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BSEN40780

Academic Year 2026/2027

Remote Sensing and GIS (BSEN40780)

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

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module introduces the concepts of using geographical information systems and remote sensing data in agriculture. The principles of spatial data analysis and optical remote sensing (including vector and raster data, coordinate systems, projections, optical image data, image processing and vegetation indexes) will be introduced, and then used in the context of agricultural applications.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Understand the main principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing
2. Collect, process and map basic agricultural data using GIS
3. Analyse vector and raster datasets using common GIS tools
4. Compile and interpret optical satellite data for a specific study area

Indicative Module Content:

- Basic principles of GIS
- Making a map
- Working with attribute data
- Vector data analysis
- Raster data analysis
- ArcGIS online, Storymaps, Field apps
- Basic principles of remote sensing and optical satellite data
- Working with data from passive systems
- Working with data from active systems
- Classification models

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Advanced Beginner

Critical Thinking

The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Advanced Beginner

Systems Thinking

The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Competent

Strategic

The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Competent

Integrated Problem Solving

The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Proficient

Self-awareness

The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Advanced Beginner

Normative

The ability to understand and reflect on the norms and values that underlie one’s actions; and to negotiate values, principles, goals, and targets, in a context of conflicts of interest and trade-offs, uncertain knowledge and contradictions. Advanced Beginner

Anticipatory

The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Proficient

Digital Literacy and Judgement

The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Expert

AI Literacy & Agency

The ability to understand, critically evaluate and responsibly engage with artificial intelligence; to recognise how AI systems are shaped by human values; to assess their ethical, social and environmental implications; and to exercise human judgement, agency and accountability in AI-related contexts. Not addressed

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Not addressed

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12

Practical

24

Autonomous Student Learning

84

Total

120


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

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Knowledge of agriculture is required for this module. All applications will be considered in an agricultural context.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
FOR30430 - Geographical Info system, GEOG40890 - Remote Sensing


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Individual project presentation Week 12 Graded No
20
No
Practical Skills Assessment: The maps/outputs of the practical exercise will be assessed. Week 5 Graded No
6
No
Practical Skills Assessment: The maps/outputs of the practical exercise will be assessed. Week 6 Graded No
6
No
Practical Skills Assessment: The maps/outputs of the practical exercise will be assessed. Week 7 Graded No
6
No
Practical Skills Assessment: The maps/outputs of the practical exercise will be assessed. Week 9 Graded No
6
No
Practical Skills Assessment: The maps/outputs of the practical exercise will be assessed. Week 10 Graded No
6
No
Practical Skills Assessment: The maps/outputs of the practical exercise will be assessed. Week 11 Graded No
6
No
Individual Project: Students will work on a project, applying the skills learned during the practical sessions. The project will be assessed through a report. Week 12 Graded No
40
No
Practical Skills Assessment: The maps/outputs of the practical exercise will be assessed. Week 2 Graded No
4
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 will be provided post-assessment.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 15:00 - 17:50