Unit information: Geographic Data Science in 2021/22

Unit name	Geographic Data Science
Unit code	GEOG30021
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Wolf
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	GEOG25010 Spatial Modelling 2
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Geographical Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of the methods, techniques, concepts, and theoretical-conceptual grounding for modern data science topics. The unit is structured as a methods survey unit, involving instruction in the concepts & theories behind geographical research in data science, as well as its applications in spatial supervised & unsupervised learning methods. The unit will cover three topics selected based on student interest including, but not limited to: (1) multilevel regression models; (2) spatial regression models; (3) local regression models; (4) generalised linear models; (5) spatial anomaly detection; (6) spatial clustering and regionalisation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this Unit students will be able to:

1. Explain how spatial thinking is incorporated or embedded in a given spatial data scientific method or approach;
2. Estimate or run the methods covered in the course using R;
3. Understand and explain the substantive results of the methods in both technical and non-technical terms, either in writing and in presentation.

The following transferable skills are developed in this Unit:

• Numeracy, computer and problem solving;
• Analytical and quantitative skills and project management;
• Written and verbal communication

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through a blended combination of online and, if possible, in-person teaching, including

• online resources
• synchronous group workshops, seminars, tutorials and/or office hours
• asynchronous individual activities and guided reading for students to work through at their own pace
• computer practical work; students who either begin or continue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete practical work, or alternative activities, in person, either during the academic year 2020/21 or subsequently, in order to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit, prepare them for subsequent units or to satisfy accreditation requirements

Assessment Information

(40%) 1200-word report synthesizing the data analysis and presentation techniques discussed in the first half of the unit [ILOs 1-3]

(60%) Take-home assessment consisting of a 2000-word report synthesizing the data analysis and presentation techniques discussed throughout the entire unit [ILOs 1-3]

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. GEOG30021).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.