Postgraduate study

Postgraduate taught 

Earth Futures: Environments, Communities, Relationships MSc

Introduction to GIS GEOG5128

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

An introduction to the principles and practice of Geographic Information Systems, for students with no prior GIS experience

Timetable

1 hours of lectures weekly for 5 weeks.

2 hours of practical sessions each week.

 

Generally, all classes are on one day of the week during the second half of Semester 1. If numbers are large an additional practical session may be run on a different day.

Excluded Courses

Principles of GIS (GEOG5019)

GEOG5084 Principles of GIS (Intensive)

Geographical Information Systems (GEOG4062)

Principles and Applications of GIS (URBAN5111)

Principles and Applications of GIS (URBAN5114)

GIS A: Applied Spatial Analysis (GEOG4111)

GIS B: Theory & Practice (GEOG4112)

Co-requisites

None.

Assessment

Coursework consisting of a GIS practical task (30%) and report (70%).

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

The aims of this course are:

■ To describe the principles of geographic information systems (GIS)

■ To explain GIS data structures and models, including vector and raster data

■ To introduce GIS tools such as buffers, clipping and joins

■ To introduce several applications of GIS in a range of research/working environments

■ To explain how to create and modify an efficient geospatial database

■ To build confidence in the use of one particular GIS package

■ To encourage the use of help files and relevant web pages, etc., to develop the initiative and creativity which contribute to the transferable skill of problem solving in information technology.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Explain the principles of GIS as a combination of geospatial data input, processing, output and personnel subsystems.

■ Explain co-ordinate reference systems in GIS and apply them within a GIS.

■ Explain the nature of geospatial databases and discuss their design and implementation.

■ Implement spatial operations and analysis on vector and raster data.

■ Produce effective maps and reports based on output of GIS processes.

■ Apply acquired GIS skills to a range of applications.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions