GIS 492 Bachelor of Geographic Information Systems Thesis involves the design and planning of an independent research project. Tasks include a literature review of the background information, experimental design, data acquisition and management, analysis, and technical reporting (written, visual, and oral). Students will have the opportunity to apply geospatial technology theory and skills to a real world project with an experienced supervisor. Course deliverables will include a project proposal, a proposal poster presentation, four progress reports, a completed geospatial product, a final thesis document, and a thesis defense seminar. This course is normally started in the fall with approval of the School Chair.
Prerequisites: GIS 390 and Co-op 301 (or 491 as an alternate to Co-op 301) with a minimum of 60% or credit granted.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 30 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 300 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Other | 300 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Identify and explore key issues related to a geospatial research project chosen with the approval of the supervisor
- Explain the significance of the project using available literature and form research questions to be answered
- Apply scientific research and project management skills to plan the project and to create a project proposal
- Collect required data/information, maintain data quality and research ethics, and manipulate data effectively
- Analyze and interpret the results of the project and demonstrate mastery of technical skills in the field of geospatial science
- Produce a scientific thesis
- Demonstrate professional attitude when interact with industry representatives and faculty supervisors
- Communicate the outcomes of the project effectively through a research proposal poster, blog post, a written thesis document, and a public oral presentation
Teaching and Learning Approach
This course will be primarily an individual research project-based learning activity, with guidance from an
experienced supervisor.Learning Resources
Required:
· Learner sourced material
Recommended:
· Suggested readings from advisor
McMillan VE. 2021. Writing papers in the biological sciences. Seventh edition. Boston New York: Bedford/St.
martin´s Macmillan Learning.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Provides the background review, clear research objectives, draft methods, and timelines
2. Presents the proposed thesis research in conference style format
3. Memo style update outlining background to tasks underway, major challenges and considered plans of attack, schedule from proposal modified to indicate progress and new tasks
4. Larger report style communication to supervisor, should contain significant progress towards agreed goals, Schedule updated accurately, tasks added or removed as necessary
5. A largely complete document that demonstrates the research is largely done and the student is ready to publicly present the findings
6. A conference style presentation that presents the main background, objectives, methods, and findings of the project.
7. Final report that incorporates instructor’s feedback
8. This post communicates something of interest about your project in layperson’s terms.Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Task 1: Create a thesis proposal Task 2: Display Research Proposal Poster | at GIS | 15% |
| Day | | 5% |
| Task 3: Submit 1st Progress Report | | 5% |
| Task 4: Submit 2st Progress Report | | 5% |
| Task 5: Submit 3st Progress Report | | 5% |
| Task 6: Create a blog post for website | | 5% |
| Final Report | | 50% |
| Oral Presentation | | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 85-89 | A | 4.00 |
| 80-84 | A- | 3.67 |
| 76-79 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 72-75 | B | 3.00 |
| 68-71 | B- | 2.67 |
| 64-67 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 60-63 | C | 2.00 |
| 55-59 | C- | 1.67 |
| 50-54 | P | 1.00 |
| 0-49 | F | 0.00 |
| | DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.