ES2S211 - GIS for Wildlife Conservation 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ES2S211
Module Title: GIS for Wildlife Conservation
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Earth and Environment
Module Leader: Niamh Breslin
Module Team: Richard Penrose, Hamzeh Aldwairy
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

To provide knowledge, understanding and application of contemporary techniques in collection, analysis and interpretation of ecological and wildlife spatial data for use in wildlife conservation management.

To develop professional, industry standard skills in spatial data analysis.

To understand the strengths and limitations of G.I.S, RS and Digital Warehouse datasets.

Content Summary

Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data.

Applications of GIS in ecological research and wildlife conservation management (of terrestrial and marine environments).

Introduction to and application of remote sensing (RS) methods.

Use and application of GPS units.

Review and use of major commercial GIS and RS software packages including open-source packages.

Obtaining and manipulating internet-based data sets.

Contemporary core studies for applying GIS and RS techniques to real-life datasets and case studies.

Interpretation of spatial data for use in scientific reports.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical classes and workshops 40
Fieldwork 10
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 30
Problem / challenge based learning 20
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Development of a range of intermediate GIS and remote sensing skills and techniques coupled with an ability to collect, manipulate and evaluate spatial data, and use them to literature to answer specific research questions related to wildlife conservation.
LO2 Critically appraise the range and applicability of commercially available GIS software packages and be able to use such software packages to correctly present spatial data and produce professional reports.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) Geospatial skills folio displaying competency in geospatial processing and cartographic design, with a discussion demonstrating understanding of the role of GIS/RS in various aspects of wildlife conservation. 0 2000 65 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Field coursework 1 Phase 1 habitat survey at a local field site - subsequent map creation and report compilation. 0 2000 35 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch)
Field coursework 1

Reading List

Law, M. & Collins, A. (2018) Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop 5th Revised Edition, ESRI Press

Longley, P.A., Goodchild, M.F., Maguire, D.J. & Rhind, D.W. (2015) Geographic Information Science and Systems 4th Edition, Wiley & Sons

Chuvieco, E. (2016) Fundamentals of Satellite Remote Sensing: An Environmental Approach, Second Edition 2nd Edition, Jacana Media (Pty)