Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems

Remote Sensing and GIS technology is one of the fastest growing industries globally, on a par with I or greater than IT and computer science. It is being applied in nearly every facet of life. The South African and African GIS and Remote Sensing community have identified the lack of and expressed an urgent and major need for training in the fields of Remote Sensing and GIS within South Africa. At present the only qualifications within this field offered at South African tertiary institutions are an Honours in GIS and an MSc at the University of Stellenbosch, a distance learning postgraduate diploma (UNIGIS) and various short modules (2 -6 weeks) encompassed within Geography, Geology or Surveying Degrees. This is not adequate to fulfil the needs and requirements of employers.

The purpose of this qualification is to address the shortage of training in this field and to supply South Africa and the African continent with competent practitioners in the practical application of Remote Sensing and GIS.

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Prior accredited learning in the form of a Bachelor of Science level degree which include GIS as a major in third year (GIS 311 and GIS 321). Alternatively students in possession of a Bachelor of Science level degree without a GIS major in third year may attend a short intensive course (introduction to GIS) prior to commencement of the honours programme and can be admitted should a pass mark of 60% be achieved in this course.

Where such can be demonstrated and assessed, additional and relevant learning may also be recognised.

The BSc (Hons) Applied Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems graduate

1. Will demonstrate an in depth understanding of the fundamentals, and major principles and theories of Remote Sensing and geographical Information Systems and applied sciences as well as selected more specialized principles and theories;
2. Will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the major and specialized course field as a foundation for the sciences of these fields and will demonstrate an appropriate understanding of cross-disciplinary applications in this knowledge;
3. Will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the practical techniques and applications appropriate to the major and specialized course fields;
4. Will demonstrate competence in identifying, seeking, retrieving, synthesising and communicating information accurately;
5. Will develop and demonstrate appropriate attitudes, values and an appropriate sense of responsibility as relevant to the component courses and modules;

The BSc (Hons) Applied Remote The BSc (Hons) Applied Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Sensing and Geographical Information Systems graduate:

1. Will select and use fundamentals, key concepts and specialized principles in the analysis and interpretation of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems problems;
2. Will use the laws and knowledge of the major and specialised course fields in solving problems within those fields and will be able to pursue applications across disciplinary boundaries:
3. Will be able to identify and utilise the appropriate techniques and applications in solving basic and specialised Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems problems;
4. Will be able to execute basic and more advanced software functions and undertake data acquisitions and data quality checks.
5. Will be able to interpret their investigations in terms of relevant, comparative background information;
6. Will be able to present in verbal, graphic and written forms, clear, concise reports on their investigations;
7. Will conduct all investigations and applications in a professional manner;
8. Will adhere strictly to the principles of unbiased investigation using the appropriate scientific method.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment techniques vary from module to module. Theory will be assessed by means of seminar papers, oral presentations, worksheets, assignments and an examination paper per module. Practical aspects of the course will be assessed using practical assignments, work portfolios and via real-life experience in terms of vacation work for various companies. The project will be evaluated continuously through oral presentations and a final research report, which is also presented at an "internal symposium".

Formative assessment

• background knowledge evaluation
• ongoing evaluation throughout the module
• Demonstration of practical skills and know-how
• Review of drafts
• Learner attitude appraisal
• Oral interaction

Summative assessment

• Assignments
• Class tests
• Report appraisals
• Examinations
• Oral presentations
• Acceptance of practical, vacation work by commercial companies.