Academics | Faculties | FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES | Department of Computer Science | Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Mission

The mission of the Geographic Information System (GIS) program is to educate students in the principles and practices of computing with focus on geospatial knowledge and applications. The program prepares students for graduate school and careers in geospatial or IT-related fields.

Program Educational Objectives

1.To prepare GIS graduates to effectively use their geospatial knowledge as a research tool, a decision-making tool, data analysis tool, and/or as a planning tool in large varieties of disciplines.
2.To prepare GIS graduates for professional careers in GIS and remote sensing in roles including, but not limited to: application development, data production and data analysis.
3.To equip GIS graduates with the knowledge and skills to conduct advanced studies and research in remote sensing, environmental studies, geomatics and related disciplines.
4.To prepare GIS graduates with the communication and interpersonal skills to function and communicate effectively individually and within multidisciplinary teams.
5.To prepare graduates to identify and analyze legal, ethical and social concerns associated with the GIS fields.

Program Learning Outcomes

All graduates will:

1.Demonstrate a good practical background in computing, mathematics and statistics with a focus on geospatial knowledge and applications.
2.Demonstrate strong knowledge of the fundamental theories and concepts upon which the GIS technology is built.
3.Demonstrate problematic solving skills through spatial thinking and analysis.
4.Produce cartographic maps.
5.Demonstrate proficiency in remote sensing and show competence in performing related analysis.
6.Demonstrate programming competence using modern programming languages
7.Demonstrate good knowledge of computer networking concepts and show a good practical experience in the usage of technology within the GIS environment.
8.Demonstrate proficiency in database management system and show experience creating geographic databases.
9.Design and implement a substantial GIS project.
10.Recognize the need for, and demonstrate an ability to engage in, continuing professional development.
11.Demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences and to function effectively on multidisciplinary teams to accomplish a common goal.
12.Demonstrate their understanding of professional, ethical, legal and social issues and responsibilities.
13.Demonstrate their ability to engage in a graduate program in remote sensing, environmental studies, geomatics and related disciplines.

Admission Requirements

All first-year applicants must complete the Admission Requirements.

Courses

Liberal Arts Curriculum (27cr.)

English and Arabic Communication (9cr.)

English Communication (6cr.)

Arabic Communication (3cr.)

Religion (3cr.)

Ethics (3cr.)

3 CSC 203 Information Age & Ethics

Cultural Studies and Social Science (6cr.)

Cultural Studies (3cr.)

Social Science (3cr.)

Citizenship (3cr.)

Applied and Life Sciences (3cr.)

Life and Natural Sciences (3cr.)

Core Requirements (28cr.)

Major Requirements (30cr.)

Free Electives (6cr.)

Suggested Program

Fall Semester Year I (15cr.)

CSC	201	Introduction to Computers (LAC)	3 cr.
CSC	216	Computer Programming I	3 cr.
GIS	211	Principles of Geographical Information Sciences	3 cr.
ENL	213	Sophomore English Rhetoric (LAC)	3 cr.
STA	210	Applied Statistics for Business and Economics	3 cr.

Spring Semester Year I (15cr.)

CSC	217	Computer Programming II	3 cr.
CSC	226	Database Programming for Business	3 cr.
GIS	311	Desktop GIS	3 cr.
ENL	230	English in the Workplace (LAC)	3 cr.
		Liberal Arts Curriculum (LAC)	3 cr.

Fall Semester Year II (15cr.)

GIS	321	Spatial Analysis and Modeling	3 cr.
GIS	352	Theories of Remote Sensing	3 cr.
MAT	215	Linear Algebra	3 cr.
CEN	250	Surveying	2 cr.
CEN	251	Field Surveying	1 cr.
		Liberal Arts Curriculum (LAC)	3 cr.

Spring Semester Year II (15cr.)

CSC		Major Elective	3 cr.
CSC	446	Applied Database Systems	3 cr.
GIS	331	Implementations of GIS	3 cr.
GIS	452	Advanced Remote Sensing	3 cr.
		Liberal Arts Curriculum (LAC)	3 cr.

Summer Session Year II (1cr.)

CSC

480

Internship

1 cr.

Fall Semester Year III (15cr.)

CSC	417	Advanced Programming Technologies	3 cr.
CSC	435	Operating Systems and Networks	3 cr.
GIS	441	Cartography, Geodessy and GPS	3 cr.
		Free Elective	3 cr.
		Liberal Arts Curriculum (LAC)	3 cr.