Module: GEO5005-20 Geotechnologies for Society and Environment

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Matt Law

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.law@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Geotechnology in the sense meant by this title refers to geo (geography) and digital technology and how it can be applied in many contexts to aid the documentation of the environment or issues within society. These technologies can be applied in Geography, Criminology, Sociology, Business Management, Film Studies, Biology and Ecology.

The technologies include Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for site selection and demographic analysis as applied to business activities; laser scanning and surveying for crime scene analysis (Criminology), topographic mapping (Geography), full body/environment scans for digital reconstruction and deconstruction-explosions (Film Studies).

The aim of this module is to introduce the technologies to the various disciplines providing a theoretical understanding of techniques together with specific examples of how such techniques can be applied in the various disciplines.

2. Outline syllabus:

This module will consider the wide variety of uses of geotechnologies across the diverse fields of Geography, Criminology, Sociology, Business, Film, Biology and Ecology. A background to the technologies will first be presented before considering how the fundamental geospatial data can be utilised in these application areas.

Therefore the module will be able to work across subjects allowing students to bring in their own subject based knowledge and augment this with the application of geotechnologies to these areas.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

This module will be taught mainly through formal lectures and with computer based and practical sessions to support the lecture content.  Preparatory and follow-up reading will be indicated.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Project Report (3,000 words)

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Practical Report (2,000 words)

• % Weighting: 40%