THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOSPATIAL SCIENCE
Necessitated by the increased adoption and integrated application of remotely sensed digital satellite imagery datasets for various geospatial applications including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Earth Observation, Surveying, Geographical Positioning System (GPS), and Geomatics, among others, the Department of Geospatial Science was established in July 2022 to provide education and training in the application of these geoinformation technologies in various sectors. Biodiversity loss due to land use change, deforestation, climate change, and other factors, is one of the major issues facing our country and, much of the developing world, and natural resources conservation becomes increasingly important. In this regard, to better monitor, analyze, and develop innovative tools for natural resources management, we offer programmes in GIS and remote sensing – BSc Honours in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing in Natural Resources Management and an MSc in Applied Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing. We also offer higher degrees by research i.e., MPhil and PhD, in different areas including spatial ecology, climate change, and environmental change.
The department aims to provide graduates with appropriate in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and values to be proficient in the application of GIS and Remote Sensing techniques in various sectors and disciplines.
Our department possesses numerous qualities attractive to local, regional and international students. These include:
· Provide a conducive teaching and learning environment, while promoting collegiality of the discipline.
· Highly qualified and skilled experts in the field of GIS, Remote Sensing, and Natural Resources Management
· Laboratory facilities with modern equipment and software in GIS and Remote Sensing.
· Undertake high-quality research of national, regional and increasingly of international standing.
· Effective links with local and national stakeholders, including industry, government, and the wider community.
As a department we aim to contribute to research that has national, regional, and international recognition with notable contributions to the field of GIS and Remote Sensing, demonstrated by high-quality publications, honours theses, and higher degree dissertations including patents and copyrights. Research areas include, but not limited to:
· Spatial Ecology
· Spatial Analysis and Modelling
· Land Use and Land Cover Assessment
· Climate and Environmental Change
· Housing, Health, and Water Systems
Our Programmes
Undergraduate
Offered In Conventional
SKILL LEVEL
Undergraduate (ZNQF Level 8)
COURSE DURATION
4 years
LESSONS:
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree programme in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing in Natural Resources Management is designed to provide education for undergraduate students in the application of GIS and Remote Sensing techniques in natural resources management, and other various sectors and disciplines including civil protection, health, and security. As a result, the graduates should be able to:
· Apply principles and skills of GIS and Remote Sensing in solving real world problems in forestry, natural resources and wildlife management as well as biodiversity conservation.
· Review and interpret quantitative and qualitative information in order to make sound judgements in accordance with current scientific and technological theories, concepts and methods in various fields of applied GIS and Remote Sensing.
· Analyse natural resources challenges and develop solutions and strategies for sustainable forest and wildlife management.
· Use GIS and Remote Sensing techniques for research in forestry, natural resources management and wildlife management, among others.
· Apply GIS and Remote Sensing technologies to a wide range of academic, scientific and other related practical disciplines.
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS
Normal Entry
At least 2 “A” level passes in Geography, Biology and or Chemistry and 5 “O” level subjects at Grade C or better including Mathematics and English Language.
Special Entry
Special entry applicants must have successfully completed National Certificate, National Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Geographical Information Systems, Geo-Informatics and Remote Sensing or its recognized equivalent may apply for entry into Year I.
PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS
Structure
The Programme shall consist of thirty eight (38) modules including industrial attachment and a research project. Year III consists of Industrial Attachment where a student is attached to an organization in the field of study to gain practical experience, and will culminate in the submission of an Industrial Attachment report.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes, field-based practicals, seminars, group work, industrial visits, industrial attachment, research project, and individual independent study.
Assessment Methods
Written and oral examinations, tests, laboratory reports, seminar presentations, industrial attachment report, final year research project report, continuous assessments. Coursework shall constitute 40% (Test 15%, Assignment 5%, Practical 20%) and Written Examinations 60%.
REGULATIONS
The Regulations for the Bachelor of Science Honours degree, hereinafter referred to as the BSc (Hons) Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing in Natural Resources Management complement and are subordinate to University General Regulations for undergraduate degrees and Faculty of Environmental Science regulations.
Postgraduate
Offered in Conventional
SKILLS LEVEL
Postgraduate (ZNQF Level 9)
COURSE DURATION
2 years
LESSONS:
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
The MSc Degree in Applied Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing is designed to provide education for postgraduate students in the application of GIS and Remote Sensing techniques to analyse, monitor, and develop innovative solutions for problems in various sectors including mining, tourism, civil protection, health, and security. As a result, the graduates should be able to:
· Apply Geospatial Science and Earth Observation technologies to develop innovative solutions to priority national, regional and global problems such as biodiversity loss.
· Constructing and test hypotheses to predict and explain geospatial phenomena;
· Design, collect, and analyse geospatial data to identify spatiotemporal trends, patterns and relationships while error and uncertainty in the data to arrive at justifiable conclusions; and
· Communicate the new knowledge to specific audiences using appropriate scientific language to support sound decision making and policy formulation.
· Test and develop customised geospatial products and services such as an early-warning system for disasters for use by industry, public institutions and other stakeholders.
· Demonstrate capacity for environmental and social assessment, scientific research, and analysis.
· Conduct research that identifies problems and suggests solutions that benefit natural resources management and biodiversity conservation.
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS
Normal Entry
Applicants should normally hold a minimum of an Upper Second Class (2.2) Honours degree in GIS and Remote Sensing, Life Sciences, and related Geospatial disciplines with a significant Geographical Information Science content.
Special Entry
A candidate with a BSc (Honours) degree at 2.2 and at least three years of relevant work experience shall be admitted after passing a qualifying examination.
PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS
Structure
The Programme shall consist of twelve (12) modules including two electives and a research project, which will culminate into a dissertation.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes, field-based practicals, seminars, group work, industrial visits, industrial attachment, research project, and individual independent study.
Assessment Methods
Written and oral examinations, tests, laboratory reports, seminar presentations, industrial attachment report, final year research project report, continuous assessments. Coursework shall constitute 40% (Test 15%, Assignment 5%, Practical 20%) and Written Examinations 60%.
REGULATIONS
The Regulations for the Master of Science degree, hereinafter referred to as the MSc Applied Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing complement and are subordinate to University General Regulations for undergraduate degrees and Faculty of Environmental Science regulations.
Research based programme.
SKILLS LEVEL
Postgraduate (ZNQF Level 9)
COURSE DURATION
Full-time: 2 years or Part-time 3 years
LESSONS:
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree is offered in various research fields with a significant GIS and Remote Sensing content, including:
Spatial Ecology
Spatial Analysis and Modelling
Land Use and Land Cover Assessment
Climate and Environmental Change
Housing, Health, and Water Systems
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS
Normal Entry
An applicant for entry into an MPhil degree should normally be a holder of at least B.Sc. (Hons) degree in the Upper Second Division or equivalent in the relevant field.
REGULATIONS
The Regulations for the Master of Philosophy degree complement and are subordinate to University General Regulations for undergraduate degrees and Faculty of Environmental Science regulations.
Skill Level:
Postgraduate (ZNQF Level 10)
Course Duration:
3 years or Part-time 5 years
LESSONS:
Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil/PhD) degree is offered in various research fields with a significant GIS and Remote Sensing content, including:
Spatial Ecology
Spatial Analysis and Modelling
Land Use and Land Cover Assessment
Climate and Environmental Change
Housing, Health, and Water Systems
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS
Normal Entry
An applicant for entry into a DPhil/PhD should normally be a holder of at least an MSc degree (Distinction or Merit) or MPhil in the broad field they are seeking admission into.
Special Entry
A candidate with an upper second class pass at the Honour’s level who wishes to pursue a DPhil/PhD may be eligible to upgrade from an MPhil to a PhD as outlined in the University Regulations.
REGULATIONS
The Regulations for the Doctor of Philosophy degree complement and are subordinate to University General Regulations for undergraduate degrees and Faculty of Environmental Science regulations.
Our Staff
