212-205 Environmental Informatics

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Objectives:

On successful completion, students will be able to identify, use and, if necessary, develop appropriate software applications for analysis, problem-solving, communication and knowledge integration in. In addition, they will appreciate the impact of environmental studies. In addition, they will appreciate the impact of information technology on rural industries concerned with land management and the importance of tailoring computer software to the needs of users.

Understand: 1. how to choose appropriate applications for particular problems; 2. some of the mathematical methods that underlie different applications software; 3. the processes of specifying and objectively evaluating computing systems; 4. the principles of application development to satisfy users' requirements.

Develop: 1. skills in spreadsheet modelling, knowledge engineering, database management, dynamic simulation and manipulation of geographic information; 2. proficiency in the development of simple applications with 4th-generation development tools; 3. the ability to properly manage information technology to ensure data security and integrity; 4. the capacity to translate problem descriptions into a form that may be solved with applications software.

Appreciate: 1. the impacts of computer technology on people in rural areas; 2. the importance of the human-computer interface; 3. the potential of electronic communications and networking for liaison between environmental, industry and research groups; 4. the process of automated data acquisition and remote sensing; 5. the necessity for ongoing study of new software applications to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental studies and management.

Content:

Simulation Modelling; Non-linear Optimisation; Knowledge engineering; Geographic Information Systems; Exploring the Internet; Automated data acquisition techniques; Communications and Networking; Human-computer interfaced design; Specification, evaluation and management of information technology; Satellite remote sensing and image processing; Genetic algorithms; Neural networks; Video conferencing; Local and wide area networks; Impact of computers; Disaster recovery planning; Virtual reality; Computer aided learning; Application development with 4th generation tools.

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