Overview
This advanced course examines Earth system science through spatial and temporal analysis. Students investigate interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere; cycles of matter and energy; plate tectonics; surface processes; climate variability and change; watersheds and groundwater; ecosystems; biogeochemical cycles; natural hazards; land-use change; resource distribution and extraction; human impacts; resilience; and sustainability.
The course develops applied competence in geographic information systems and remote sensing. Technical study includes coordinate systems and projections, cartographic principles, spatial databases, raster and vector data, digital elevation models, spatial interpolation, map algebra, change detection, scale effects, uncertainty assessment, and visualization. Practical work integrates GIS and remote-sensing laboratories, field or virtual field observations, spatial data critiques, system models, and a capstone investigation of a regional Earth or environmental challenge.
Students interpret spatial datasets, connect observed patterns to physical processes, evaluate data quality and uncertainty, assess hazards or environmental change, and communicate evidence-based findings through maps, technical analyses, and recommendations.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze interactions among Earth system components across relevant spatial and temporal scales.
- Evaluate cycles of matter and energy, surface processes, climate variability, ecosystem dynamics, and human impacts using Earth system concepts.
- Apply coordinate systems, projections, cartographic principles, and appropriate visualization methods to geospatial investigations.
- Interpret and integrate raster, vector, remote-sensing, spatial database, and digital elevation data.
- Assess spatial data quality, uncertainty, scale effects, interpolation methods, and the limitations of geospatial evidence.
- Construct and validate GIS-based analyses using map algebra, spatial modelling, and change-detection techniques.
- Evaluate the spatial distribution and consequences of natural hazards, resource extraction, land-use change, or environmental degradation.
- Synthesize field observations, system models, and geospatial evidence to explain regional Earth and environmental processes.
- Design and complete a capstone investigation that addresses a regional Earth or environmental challenge.
- Communicate geoscientific findings and evidence-based recommendations through technically accurate maps, analyses, and oral or written presentations.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Practicum | 3 hours | Fortnightly | Second term |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Spatial data critique and uncertainty analysis | 15.00% |
| Deliverable | System model and written interpretation | 15.00% |
| Test | Practical GIS and remote-sensing test | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Field or virtual field observation report | 15.00% |
| Capstone | Capstone project: regional Earth or environmental challenge | 25.00% |
| Exam | Final integrative examination | 10.00% |
Prerequisites
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.