Bachelor of Science in Geo-Information and Earth Observation Science
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Geographic Information Science (GIScience) is the science underlining the acquisition, visualisation and analysis of spatial data. It is an important tool for management of geo-spatial information. Since the advent of computerized geographic information systems in the 1960s, as well as the subsequent development of software and computing power, maps have become a much more widespread means for managing, analysing and communicating geospatial information. The extensive demand for geographic information science skills has entailed a significant role for geography. Indeed, although geographic information science is a multi-disciplinary endeavour, geographical theories have produced the bulk of what now comprise the core knowledge areas of the field. This undergraduate level programme is designed to provide all basic level information in GIS and remote sensing and their potential applications in Earth and climate science research.
Geo-information technologies offer tools for data management through database systems, acquisition, processing and integration to understand the dynamic nature of environmental challenges across a spatio-temporal domain. This is because environmental challenges are multi-disciplinary and complex in nature. Dealing with these challenges involves huge volumes of data and also requires a systems approach to integrate several processes and data layers to understand and model their behaviour for decision making.
As a country, Malawi faces numerous challenges such as population growth, climate variability, disasters, environmental degradation and the need to explore adequate resources to sustain the growing population. These issues have a spatio-temporal dimension and geo-information technologies would provide some tools to help address some of the issues. The programme will develop skills of highly trained professionals who will manipulate and analyse spatial data for timely decision making.
Career Prospects
Graduates under this programme can work as surveyors, cartographers, mapping and surveying technicians, development control specialists, forestry and climate change specialists etc.
DURATION
Four YearsSem
1
-Chemistry I
-Algebra & Trigonometry
-Biology I
-Physics I
-Language and Communication
-Introduction to Computer Application
Sem
2
-Technical and Business Communication
-Physics II
-Biology II
-Computer Programming
-Chemistry II
-Calculus I
Sem
3
-Principles of Geographical Information Science
-Principles of Remote Sensing
-Calculus II
-Data Structures and Algorithms
-Databases
-Introduction to Space and Earth Science
Sem
4
-Cartography
-Theories of Spatial Analysis
-Fundamentals of Geophysics
-Spatial Databases
-Object Oriented Programming
-Probability and Statistics
Sem
5
-Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
-Mathematical Methods I
-Geospatial Systems Analysis and Design
-Sensors and Platforms I
-Spatial Organisation
-Principles of Image Analysis
Sem
6
-Spatial Data Analysis
-Sensors and Platforms II
-Applied Geophysics
-Land Surveying
-Programming Principles in GIS
-Mathematical Methods II
Sem
7
-Governance and Management of Spatial Information
-Mobile Applications Development
-GIS in Climatology and Meteorology
-Geological Remote Sensing
-Data Standards and Interoperability
-Research Project I
Sem
8
-GIS and Remote Sensing in Natural Resource Management
-Advanced Image Analysis
-Web Mapping
-GIS and Remote Sensing in Multi-hazard Risk Assessment
-Business Management and Entrepreneurship
-Research Project II
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Malawian undergraduate students on generic intake pay K450,000 per academic year for tuition. However, the students also need K80,000 per annum for accommodation and an estimated K500,000 per annum for upkeep. Economic fee paying students pay K2,200,000 tuition fees per annum and K160,000 per annum for their accommodation. Foreign students from the SADC region pay US$3,000 tuition fees per annum while those from countries outside the SADC pay US$3,500 per academic year. Postgraduate students pay tuition fees of US$5,000 or Malawi Kwacha equivalent per academic year. Other costs include K40,000 per semester residence (depends on availability) fee; living expenses of approximately K250,000 per semester payable on prorate basis; research fee of US$500 or in Malawi Kwacha equivalent; dissertation/thesis binding fee of K25,000 and yet to be advised medical insurance fee. |
Entry in Year 1: MSCE, “O” Level, IGCSE, GCE at least strong credits in Mathematics and English and any four of the following; Geography, Computer Studies, Physics, Chemistry (or Physical Science), Agriculture and Biology.
Entry in Year 2: A-level with at least C grade in the following subject Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and Computer Programming.