Environmental Management with Geographic Information Systems (Distance Learning)

Overview

This Environmental Management with Geographic Information Systems (Distance Learning) course from Ulster University aims to teach how environmental management and data handling tools, such as impact assessment, site conservation planning, environmental management systems, ecological monitoring and GIS are applied in making knowledge based decisions on managing the environment. This is considered in the context of environmental legislative/policy frameworks within which industry, government and voluntary bodies work. 

Specific objectives are to:

• Understand the importance of evidence-based approach to environmental policy and strategic decision-making
• Apply quantitative techniques to assess the effects of environmental management
• Use GIS as a framework for collating, manipulating and managing spatial data relating to the environment
• Produce environmental impact statements and advise on implementing environmental management systems
• Apply structured planning principles to site biodiversity management and ecosystem restoration
• Monitor pollution and assess its environmental effects.

Career options

The majority of students on the course are already working in industry or public services and taking the course has helped them to gain promotion and/or change careers as a result of their new skills.

Key skills which will be developed are:

• Biodiversity management plans and site restoration design
• Ecological monitoring
• Environmental management systems
• Research analysis and data interpretation techniques
• Management, processing, analysis, interpretation and presentation of geo-spatial data
• Operation and use of Geographic Information Systems.