , from university and external research institutes and from commercial companies currently using GIS and other geospatial technologies) a programme of lecture and seminar presentations will be drawn up, and refreshed each year, to reflect current activity and new developments. Examples of possible themes are:

• Coastal change detection and measurement by time series analysis of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) as one possible indicator of sea level change.
• GIS modelling and visualisation of the potential impact of strategies for the siting of wind-farms
• Monitoring geological fault movements using inteferometric radar images
• Mapping ‘ potential for flooding' through integrated use of hyperspectral imaging, LiDAR scanning and GIS (and its relevance for the insurance industry)
• GIS modelling and visualisation of alternative coastal engineering scenarios
• Satellite detection and monitoring of volcanic eruptions
• Developing a methodology for automated land-cover change detection by digital image processing
• Ground based LiDAR imaging for measuring and monitoring landform erosion in areas of high relief
• The role of GIS in oilfield data management
• Sub-sea imaging technology for detecting and mapping sea-floor features
• The role of GIS and RS in the identification, measurement and visualisation of landscape change
• The value of satellite RS and GIS in ‘frontier exploration' for oil and gas

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Unknown

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

Initially, there will be two class sessions to provide guidance on approaches to independent learning. Thereafter, students will investigate the agreed theme independently, meeting formally for one hour every other week to discuss progress with staff and to seek further guidance where appropriate.


At the end of the course students will:

• Be conversant with the current literature and web-based information sources related to GPS, airborne and satellite remote sensing systems, GIS and Geographic Visualisation
• Recognise the inter-dependence of geospatial technologies
• Have developed time management and report writing skills
• Be competent in summarising a report for oral presentation

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Unknown

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

Initially, two lecture sessions will be given on ‘Project Planning', based on real examples of successful project bids. ‘Advice' sessions will be provided for one hour in alternate weeks. The project allocations will generally relate to the disciplinary backgrounds of the students and will be set up in the style of an ‘invitation' to tender' for a commercial or consultancy research contract. Where appropriate, the project requirements will be articulated in consultation with contributors to the ‘Geospatial Aspects of Current Issues in the Geosciences' course.


At the end of the course students will:

• Have developed inter-personal skills and acquired the ability to work in groups to achieve a desired end goal
• Recognise what ‘data', ‘tools' and personnel are required to carry out a project
• Be able to ‘cost' the elements of a project and set out a timetable of work
• Be able to write a detailed technical specification for the execution of a project
• Be able to give an oral presentation of the project methodology

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Aileen Stockdale

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This course focuses on the business decisions associated with rural holdings. It includes coverage of the inputs and outputs in both physical and financial terms for the main landed activities, including setting management objectives, devising management plans, interpreting business accounts, financial planning (eg taxation and inheritance planning), and the legal obligations of landowners and land managers (including landlord – tenant matters).

Assessment: 2 reports (60%); 1 two-hour examination (40%).

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Aileen Stockdale

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This course provides a practical understanding of the main land use activities (agriculture, forestry, sporting, conservation). The issues influencing rural land uses and activities are examined. Particular attention is given to the selection of feasible land use options, the regulations affecting this selection, and the likely impacts of different land uses on the business as a whole.

Assessment: 2 reports (60%); 1 two-hour examination (40%).

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Lorna Philip

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This course introduces the key concepts and techniques required for completing your own research (dissertation/case study). Specific topics covered include: formulating research aims and objectives, undertaking a literature review, identifying/assessing data sources, collecting your own data (questionnaires, interviews, focus groups), data analysis techniques, and writing up your findings.

Assessment: 3 reports (100%)

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr William Walton

Pre-requisites

x

Co-requisites

x

Notes

Overview

x

Structure

4x2 Lectures; 6x2 project workshops and a mock planning enquiry

Assessment

100% continuous

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms Gill Wall

Pre-requisites

x

Overview

The aim of the course is to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the methods and techniques employed by spatial planners to scrutinise development proposals and generate spatial development plans.

Topics will include:

Development plan preparation approaches; survey-analysis-plan; projections and forecasts; scenario writing; Delphi techniques; sources of information; populationm housing and employment projections; strategic and project-based environmental assessments; retail and employment impact assessments; land availability studies; development plan generation; preparation of precognitions; mock planning inquiry.

Structure

1 two-hour lecture per week; 1 four-hour field visit; 4 two-hour workshops; 1 three-hour mock planning inquiry.

Assessment

1 two-hour written examination (50%); continuous assessment (50%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr John Loder and Dr W Walton

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This course focuses on local, national and European policy developments affecting rural development in its wider complex. A key aspect is the inclusion of practical case studies and the application of knowledge and skills to ‘real-life’ circumstances. It includes a series of day field visits (within Scotland) and a week-long European visit. Recent visits have been to Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic. Working either individually or in groups, students complete practical projects intended to integrate the various components of the degree programme.

Assessment: 3 reports (100%)

Structure

Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor Brian Clark, Geography

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

The course introduces the concept of Environmental Impact Assessment, emphasising the procedures, methods, techniques and application of this evaluation/planning tool. Greatest emphasis will be placed on the utility of EIA as an aid to rational decision making and the course focuses on both developed and developing countries. The course will be wide ranging and partly based on students’ interests, but will cover the following aspects of EIA:
· Procedural and administrative aspects of EIA, including selection of projects for EIA;
· Production of EISs and EIAs and public participation;
· Methods used to structure and organise EIA, i.e. matrices, networks, quantitative methods, the concept of adaptive environmental assessment;
· Specific techniques which can be used to assess environmental impacts such as air, water, noise, ecological effects, economic and social impacts, risk and visual impacts;
· The role of monitoring and impact auditing in EIA;
· EIA of plant and policies;
· EIA and international agencies, viz. World Bank, DfID, etc.

Structure

The course will be based on lectures, seminars and papers prepared by the students, and project work which will include both desk studies, practical work and simulation exercises.

Assessment

Assessment will be by a written paper, seminar presentation and evaluation of project work and the simulation exercise.

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr Lorna Philip

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This involves individual research on a topic of your choice during a three-month period supported by regular meetings with your research supervisor. Either a 10-12,000 (DipLE) or 12-18,000 (MLE) word thesis is produced.

Structure

Assessment

Dissertation/ Case Study (100%)