Course Outline

The course is designed to teach students about the theoretical and practical principles and concepts that underpin the technologies of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and related areas of Geoinformatics through a wide variety of applications in a number of different sectors and at scales from the local to the global.

Students will acquire practical hands-on skills and knowledge in the application, integration and use of Geoinformatics technologies through a variety of methods including computational analysis, fieldwork, numerical modelling and computer programming, using several leading software and programming packages. They will also consider issues of good practice, and understand key policies, strategies and infrastructures that apply to the effective and appropriate use of these technologies, and the implications of their use for society at large.

Finally, students will learn to apply these skills to real world problems through completion of an independent dissertation based on a directed research project.

Students on the MSc programme need to obtain 90 credits through successful completion of the following modules (taught modules from October to May and the research dissertation from June to September):

• Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (5 credits):

• Introduction to Remote Sensing (5 credits):

• Cartography and Visualisation (5 credits):

• Digital Image Processing (5 credits):

• Applications of Geoinformatics (10 credits):

• Technologies and Systems (10 credits):

• Implementation of Geoinformatics (5 credits):

• Computer Programming for GIS Applications (5 credits):

• Spatial Data Analysis (5 credits):

• Research Methods (5 credits):

• Independent research (30 credits): To develop research skills and appropriate methods necessary to undertake an independent project relevant to contemporary geoinfmatics technologies and applications.A foundation in theoretical and practical scientific research skills necessary to develop and undertake a research project, and prepare students for commencing the dissertation.An introduction to the principles and practice of spatial data analysis through GIS technologies.An introduction to computer programming and its application to Geoinformatics.Methodologies for the design and implementation of Geoinformatic solutions under different conditions.An introduction to some of the different technologies fundamental to the growth and development of GIS, RS and GPSS, and an appreciation of the organisational and logistical issues surrounding the collections, use and dissemination of data.An overview of some of the applications of GIS and RS in academic and commercial environments.Advanced principles underlying the acquisition and nature of Earth Observation data and practical techniques for image processing.A comprehensive examination of the underlying principles and practical applications of cartography and visualization.A foundation course in Remote Sensing (RS) and image processing as applied to environmental data in Geography and the Earth Sciences.An introduction to the key concepts underlying Geographical Information Systems (GIS), how geographical information (GI) may be defined, measured, structured and represented in a GIS, and the development of skills in the use and application of GIS through practical exercises.

Aims of the MSc

On successful completion of the course, students will –

1. understand the theoretical and practical principles and concepts that underpin the technologies of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and related areas of Geoinformatics;

2. be familiar with the application of these technologies in a variety of sectors and at scales from the local to the global;

3. have acquired practical hands-on skills and knowledge in the application, integration and use of these technologies through a variety of methods including computational analysis, fieldwork, numerical modelling and computer programming, using several leading software and programming packages;

4. be aware of issues of good practice, and understand key policies, strategies and infrastructures that apply to the effective and appropriate use of these technologies, and the implications of their use for society at large;

5. be able to competently apply these skills to real world problems, through completion of an independent dissertation based on a directed research project.

Graduate Intake

Candidates must have obtained at least a Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in a subject related to that of the MSc in Geographical Information Systems & Remote Sensing programme, e.g. Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Physics, Maths, Engineering or a cognate discipline.

Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology and/or with an approved professional qualification, can be considered for places following interview and/or assessment by the Director of the MSc in Geographical Information Systems & Remote Sensing Programme. The Programme Director and/or the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, UCC, must approve candidates.

The number of places is limited and selection will be based on academic achievement, relevant work experience, a personal statement from the applicant and/or an interview. Where relevant, candidates will have to prove their proficiency in the English language (spoken and written).

Teaching Staff

The MSc will be delivered by a core team of specialists based within the Geography Department :

• Darius Bartlett – GIS, spatial data analysis, research methods

• Helen Bradley – GIS, cartography, applied geoinformatics

• Fiona Cawkwell - RS, digital image processing, satellite technologies

In addition members of UCC’s Department of Computer Science and the Coastal and Marine Resources Centre will contribute to the lecture and practical programme, and practicing Geoinformaticians in academic, commercial and government settings, will be invited to present aspects of their work

Careers

Career prospects for graduates from the MSc Degree in Geographical Information Systems & Remote Sensing are currently extremely good, with growing demand at home and abroad for suitably-qualified Geoinformatics professionals within local and national government; the utilities; state- and semi-state organisations; the Defence Forces; An Garda Siochána; environmental management; the health and education sectors; transportation; marketing and commerce; industry, and private enterprise among many others.

Go back to Postgraduate Degrees