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Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SSI2008: Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences

This module descriptor refers to the 2023/4 academic year.

Module Aims

This module provides you with an applied introduction to spatial analysis using GIS in the social sciences. You will learn about spatial construction of place, basic mapping skills and spatial data creation and geoprocessing, and statistical methods to explore and model spatially referenced data using OGIS software. These spatial skills can be used in a variety of careers, including law enforcement, public policy analysis, and data-driven journalism.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Model geographic objects such as specific locations (e.g., buildings or events such as crimes), networks (e.g., streets), and bounded areas (e.g., counties);
2. learn how to collect, manage, and edit spatial data (including administrative records and self-collected data) for use with spatial analytic software (such as OGIS);
3. develop critical thinking skills for reviewing and interpreting spatial data;
4. create and analyse the results of spatial statistical models;
Discipline-Specific Skills5. apply spatial analysis methods to social science problems;
6. 6 demonstrate and explain different methods of spatial analysis and their implications for relevant policy;
Personal and Key Skills7. use spatial analytic software to analyse social data; and
8. demonstrate written analytical skills by producing a clear data report on deadline.