Course Title: Spatial Thinking
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Spatial Thinking
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
GEOM2166 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2023, Sem 2 2024, Sem 2 2025 |
Course Coordinator: Alan Both
Course Coordinator Phone: -
Course Coordinator Email: alan.both@rmit.edu.au
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
Spatial thinking is a fundamental skill for understanding, exploring, and analysing our physical environment. This course introduces you to basic concepts and frameworks for explicitly understanding how data about space and time is used to structure problems and analytical approaches. You will examine key philosophies and how this is reflected in current spatial precepts. You will study in detail the characteristics of spatial data representation and reasoning and how this is applied. By the end of the course, you will be able to describe the differences between qualitative and quantitative data about space and time, related methods in representation and analysis, and demonstrate examples of spatial thinking in the real world.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Program Learning Outcomes
This course contributes to Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for:
BP350 - Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science Major)
PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practice in one or more scientific disciplines.
PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.
PLO 4 Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety of formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.
PLO 5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.
BH116P23 - Bachelor of Surveying (Honours)
PLO1 Apply advanced and coherent knowledge of theories, principles, concepts, technologies and practices that underpin the significance of surveying in society.
PLO5 Critically evaluate and communicate research findings to diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.
PLO6 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.
BH117P23 - Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours)
PLO1 Apply advanced and coherent knowledge of theories, principles, concepts, technologies, and specialist practices in the geospatial science.
PLO2 Critically analyse and evaluate geospatial data from different sources, standards, and governance for supporting a range of applications, using methods, tools, and technologies in the geospatial discipline.
PLO5 Critically evaluate and communicate geospatial scientific and research findings to diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.
PLO6 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.
For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe key concepts and frameworks used in spatial thinking and relate these to practical settings.
- Differentiate types of data about space and time and how these are applied in spatial reasoning and analysis.
- Critically reflect on and articulate your developing knowledge/skills in spatial thinking.
- Communicate effectively using oral, written and/or graphical forms to peers both within small groups and to a wider audience.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, guest lectures, group and class discussions, individual and group activities, field-based activities, individual research, structured independent learning and self-directed learning. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.
You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course.
Overview of Learning Resources
Course-specific learning resources, lecture materials and assessment instructions will be provided via Canvas (the learning management system). These will be complemented by practice-based in-class and site-based learning activities. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course Site.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: Individual (4) and collaborative (1) practical tasks
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 1, 2 & 3
Assessment Task 2: Class test
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 1, 2 & 3
Assessment Task 3: Written research proposal and poster
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 1, 2, 3 & 4
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.