Environmental Management and Geographic Information Systems PgDip/MSc (eLearning)

This course aims to teach how environmental management tools, such as site conservation planning and environmental management systems, together with the data, tools and techniques of GIS, are applied in making knowledge-based decisions on managing the environment. This is considered in the context of environmental legislative/policy frameworks within which industry, government and voluntary bodies work.

Specific objectives are to:

Understand the importance of evidence -based approach to environmental policy and strategic decision-making
Apply quantitative techniques to assess the effects of environmental management
Apply structured planning principles to site biodiversity management and ecosystem restoration
Use GIS as a framework for collating, manipulating and managing spatial data relating to the environment
Undertake analysis and modeling of environmental problems using GIS approaches
Appreciate and address the impacts of scale and zoning on spatial data analysis
Students will be provided with a student copy of Esri ArcGIS software free of charge.

To take this course, you will need access to a computer with a fast internet connection. The course uses the Blackboard learning environment and the modules are delivered using online lectures, including practical and tutorial material. Students and staff interact via email, discussion boards and online chat. You will find that this course is much more flexible than traditional on-campus university courses as you can study using your own computer and the internet, at your own pace, any place and any time (within given timeframes).