1. Basic information
This syllabus is ratified by the Education Committee of the Faculty of Science 2012. The syllabus is valid from 2012-09-01. The course is at the advanced level (A1N).
2. General information
The course is part of the internet based programme ‘GIS and Earth Observation for Environmental modeling and Natural resource management’ (iGEON). The course is an elective for the double degree: Master of Science in Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente, Faculty ITC, the Netherlands and Master of Science in Geographical Information Science of Lund University, Sweden. The course is also given as a single subject course. The language of instruction is English. The course is fully based on distance learning, with all material distributed over the Internet. It is flexible in the sense that students can study full time (100%), half time (50%), or with a 25% study tempo.
The course is part of the main field of study in Physical Geography and Ecosystems Science at the Faculty of Science. The course is an elective course on advanced level for a Master’s degree in Geographical Information Science, Faculty of Science, Lund University, Sweden.
3. Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is that students, after having successfully completed the course, should have acquired the following knowledge, understanding and skills:
Knowledge and understanding
After the course the student is expected to be able to:
- describe and explain the concept of open source,
- comprehensively describe and explain the concepts of open source,
- describe and problematize about different file formats and what they are used, and
- explain the concept of open data and what they are used for.
Proficiency and skills
After the course the student is expected to be able to:
- analyze and evaluate software from a user perspective,
- plan the choice of programs based on functions for geographical analyzes,
- contribute to open source projects,
- use the documentation of the software to understand features.
Attitude and ability to appraise
After the course the student is expected to be able to:
- Assimilate and critically evaluate and discuss scientific publications within the area of Python programming, as well as summarize the material.
4. Course contents
The course consists of five parts.
- Introduction to Open Source
- Participate in open source projects
- Examples of open source software in GIS
- Open geographical data
- Project with the programming of the application
5. Teaching and assessment
Teaching consists of lectures, practical and theoretical exercises and seminars. Exercises and seminars are compulsory.
6. Grades
Students are graded for the course according to the following levels: High Pass (distinction), Passed, and Failed.
In order to pass the course the student is required to have passed all compulsory exercises, and to have participated in all compulsory course elements.
7. Entrance qualifications
The following are required for admission to the course: Basic admission requirements of Lund University, and at least 1.5 years full time studies at university level, including half a year (30 higher education credits) basic GIS, corresponding to iGEON compulsory courses of semester 1 and 2.
8. Literature
According to a list established by the department, available at least five weeks before the start of the course.