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The Surveying and Spatial Sciences group is part of the School of Geography and Environmental Studies. The group has strong teaching and research links with other parts of the School and University, leading to an interdisciplinary approach to education and research in Surveying and the Spatial Sciences.
The Spatial Science group offers the following opportunities for study towards graduate and postgraduate qualifications in Surveying and Spatial Sciences:
Undergraduate offerings:
Postgraduate offerings:
Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences
Surveying and the spatial sciences are relied upon in an increasingly wide range of applications, such as environmental management, civil and mining engineering, land planning and development, within both government and private enterprise. In recent years there has been dramatic growth in the surveying and spatial sciences. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), remote sensing, image processing, and digital photogrammetry have become essential to planning and management. For graduates choosing a career in land surveying these technologies are as important as traditional surveying instruments; for other students, these technologies present a wide range of new career opportunities.
The three-year Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences prepares graduates for professional careers in a number of closely related disciplines. These include:
- land surveying -- measuring and defining land ownership boundaries; spatial control for projects such as roads and bridges;
- spatial and geographic information systems -- computer management, mapping and analysis of spatial information;
- photogrammetry and remote sensing -- measurement, mapping and data analysis from aircraft and satellite sensors;
- geodesy and geodetic surveying -- science of the measurement and mapping of the earth's surface and gravity field using satellite and terrestrial techniques;
- hydrographic surveying -- measuring and mapping in a marine environment.
To achieve this aim, the course imparts to students:
- an understanding of the scientific principles underlying the spatial sciences;
- a knowledge of the way in which these principles are implemented in current surveying and mapping technology;
- appropriate scientific analysis, problem solving and design skills;
- appropriate communication skills;
- a general knowledge of associated disciplines that will facilitate communication and professional interaction; and
- an appreciation of the professional standards and practices of relevant professional institutions.
Graduates find employment in a wide range of areas including spatial data management, land administration, surveying and mapping, cadastral and engineering surveying, GIS industries, and geodetic agencies. The spatial information industry is experiencing strong growth, with a national undersupply of qualified graduates. High graduate employment rates are expected to continue.
The Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences degree is now a 3-year (minimum) full-time or part-time course offered by the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology. The course outline is provided below. For registration as a Land Surveyor in Tasmania, graduates are required to complete the 3-year Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences followed by the Graduate Diploma in Land Surveying (available from 2011), and then undertake a period of supervised professional experience and pass the registration authority's examinations. For information on the Graduate Diploma in Land Surveying, follow the link here.
The Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences degree degree is available at Hobart and, subject to unit availability, students wishing to undertake their first year of study on the Launceston campus may be able to do so (contact the degree coordinator for more information). Honours requires one year of additional study, follow the link here.
General Course Outline: Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences
The Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences will be offered for the first time as a 3-year course in 2010. The change from a 4-year course to a 3-year course is a consequence of the University’s adoption of common course structures.
The common course structure divides your degree into majors, minors, degree electives and student electives, each comprising units at the introductory, intermediate and advanced level. The Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences requires that you complete a total of 24 units, consisting of two majors (8 units each), a minor (4 units), 2 degree electives and 2 student electives. When choosing the student electives, you need to ensure that the total number of units in the degree complies with the ranges below:
- Introductory level: a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 10 units
- Intermediate level: a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 units
- Advanced level: a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 units
The structure of the Surveying and Spatial Science Degree is outlined below. For specific details regarding any of the units, please consult the University Handbook. Note: Units labelled with an xx code have yet to be allocated final codes.
Student electives are free for you to choose and may be taken from any study area across the University, provided you are eligible to enrol in them (i.e. you meet any unit pre-requisites), and the unit levels meet the unit level requirements (above).
Admission, Enrolment & Prerequisites: Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences
In addition to satisfying the normal University admission requirements, students entering first year must have obtained a TCE Satisfactory Achievement (SA) result or higher in both Mathematics Methods 5C (MME5C) and Physical Sciences 5C (PSC5C).
If applicants do not have these prerequisites they should discuss their qualifications with the degree coordinator. Appropriate University bridging courses may be available. Interstate or overseas qualifications that are deemed equivalent by the University may also be accepted, subject to approval by the degree coordinator.
For more information please follow the links below or contact the School secretary (Secretary@geog.utas.edu.au) who can put you in contact with the relevant staff to discuss any specific enquires. Alternatively, contact the University Information Centre on 1300 363 864.
To apply, visit the admissions page at the eStudentCentre.
Spatial Minor - Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Under the new common course structure within the University, students undertaking a wide variety of degree programs are able to choose from a number of different specialist minors to contribute to their Bachelor's degree. The Surveying and Spatial Science group offer a "spatial minor" which specalises in remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
The minor consists of two units at the introductory level, and two at the intermediate level (below). Please follow the links to the University handbook for specific information regarding each unit.
Introductory level units::
Intermediate level units::
Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences with Honours:
The Honours course provides students with advanced skills and research experience in a specialised area of Surveying and Spatial Sciences. Graduates are likely to find employment in Commonwealth or State government agencies, or large private organisations.
The course objectives are to provide advanced in-depth knowledge in a single area of spatial information science; to provide opportunities for training in research; to prepare students for postgraduate research in the Master of Spatial Information Science and PhD programs as well as for employment in research organisations; and to provide advanced courses in selected areas of surveying and spatial science.
Graduate Diploma in Land Surveying:
The Graduate Diploma in Land Surveying meets the needs of people with an undergraduate qualification in Surveying and Spatial Sciences who wish to further their knowledge in land surveying to a level suitable for later professional registration as a practicing land surveyor (requires a period of supervised professional experience and passing the registration authority's examinations).
The Graduate Diploma in Land Surveying is a 1-year (minimum) full-time or part-time course offered by the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology. The diploma consists of 4 advanced level units covering land law and cadastral surveying, in addition to 6-months of placed professional experience.
Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems:
The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems meets the needs of people who do not have prior experience of GIS and are seeking to acquire knowledge, or who have some training or workplace experience with GIS and are seeking to improve their knowledge and gain a formal qualification.
At the completion of the course, students will be familiar with various sources of spatial data and methods of spatial data collection, understand key data accuracy issues; and understand the processes required to import and effectively manage data in a GIS; understand the processes required to combine various sources of data for spatial analysis; be able to undertake data manipulation and GIS analyses of the type commonly required in their own and other disciplines; be aware of more advanced methods of spatial data analysis; and be able to present spatial data using GIS techniques; and have acquired skills in the development and management of GIS-based projects; and understand key GIS implementation issues.
Graduate Diploma in Spatial Information Science with Honours:
This graduate diploma is designed for professionals working in the land based sciences (surveying, forestry, planning, environmental management, etc) who need to apply spatial information technology in their work or study. Entrance requirements are an appropriate degree, which may include prerequisite subjects applicable to the particular specialisation.
Master of Applied Science:
The School offers a Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialisation in the Faculty's Master of Applied Science programme. The Master of Applied Science is a four semester full-time (2-years) or eight semester part-time (4-years) course that involves coursework and project components. Follow the links below for further information.
Research Masters and Doctor of Philosphy (PhD) programmes
Masters by reserach and PhD programmes are available across the spatial sciences. If you are interested in Research Masters or PhD programs, you are encouraged to contact the School secretary (Secretary@geog.utas.edu.au) who can put you in contact with the relevant member of academic staff. Alternatively, visit the Surveying and Spatial Sciences staff page for individual contact details.
Further Course Information?
Phone 1300 363 864
E-mail : course.info@utas.edu.au
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