Programme Specification for Surveying and Mapping Sciences BSc (Hons)
This programme is no longer recruiting. Please refer to the programme specification for BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering Surveying & Mapping Sciences.
|
Final award |
BSc (Hons) |
|
Intermediate awards available |
Cert HE, Dip HE, |
|
UCAS code |
H244 |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Building / Surveying |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
June 2012 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
This programme gives 100% employment rate
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- 240 UCAS tariff points
- Including two A2 passes
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Surveying and Mapping Sciences?
The programme encompasses a diversity of disciplines characterised around the major theme of spatial data measurement
Surveying and Mapping Sciences at UEL
We have over 50 years experience in teaching Surveying and Mapping (Geomatics) and have developed programmes which are current and will give you the opportunity to develop your understanding and skills. Our programmes have long been recognised in Industry as providing graduates with a wide range of practical and theoretical skills. The programme benefits from a 100% employability record for graduates. With a large proportion of laboratory and practical work you will reinforce the theories and practices learnt in the classroom with 'hands on' experience. Our programmes offer you the opportunity to study the fundamental knowledge and theories enquired by all Surveyors and apply these to the practical work environment.
Programme structure
3 Year full time. The programme is modular and available in a part-time mode. The part-time mode is available both as a day release and a block release. The programme is taught in combination with the other degrees in the Surveying field, making it possible to change between pathways in the first year.
Learning environment
The programme benefits from access to purpose built labs, up-to -date drawing office and IT labs and modern surveying equipment. Teaching is delivered through formal lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical classes and laboratory sessions. Most lectures are supported by programme notes which allow you to concentrate on the lecture and complete some independent studies of your own. Group work is also encouraged in many modules. There is a field scheme in the first year.
Assessment
Assessment varies from module to module but will include examinations, coursework, project work, laboratory reports, time constrained and open book assignments and tests on competence in practical sessions
Work experience/placement opportunities
The School has strong links with industry and hosts a number of visits at which informal interviews for full and part-time employment opportunities take place.
Project work
The Project dissertation of the final year is an important feature of this programme. Throughout your studies you will undertake a number of small projects as part of the unit assessment. During the final year of the programme you will be required to complete a project in the form of independent research and study of a technical subject. This project will be supervised by a member of staff with an interest in the field and will normally include some laboratory work or the analysis of a specific survey problem. The project constitutes one third of the final year of the programme.
Added value
The programme is accredited by the professional institutions and meets the academic requirements for membership. It benefits from the inclusion of elements which may contribute to the transferable skills core objectives as set out by the professional institutions.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- Geography
- Measurement Systems
- Cartography
- Surveying
- Photogrammetry
- Computing
If you enjoy...
Design, variety, working both indoors and outdoors, maths, science, physics, technology, IT and a career that can really make a difference to society.
If you want...
A traditional degree with a real practical emphasis geared to meet the needs of employers and the opportunity to study specialisms such as Engineering and Geodetic Surveying, Hydrographic Surveying, Precision Surveying or Cadastre and Land Management.
Your future career
Might be in Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction or Archaeology. Many graduates have successfully moved to careers in business, management and finance.
How we support you
The School prides itself on its student support systems. Based on the practice of industry we operate an open door policy, with students encouraged to consult with their tutors. Personal Tutors, Module Leaders and the Programme Leader will monitor your progress and provide assistance and advice with academic and personal problems. Alternatively, you can refer to our Pastoral Tutor who may be able to offer further help and support.
The School facilities include dedicated computer labs and equipment which you are free to use, as long as they are not required for a class! Technical support is readily available supported by academics.
Employer links are maintained through our Industrial Liaison Group and employers are invited to attend the University to talk to students about careers in Surveying. The professional bodies also visit the University regularly and provide details on the qualification process and the advantages available to members.
Bonus factors
For the past three years, 100% of graduates from this programme have found relevant employment.
We have close links with Surveying and Mapping Companies, many of whom come to us to look for graduates.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- gain subject knowledge and understanding, subject specific skills and cognitive skills within the spectrum of spatial measurement and measurement for construction and dimension control;
- have an awareness of changes in society, the economy and technologies; their impact on evolving professional practices and in particular their implications for lifelong learning; work and study within an institutional context of equal opportunities and broadening access for individuals from varying academic and cultural backgrounds;
- have the ability to effectively communicate orally, literally, graphically and numerically using appropriate office automation;
What will you learn?
All learning outcomes are covered in the programme’s single honours route and where Maj, J and/or Min is shown against a learning outcome, this confirms that the learning outcome is covered in the Major, Joint and/or Minor routes offered.
Knowledge
- An understanding and practical working knowledge of an appropriate range of technologies for the effective, viable and innovative solution to a wide range of spatial problems (Maj, J and Min)
- An understanding of the scientific principles underlying the discipline and an ability to assess the significance of developments in both theory and practice; (Maj)
- An understanding and practical working knowledge of an appropriate range of technologies applied in both standard and non-standard situations. (Maj, J and Min)
Thinking skills
- Analyse which technology to use to solve which problems, based on the understanding of the background issues of spatial data and spatial measurement; (Maj, J and Min)
- The procedures for the processing of analyssis of information, from spatial data issues to measurement solution. (Maj, J)
- To be able to work within a multi-cultural society. (Maj, J and Min)
Subject-Based Practical skills
- An understanding of the scientific principles underlying the discipline and an ability to assess the significance of developments in both theory and practice; . (Maj, J and Min)
- How the changes in technology and technological solutions are linked to data quality and data collection; (Maj, J)
- To gain an appreciation for spatial data - their collection, management and application - particularly with regards to the issues of data quality and responsibility. (Maj, J and Min)
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- The analytical, managerial and professional skills required for entry into professional careers.
- Transferable skills and an appreciation of lifelong learning and continuing professional development
- The ability to effectively communicate. (Maj, J and Min)
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode or minimum of 5 years and up to maximum of 8 years in part-time day release mode. Part-time block release mode is for applicants with extensive experience in industry and a block-release programme has minimum duration of 3 years.
It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February. A student, normally registering for 6 modules in one year (3 modules in each Semester) would do so in a full-time attendance mode of study and a student registering for up to 4 modules in one year (2 modules in each Semester) would do so in part-time attendance mode of study. Part-time block release, each block will contain 2 modules. There will be two 4-week blocks per year.
What you will study when
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:
- Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
- Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
- Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
- Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three
Modules are defined as:
- Core - Must be taken
- Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
- University wide option - Select from a wide range of university wide options
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major pathways for this programme
|
LEVEL |
MODULE CODES |
TITLE |
SKILLS MODULES |
CREDITS |
STATUS |
STATUS |
STATUS |
STATUS |
|
1 |
SV1031 |
Plane Surveying |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
SV1032 |
Quantitative Methods |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
|
1 |
SV1040 |
Skills for Surveying |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core* |
|
|
1 |
SV1034 |
Mapping |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
Core |
|
1 |
SV1035 |
Introduction to GIS |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
1 |
CE1211 |
Geomatics and Construction |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
1 |
SV1038 |
Applications in GIS |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
2 |
SV2031 |
Applied Information Technology |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
2 |
SV2036 |
Survey Mathematics |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
2 |
SV2033 |
Legal Framework for Geomatics |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
|
|
|
2 |
SV2032 |
Data Acquisition and 3D Modelling |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
2 |
SV2038 |
Geodetic Surveying |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
2 |
SV2040 |
Engineering Measurement |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
3 |
SV3031 |
Dissertation |
Inc Research Skills (Y) |
40 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
|
3 |
SV3032 |
Management studies in Geomatics |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
3 |
SV3033 |
Professional Studies in Geomatics |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
** |
|
|
3 |
SV3034 |
Sea Surveying |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
3 |
SV3036 |
Precision Surveying |
|
20 |
Option |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
3 |
SV3038 |
IT Applications |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
3 |
SV3039 |
Integrated Water Management |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
|
|
3 |
SV3041 |
Cadastre and Land Management |
|
20 |
Option |
|
|
Core |
* Students must either take this or the equivalent skills module from their other joint programme.
** Students must take their employability skills module from their other joint programme.
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.
In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum of 20 credits at level one or higher
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Lectures where the main subjects are introduced.
- Directed practical laboratory/field sessions where students are guided in how to use the technology
- Seminars, where discussions are used to further the ideas introduced in the main lectures
Thinking skills are developed through
- Tutorials, where students are guided by self-directed study to allow for the further discussion of the ideas introduced in the main lectures
- Practical laboratory and field work where students apply their knowledge learnt by completing practical tasks
- Dissertation in the final year, where students take a chosen topic which has a scientific/practical base allowing the students to conceptualise their own ideas.
Practical skills are developed through
- Practical laboratory work, both self-directed and lecturer-directed.
- Field work, both self-directed and lecturer-directed.
- The first year field scheme, where student work in groups to solve real word problems
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- The inclusion of professional ethics and studies in both the second and final year.
- The use of technology, and the changes in technology introduced in the majority of modules
- Presentation skills.
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- Examinations
- Practical work
- Experiments
Thinking skills are assessed by
- Essays
- Reports
- Presentations
Practical skills are assessed by
- Laboratory work
- Field work
- Laboratory reports
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Presentations
- Within all the coursework
- The practical work both in the laboratories and field work, that are based on real world problems
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before the programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations by questionnaires given to students in each semester
- Student representation on field committees meeting 2 times year
- Final year student debrief session - takes place the morning of the assessment board.
Students are notified of the action taken through:
List the methods that you use e.g.
- circulating the minutes of the field committee
- Information placed on internal web pages
- Being notified in classes where all the year students are present.
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
List the methods that you use e.g.
- Questionnaires to former students when needed
- Industrial liaison group.
- Newsletter to ex students and employers
- Attending trade and professional meetings to both canvas for views of the profession and to inform the profession of what we are doing.
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site http://www.uel.ac.uk
- The programme handbook
- Module study guides
- UEL Manual of General Regulations and Policies http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- UEL Guide to Undergraduate Programmes
- Surveying notice board giving details of prospective jobs, professional meeting and conferences
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
