Programs > Applied Geomatics
Contact Information
Introduction
Admission Requirements
Application Deadline
Program of Study by Research Thesis
Program of Study by Research Project
Courses for Graduate Credit at Acadia
Department Program Coordinator: Dr. I. Spooner
Phone: (902) 585-1312
Fax: (902) 585-1816
Email: ian.spooner@acadiau.ca
The Master of Science in Applied Geomatics is jointly offered by the Nova Scotia Community College and Acadia University.
It is a two year program of collaborative coursework/research and data interpretation, where students spend normally: two semesters at the Nova Scotia Community College (Centre of Geographic Sciences-CoGS and/or Applied Geomatics Research Group-AGRG), two semesters at Acadia University and a further two semesters on research at either one or both institutions. Students will complete a Research Thesis or a Research Project under the joint supervision of faculty members from Acadia University and AGRG-CoGS. Students will become skilled in the assembly, analysis, interpretation and presentation of biological, geological or environmental data - addressing an approved research subject and problem.
The fundamental relevance of this program is that its graduates will be fully competent to tackle existing or predicted environmental problems, from solid theoretical and practical foundations, using a variety of skills, and an array of new technologies.
Graduates of this program will become society and industry leaders in: mapping, planning, analysis, understanding and stewardship of the natural environment.
- Candidates for admission to this program must possess an Honours degree, or a four year Bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from an approved university. Undergraduate degrees in Biology, Earth and Environmental Science and Physical Geography are most compatible with this degree.
- Candidates should have at least a B- average in relevant disciplines in the last two undergraduate years. Students currently enrolled in the NSCC Geomatics diploma program are eligible to apply to this MSc degree program, subject to availability of positions, faculty advisors and adequate funding. Acceptance of a qualified candidate will also be contingent on letters of support from appropriate referees.
Students normally apply for entry into the M.Sc. AG program while enrolled in the NSCC Geomatics diploma program. Students in this program will be jointly co-advised by one faculty member from Acadia and one from NSCC Applied Geomatics Research Group (AGRG). Students must contact either Dr. Ian Spooner (Acadia University, ian.spooner@acadiau.ca 902.585.1312) or Dr. Tim Webster (AGRG, timothy.webster@nscc.ca 902.825.5475) to determine if funded, jointly supervised projects are available at the time of application.
Program of Study for the Master of Science in Applied Geomatics by Research Thesis:
Term one (Fall Term at NSCC-CoGS)
Students are enrolled in the Advanced Diploma in Geomatics (GIS, Remote Sensing or Marine Geomatics)
Term two (Winter Term at NSCC-CoGS)
Students are enrolled in the Advanced Diploma in Geomatics (GIS, Remote Sensing or Marine Geomatics)
Term three (Summer Term at NSCC-AGRG and/or Acadia dependent on research interest)
GISY 6400 Major Project (Capstone: Requirements for the NSCC Advanced Diploma completed.)
Thesis research GEOL/BIOL 5960 commences
Term four (Fall Term at Acadia and/or NSCC-AGRG dependent on research interest)
Two courses at Acadia University approved by the supervisory committee at least one of which must be at the 5000 level*
Applied Geomatics Seminar GEOM 5903
Thesis research GEOL/BIOL 5960 continues
Term five (Winter Term at Acadia and/or NSCC dependent on research interest)
Thesis research GEOL/BIOL 5960 continues
Term six (Summer Term at Acadia and/or NSCC dependent on research interest)
Thesis research GEOL/BIOL 5960 completed
Program of Study for the Master of Science in Applied Geomatics by Research Project:
Students who choose to complete a research project rather than a thesis must complete Terms One, Two and Three as described under the Research Thesis option. They must complete the course work described under the Research Thesis option in Terms 4 and 5 and two additional courses from the approved list of graduate courses at Acadia University. They must also complete the Research Project course (GEOM 5990).
Term four (Fall Term at Acadia and/or NSCC dependent on research interest)
Applied Geomatics Research Project (GEOM 5990) commences
Course work continues
Term five (Winter Term at Acadia and/or NSCC dependent on research interest)
Applied Geomatics Research Project (GEOM 5990) continues
Course work completed
Term six (Summer Term at Acadia and/or partly at NSCC dependent on research interest)
Applied Geomatics Research Project (GEOM 5990) completed
Courses for Graduate Credit at Acadia
In addition to the Applied Geomatics graduate courses listed below, graduate and senior (3000 & 4000 level) courses in Biology, Geology, Environmental Science and other science disciplines (as described elsewhere in this calendar) are also eligible for credit in the MScAG program, if they are being offered.
GEOM 5903 APPLIED GEOMATICS SEMINAR
Review of current research topics and problems in Applied Geomatics. Instruction on presenting seminars, writing papers and preparing abstracts may be included. Weekly seminars will be held throughout the year. It may be co-taught with GEOL 5903 and BIOL 5113/5123.
GEOM 5913/5923/5933 SPECIAL TOPICS IN APPLIED GEOMATICS
Review and analysis of selected topics and problems in applied geomatics using field and laboratory methods as required and involving the preparation and presentation of formal papers or reports. Specific topics, format and content of the course will be established for each student by the NSCC Applied Geomatics Research Group advisor and the relevant department.
GEOM 5990 APPLIED GEOMATICS RESEARCH PROJECT
The Applied Geomatics Research Project consists of a technical report, the form of which is determined by the project sponsoring proponent(s), the academic advisors and the candidate. This course will be evaluated by a committee which will normally consist of the proponent and the CoGS and Acadia advisors. A syllabus distinct to each project will be developed and approved by the supervisory committee before commencement.