Module Identifier RS26120  
Module Title ADVANCED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR RURAL STUDIES  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Mr Penri James  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   8 x 2 hour and 8 x 1 hour lectures  
  Seminars / Tutorials   3 x 2 hour and 3 x 1 hour seminars  
  Practical   4 x 3 hour practicals  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment SPATIAL AWARENESS ASSIGNMENT  40%
Semester Assessment DATA MODELLING ASSIGNMENT  60%
Supplementary Assessment DATA MODELLING ASSIGNMENT  60%
Supplementary Assessment SPATIAL AWARENESS ASSIGNMENT  40%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Select and manipulate data using appropriate software

2. Evaluate the validity of data sets

3. Use information technology to solve routine and non-routine problems

4. Present information in a variety of formats

Aims

The aim of the module is to examine the role of technology in the rural context. It is designed to develop the advanced information technology skills that allow students to select and use appropriate software to solve problems. It encompasses a multidisciplinary approach concentrating on the use of spreadsheets, geographical information systems, global positioning systems, questionnaire software, web site design and digital imaging within rural studies. It is expected that the module will improve the employability of students since the skills addressed are in demand with employers.

Brief description

Understanding how selected software can be utilised to solve problems is a skill much in demand by employers. A student who has been exposed to, and can understand how to use a variety of software types will be increasingly employable in a technology driven environment. This module demonstrates how software can be manipulated to deal with particular problems.

Content

a. Modelling scenarios with a spreadsheet
b. Handling data with database and spreadsheet software
c. Statistics on a spreadsheet
d. The application of GIS and GPS technology
e. Constructing questionnaires using Keypoint
f. Web site construction
g. Manipulating digital images

Module Skills

Problem_solving Lectures and Seminars will centre around the setting of problem solving tasks. Assessed coursework will also involve problem solving as a key element.  
Communication Visual presentation skills will be developed through web design and digital imagery lectures and practicals.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Non assessed tasks will enhance problem solving skills prior to assessment.  
Team work Spatial awareness assignment will involve teamwork to produce questionnaire and collect results.  
Information Technology Software skills will be developed throughout  
Application of Number The use of spreadsheets will improve numeracy skills  

Reading Lists

Books
Barlow, J F (1999) Excel models for business and operations management Wiley
Carlburg, C (1995) Business analysis with Excel
Donovan, T M and Welden, C W (2002) Spreadsheet exercises in conservation biology and landsape ecology Sinauer Associates
Kraak, M (1996) Cartography visualization of spatial data Longman
McClelland, D (2002) Photoshop 7 Bible Wiley
Middleton, M R (1995) Data analysis using Microsoft Excel 5 Duxbury
Niederst, J (1999) Web design in a nutshell O'Reilly
Robson, A J (1995) Designing and building business models using Microsoft Excel McGraw-Hill
Roman, S (2002) Access database design and programming O'Reilly
Whigham, D (1998) Qualitative business methods using Excel Oxford University Press
Cassettari, S (1993) Introduction to integrated geo-information management Chapman and Hall
Donovan, T M and Welden, C W (2002) Spreadsheet exercises in ecology and evolution Sinauer Associates

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5