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BSEN30630

Academic Year 2025/2026

Practical Applications ArcGIS (BSEN30630)

Subject:
Biosystems Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Biosystems & Food Engineering
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Anna Molter
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The ability to use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a valuable transferrable skill, which can be applied in both research and the workplace. ArcGIS, the most widely used GIS software in practice is freely available to all UCD staff and students. Experience using ArcGIS is often requested by employers where a knowledge of GIS is required. This module aims to introduce students to basic mapping using ArcGIS and to some of its advanced capabilities. The module will demonstrate the utilisation of ArcGIS through hands on problem based learning, where weekly workshops will form the basis for its teaching. GIS allows for the storage, manipulation, analysis and presentation of spatial data. There is a growing demand for GIS as a skill that can be utilised by a range of fields, including Engineering, Environmental Science, History, Agriculture, Planning, etc. As such, this module will provide a project based assignment, relevant to the student’s respective field.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, students will be able to:
1. Understand the principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
2. Create, edit and relate data through a geodatabase
3. Analyse vector and raster datasets using the ArcGIS toolbox
4. Interpret and present spatial data analyses using ArcGIS and Storymaps

Indicative Module Content:

- Basic principles of making a map
- Working with attribute data in the geodatabase
- Vector data analysis
- Raster data analysis
- ArcGIS Online
- ArcGIS Storymaps
- Optical Remote Sensing
- Cluster analysis and Hotspots
- ArcGIS Field Maps Designer
-ArcGIS Survey123

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Computer Aided Lab

24
Autonomous Student Learning

74
Total

110

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Active/Task based learning
Problem based learning
Peer and group work
Student presentations

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Students work on a project, applying the skills learned during the practical sessions. The project will be reported through a Storymap and presented to their peers. Week 12 Graded No
60
 No
Practical Skills Assessment: The maps/outputs produced during the practical exercises will be assessed. Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9 Graded No
40
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback provided post-assessment.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 14:00 - 16:50
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