Advanced Spatial Analysis using GIS- Micro-credential

Overview

This course qualifies for a 80% subsidy under the HCI Fees Subsidy. Please refer to the fees section for details and eligibility criteria. 

Who is this Micro-credential for?  

• If you work with spatial data and maps and would like to have the ability to analyse this data and create your own maps and new spatial information, then this micro-credential is for you. 

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used in many professions and industries, from engineering and environmental science to history and tourism to local authorities and provision of utilities, wherever spatial information is important, where maps may be used as a key means of communication of information, and where analysis of the spatial data provides valuable new information.

Why should I take this Micro-credential?  

• This micro-credential will enable the student to get a practical introduction to the QGIS open-source software and will use the software to address an issue in their field. Examples of projects completed by students recently include the identification of the best location for a new waste-to-energy plant, a study of the relationship between tree cover and household income, the siting of a new mass-vaccination centre, a study of the effect of green-ways on the local population. In each of these, publicly available spatial data was used to investigate a topical issue.

• The production of good informative maps and the analysis of spatial data are valuable but scarce skill sets. With developments in GPS, mobile devices, and software, organisations are now collecting more and more spatial data and need spatial specialists to manage, analyse and report this data. Local authorities, civil engineering consultancies, environmental agencies, utility companies, among others, are increasing their use of GIS to manage their valuable spatial data.

• Our Micro-credentials are all CPD approved by Engineers Ireland

When can I start this Micro-credential?  

• There is one intake per year in September

What do I need to be accepted onto this Micro-credential? - Entry requirements & Prerequisite documents  

• Level 8 award 2.1 grade in Engineering, Science or any discipline in which GIS may be used. Computer skills such as proficiency in Excel are essential.

• Degree Parchment or transcript 

• Curriculum Vitae

What will I learn? 

• Participants will learn the extended fundamentals of GIS theory and techniques and will then apply these in a research project which is in a field related to their profession and uses GIS.

• In this work, they will investigate and solve Spatial Analysis problems by applying the latest interdisciplinary approaches. They will critically select and implement a technical solution that best addresses a spatial analysis problem. They will identify and use appropriate mathematical methods, numerical techniques, and GIS tools for application to new and ill-defined spatial analysis problems.

• In addition, they will show that they can communicate effectively in technical and scientific writing, and present scientific/technical ideas concisely to a technical audience that may not be expert in the specific domain of the presentation.

What will I do? 

• In the first six weeks, six one-hour lectures provide an overview of GIS. In six two-hour tutorial sessions, students follow guided tutorials and must submit an exercise within seven days. Feedback is provided on these, but the marks do not count towards the final grade.

• The seventh week is Reading Week.

• In the eighth week, a one-hour in-class GIS theory test is conducted, and a two-hour in-class practical test is held.

• In weeks nine to twelve, students work on their projects in the two-hour practical sessions. They will be expected to share their weekly progress on their project at the practical sessions. In this way, the students will learn from their own work, the work of other students, and assistance and advice from the staff.

How will this Micro-credential be delivered? 

This micro-credential is delivered in-person with weekly 3-hour lectures during daytime hours over the 12 week period. 

• For the first six weeks, students follow guided tutorials and must submit an exercise.
• In weeks nine to twelve, students work on their projects in the two-hour practical sessions.

How is this Micro-credential assessed? 

• Project 90%: Students are required to complete a report based upon the work conducted for their individual project. The report should be approximately 3,000-4,000 words. Students will be provided with detailed guidance on writing the report.

• In-class theory test 5%  

• In-class practical test 5%