Environmental Engineering MA, Spatial Environmental Analysis, 7.5 credits

Aim

The primary purpose of the course is to develop the students' practical skills in geographic information systems (GIS) and to strengthen their ability to use the skills in a scientific way and to answer scientific questions in the environmental field. On a broader level, the course aims to strengthen the industry's need for skills supply. It has therefore been developed together with industry and is delivered with flexible course elements to facilitate the participation of professionals. The course is based exclusively on the use of free and open source software for spatial analyses, especially QGIS.

Course objectives

After completing the course, the students should be able to:
1. In different ways, (a) identify, (b) create, and (c) analyse different kind of spatial data.
2. Design, and with adequate methods conduct, a scientific study on an environmental challenge, based on spatial analysis.
3. Summarize a scientific study based on spatial analysis, in a way that is understandable for non-specialists and that minimizes the risk of intentional and unintentional misinterpretation of the results.
4. Review scientific studies by other students and propose improvements.

Content

Spatial environmental analysis refers to analyses in the environmental field carried out with the help of geographical information systems (GIS). The course covers both collection and analysis of both primary and secondary data. The course is based on the use of QGIS but also introduces other GIS programmes. A major focus is on problem solving and systematic, scientific approaches.

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits or equivalent, including at least 15 credits in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering. At least 7.5 credits in GIS, which may be included in the bachelor's degree, or the course Environmental Science MA, Research Skills, 15 credits.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Teaching is offered in the form of lectures, recorded lectures, teacher led seminars, and individual supervision (in person and in the course forum). The course has the following components:

A. Lectures and demonstrations, primarily recorded (Learning objective 1-3)

B. Weekly seminars discussing the lectures (Learning objective 1-3)

C. A common project that is individual but that should be discussed in groups to identify solutions (Learning objective 1).

D. Individual projects, adapted to the background of the students (Learning objective 1-3)

E. Peer-review of individual projects and participation in the course forum (Learning objective 4)

Teaching is done in English.

Examination form

I100: Written hand-in: Common task, 1 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Common assignment with individual examination. See course element C.

I200: Written hand-in: Peer-review, 1 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Review of another student's preliminary project report

P100: Project report, 4 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx
Individual project

W100: Web exam, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Web exam Examination based on lectures.

Link to subject-specific grading criteria: [www.miun.se/gradingcriteria](<https: www.miun.se/gradingcriteria="">).

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.
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Examination restrictions

Students registered for this version of the syllabus have the right to be examined 3 times within 1 year according to specified examination forms. After that, the examination format according to the latest valid version applies.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx