Master of Spatial Information Science

The course serves the needs for a professional qualification for the broad spatial information profession, which covers, among others, areas of government, infrastructure management, planning including public participatory planning, telecommunication (location-based) and web-based services (mapping, navigation, volunteered geographic information), intelligent transportation systems, intelligent building systems, land management, banking and insurance industry, consulting, environments, agriculture and forestry

This course has as its objectives that graduates should:

• Have a sound fundamental understanding of the scientific principles and the technology of spatial information
• Have acquired the educational and professional standards of the professional institutions and boards with which the School's courses are accredited
• Possess a broad knowledge base of spatial information science and technology so as to facilitate effective communication with those other professional with whom spatial information experts routinely communicate
• Understand the basic principles underlying the management of physical, human and financial resources
• Have acquired the mathematical and computational skills necessary for the solution of theoretical and practical problems for further professional development and for meeting future changes in technology
• Possess analytical and problem-solving skills
• Have verbal and written communication skills that enable them to make a meaningful contribution to the changes facing our society
• Have developed professional ethics and responsibility towards the spatial information profession and the community
• Have an appreciation of the interpersonal and management skills required by engineers in undertaking professional activities
• Understand the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development

The Master of Spatial Information Science consists of:

• Eight spatial information subjects (six core and two electives) (100 credit points)
• Four subjects from (an)other discipline(s) (approved electives) (50 credit points)
• A interdisciplinary research project either in one semester or spread over a year (50 credit points)

Core and elective requirements in the Master of Spatial Information Science

Students must complete:

• Core - 75 credit points (six subjects)
• Spatial information electives - 25 credit points (two subjects)
• Approved electives - 50 credit points (4 subjects)
• Interdisciplinary research project - 50 credit points (1 or 2 subjects)

Core spatial information subjects

The following core subjects must be taken in the Master of Spatial Information Science

Spatial information selectives in the Master of Spatial Information Science

Students must select two subjects from the list below -

Interdisciplinary research project subject/s in the Master of Spatial Information Systems

From the list of interdisciplinary research project subjects below students must select either:

• GEOM90020 Spatial Information Research Project; or
• GEOM90010 Spatial Information Research Project A and GEOM90023 Spatial Information Research Project B; or
• GEOM90010 Spatial Information Research Project C and GEOM90023 Spatial Information Research Project D

Electives in the Master of Spatial Information Science

Students must select four elective subjects. The course allows a combination of four subjects of ANY graduate or postgraduate subjects, pending the course coordinator's approval.

A three-year undergraduate degree in an appropriate* discipline with at least a 65% average (University of Melbourne equivalent).

All students at the University of Melbourne must satisfy the University’s English language entry requirements

Students must meet the individual pre-requisites of chosen subjects within the course. With the general expectation that electives are chosen in the area of students first degree, prerequisites are not expected to be a major barrier.

* Broad discipline areas include computer science, environments (planning, landscape, and agriculture), economics, cognitive science or public health or other discipline specialisation as
approved by the Coordinator

The Master of Spatial Information Science welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the degree

The Master of Spatial Information Science requires all students to enrol in subjects where they will require:

(1) the ability to comprehend complex science and technology related information

(2) the ability to clearly and independently communicate a knowledge and application of science and technology principles and practices during assessment tasks

(3) the ability to actively and safely contribute in laboratory, and fieldwork/excursion activities

Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students

There are additional inherent academic requirements for some subjects, and these requirements are listed within the description of the requirements for each of these subjects

Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the relevant Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Master of Spatial Information Science Graduate Attributes

• Strong analytical skills
• Depth of understanding
• Practical ingenuity
• Creativity
• Understanding of global issues
• Communication
• Business and management
• High ethical standards and professionalism
• Leadership
• Lifelong learners
• Academically excellent
• Knowledgeable across disciplines
• Attuned to cultural diversity
• Active global citizens
• Leaders in communities

The Melbourne School of Engineering is seeking accreditation for the Master of Spatial Information Science from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI).

Graduates are able to demonstrate competence across the broad field of spatial information science and engineering, and, through a specialization in one other science or engineering discipline of their choice, they have an excellent understanding of interfaces and links with other science and engineering disciplines. The Master of Spatial Information Science program develops breadth of understanding and outlook, and ability to engage with a wide range of technologies and applications, with sufficient depth in one or more specific areas of practice to develop competence in handling technically advanced and complex problems

None