BACHELOR OF SCIENCE OR ARTS
specialising in
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Approximate full-time load of 24 credit points per year for three years.
Programs of Study: GIS02 and GIS04
Interested in: Understanding spatial relationships?
Skills using data sets, images and maps?
The application of Information Technology?
Geographic Information Science explores the way spatial information is derived and used. Geographic databases can be created for resource and environmental management, biological studies, land-use programs, social issues, planning and development, natural hazards and geological research and exploration. Other applications include wide-ranging environmental programs in industry, social research such as health, and commercial applications such as marketing. Employment opportunities in this field are wide-ranging and include specialist GIS work in local councils, government departments, environmental consultancies, research bodies, universities, medical research and marketing.
Recommended Units of Study
Recommended Units of Study
First Year
Required Units - at least one unit from: 100-level COMP, ISYS or STAT and at least two units from: 100-level GEOS or BIOL
Second Year
Core Units: GEOS264 Geographic Information Systems.
Compatible Units: 200-level GEOS, e.g. GEOS267 Introduction to Resource and Environmental Management, GEOS266 Earth Surface Processes, or other units from BIOL, COMP, STAT, or DEM
Third Year
Core Units: GEOS382 Environmental Analysis Using GIS (new unit from 2007) and GEOS378 GIS for Urban and Regional Management. (new unit from 2007)
Required Units - at least two units from: 300-level GEOS, BIOL or COMP
BSc students must achieve a minimum of 34 credit points in designated science units above 100 level and a minimum of 18 credit points in designated science units above 200 level. Refer to the undergraduate handbook for details of designated science units.
All students in Environmental Science are recommended to take a diverse first year program to allow them to make their best choices in subsequent years. These notes are only intended as a guide, and potential students should read the Undergraduate Handbook and unit descriptions for details. Click here for the Undergraduate Handbook entry on Geoecology coherencies.
Honours and Postgraduate Study
You can pursue further study in GIS either by undertaking an Honours year at the end of your Bachelors degree or a postgraduate Masters degree. Both of these are valued by employers for the extra knowledge, practical skills and research skills they bring.
The Honours year involves a single, year-long research project in conjunction with one of the lecturers who agrees to act as your supervisor. The topic is agreed between you and the supervisor in advance. On completion, you qualify for the Bachelor of XXXX (any degree) with Honours. Entry to Honours is restricted to students with a Grade Point Average (GPA) higher than 2.5.
It is possible to undertake a Masters degree or a PhD in GIS by research at Macquarie University. For many students, a Masters by research is a sound approach to developing further GIS skills. Contact GIS academic staff to discuss details.
In addition, two single semester units introducing postgraduates to GIS are available as part of Certificate, Diploma and Masters by coursework programs in the Division of Environmental and Life Sciences. These units are:
GEOS801 Introduction to GIS for postgraduates
GEOS810 GIS skills for Wildlife Managers
Graduate Diploma in GIS
The Graduate Diploma in GIS is a program aimed at local and overseas students who have a degree and wish to undertake a formal program of study in GIS. The program is designed for three groups:
(a) graduates in employment who wish to undertake the undergraduate units in GIS and related fields rather than a second undergraduate degree,
(b) graduates undertaking a qualifying program for postgraduate research in GIS, and
(c) overseas graduates requiring skills in GIS and time to undertake other activities while studying in Australia.
To be awarded the Diploma, students must complete 24 credit points (7 or 8 units), including the three essential GIS units (above). Other units are chosen in conjunction with academic staff, to complement the student's previous undergraduate study.
The minimum time required to complete the Diploma is eighteen months due to the three GIS units. However no minimum rate of progress is required for this course.
Related areas of study
Geoecology
Environmental Science
Climatology/Atmospheric Science
Physical Geography
Resource and Environmental Management
Biology
Ecology
Geology, Geophysics and Exploration Geoscience
Environmental Geology
Human Geography
Natural History, Cultural and Museum Studies
Prior Knowledge
There is no essential prior knowledge for this area of study. A background, or interest in, geography, science (including Earth and Environmental Science) or environmental science may be helpful but these areas can be studied in first year. GIS are computer based, so students need some computer literacy. Basic computer literacy can be achieved in the first year of study.
How to apply
Application for all degrees for school leavers is through the UAC. Non-award and non-degree applications are made directly to the University. Mature-age students (21 years or over, without the necessary academic qualifications for UAC admission) may apply directly to the University through the Jubilee Scheme. Please contact the Centre for Open Education via e-mail at coe@mq.edu.au or by phone on +61 2 9850 7470 for further information on these schemes.
You can apply for one of several degrees:
2007 UAI cut-offs for relevant degrees (for guidance only):
BA 76
BSc 73
BEnvSc 76.65
BEnvMgt 74.55
BSc DipEd 74.40
BMarSc 75.55
Career Options
Employment can be found in a variety of fields: most workplaces which in the past use maps to store spatial data, are currently using or changing to GIS. Career options include:
environmental activities (environmental analysis, resource planning decisions, watershed management, erosion assessment, crop evaluation);
local government (building permits, re-development, asset management, mapping);
health services (health incidents analysis, water quality monitoring);
forestry services (land conflict assessment, inventory mapping, harvest planning);
transportation (route analysis, traffic zone analysis, road improvements design);
utilities management (electricity, telecommunications, water); and
planning (land valuation, commercial/industrial site selection, census data analysis).
Positions that students apply for on completion of their degree have a variety of names, sometimes but not always including the term GIS. Job descriptions for GIS positions usually specify:
experience with a particular GIS software package;
understanding geographic databases;
familiarity with GIS operations;
familiarity with maps and mapping conventions;
competence with computing operating systems; and
experience with a range of related software products.
Some Major Employers
All organisations with the above responsibilities are potential employers. These include:
state government departments and instrumentalities such as Forests NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Conservation, Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR), and others;
Federal government bodies such as CSIRO, Australian Land Information Group, GeoScience Aust. and the armed services;
Environmental consultancies;
Local government;
Utility management such as Sydney Water, Telecom, Energy Australia; and
GIS software companies
Contacts
For further information on studying GIS please contact:
The Administrative Officer, Physical Geography
Office: Building E7A, Room 617
Phone: (02) 9850 8426
Fax: (02) 9850 8420
E-mail: pg_admin@els.mq.edu.au