Geospatial Analysis in the Social and Environmental Sciences

This course provides an introduction to spatial analysis, an important tool for exploring, analysing, modelling and visualising geospatial data. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to investigate and understand spatial patterns resulting from social and physical processes operating on the surface of Earth, such as epidemics, crime and pollution. A variety of software packages will be introduced and used to explore different aspects of spatial analysis. A number of issues inherent to dealing with spatial data, such as the ecological fallacy and modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP), will also be highlighted.

15 points

30 points of 200-level Geography, including GEOG205, or in special cases with approval of the Head of Department.

Web GIS and Geoinformatics

This course develops skills in geospatial data science and is designed to form understanding of fundamental algorithms and code libraries that are used to manipulate, analyse, and map spatial data, and to explore how they are implemented. Students will use the Python programming language. The course is largely lab and project based, with context and theoretical frameworks presented in lectures while labs guide hands-on development.

15 points

GISC101 (preferred) or GEOG205/DIGI205 or COSC121, or equivalent. Recommended preparation: This course requires regular programming for spatial data so background skills in these areas are highly desirable.

GISC412

Health, Wellbeing and Environment

Human health and wellbeing are profoundly shaped by the environments in which we live. This course examines the influence of the physical, built and social aspects of the environment on health and wellbeing. In addition to gaining increased understanding of health-environment interactions, students will develop skills in tracking environmental exposures and in presenting research findings in both written and oral formats.

15 points

30 points of Geography at 200 level; or 30 points from Science, Arts or Health Sciences, including GEOG205.

GEOG322

Volcanology and Science Communication

This course will teach you how and why volcanoes erupt and how to communicate this to diverse audiences. During the course you will explore our local volcanoes on fieldtrips, and explore volcanoes in North Island NZ/Aotearoa and Iceland via virtual fieldtrips. During the labs you will use microscopes, cooking, and explosions to describe volcanic deposits, understand lava viscosity, and explain volcanic hazards Students will learn science observation methods and develop their bicultural competence, hearing from mana whenua, and applying their learning in a volcano science communication project. The course is intended for geology majors and those in any Sciences wishing to learn more about Aotearoa/New Zealand’s volcanoes and how to communicate science.

15 points

GEOL101 or GEOL102, as well as 30 points from 200-level GEOL courses

GEOL206, GEOL336