Master Syllabus

Intermediate Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GISC 2420

1. Section Specific Information
    
   1. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) GISC 1411
   2. GISC 2420-004
   3. Online Asynchronous 

1. Instructor Information

1. Instructor’s name: Christian T. Hartnett
2. Office hours: Office Hours: Wed 5pm to 6pm via Google Meet
3. Office location and number: Online via Google Meet
4. Phone, email, website, etc.: christian.hartnett@austincc.edu 512-576-2094
5. Arranging conference/appointments: Via email at christian.hartnett@austincc.edu
6. This course work is conducted completely online using Blackboard, ACC Email and ArcGIS Online.  There are four competencies (i.e. modules), each with three topics. Students are expected to complete one competency group of topics per 4 weeks along with the associated competency exam and project by the assigned due dates as listed in the Course Calendar and Outline at the end of this syllabus.

1. Course Description
   1. Credit Hours: 4
      Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
      Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 3

1. Course Description
   1. Credit Hours: 4
      Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
      Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 3
   2. Catalog Description: 

1. Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.
    

1. Course Rationale/Objectives
   1. Intermediate GIS is designed to provide the students with an understanding of the methods and theories of spatial analysis that will allow students to apply GIS knowledge and skills to everyday life and their chosen careers, to apply the course towards a certificate or an associate’s degree at Austin Community College, and to prepare them for success in upper division courses in GIS at other institutions.

1. Course Prerequisite(s)
   1. None
       
2. Student Learning Outcomes
   1. WECM Student Learning Outcomes
      The Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM) is a web-based inventory of current workforce education courses and outcomes published by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for Texas public two-year colleges. WECM courses are created and maintained by teams of instructional specialists from Texas college with expertise in the subject areas. By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Explain basic concepts of using GIS in mapping the earth in spatial terms and populating the GIS's system to access data 
• Create and access data in the GIS's system using an appropriate software package 
• Develop and print maps with industry standard legends 
• Operate industry standard GIS packages on a personal computer 
• Capture positional and attribute information with correct and accurate geographic referencing 
• Convert geographic information among several coordinate systems 
• Acquire GIS's system information from databases, existing maps, and the Internet 
• Annotate output for finished maps, documents, and reports.

1. GTCM Student Learning Outcomes
   The Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM) is an industry model framework published by the US Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to identify industry-specific technical competencies. By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
   • Edit, query, convert, rectify, georeference, project, transform, geoprocess, validate, import, export, backup, and archive data while utilizing file and data standards and assuring quality. 
   • Query spatial and attribute data by location and utilizing query languages. 
   • Implement a GIS project by collecting, creating, assimilating, analyzing, synthesizing, and presenting data and results that satisfy the project goal. 
   • Create data, maps, and reports with GIS-industry recognized data standards, cartographic conventions, and reporting methods. 
   • Practice continuing GIS education utilizing formal instruction; academic, professional, and industry publications; software documentation; online resources; peer professionals; on-the-job experiences; and professional certifications.
2. SCANS Competencies
   The Secretary Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) is a commission appointed in 1990 by the Secretary of the US Department of Labor Lynn Martin to develop a list of skills "that high-performance workplaces require and that high-performance schools should produce." By the end of this course, the student will demonstrate the following workplace competencies and foundation skills:
   • Workplace Competencies - Effective workers can productively use:
     1. Resources – They know how to allocate (C1) time, (C2) money, (C3), materials, and (C4) staff
     2. Information – They can (C5) acquire and evaluate data, (C6) organize and maintain files, (C7) interprets and communicate, and (C8) use computers to process information.
     3. Interpersonal skills – They can (C9) work on teams, (C10) teach others, (C11) serve customers, (C12) lead, (C13) negotiate, and (C14) work well with people from culturally diverse backgrounds,
     4. Systems – They (C15) understand social, organizational, and technological systems, (C16) they can monitor and correct performance; and (C17) they can design or improve systems.
     5. Technology – They can (C18) select equipment and tools, (C19) apply technology to specific tasks and (C20) maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
   • Foundation Skills - Competent workers in the high-performance workplace need:
     1. Basic Skills – (F1) reading, (F2) writing, (F3) arithmetic and (F4) mathematics, (F5) listening and (F6) speaking.
     2. Thinking skills – (F7) to think creatively, (F8) to make decisions, (F9) to solve problems, (F10) to visualize, (F11) the ability to learn, and (F12) to reason.
     3. Personal Qualities – (F13) individual responsibility, (F14) self-esteem, (F15) sociability, (F16) self-management, and (F17) integrity.
         

1. Required Texts/Materials
   1. Book: There is no textbook for this class, all material, readings, and data will be provided by the instructor.
   2. Data: Data for this class will be provided by the instructor and made available via download on the course site Blackboard 
   3. Computer:  Capable of running the software ArcGIS Pro 3.2. See the following for system requirements: http://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/get-started/arcgis-pro-system-requirements.htm
   4. NOTE: If your home computer is not capable of running the ArcGIS software and you live in the Austin area, you can complete the lab portion of the course using computers available at the  Highland (Room 1504 and ACCelerator), Round Rock (ACCelerator) and Riverside (S121) Campus Locations. 
   5. NOTE: You CANNOT USE A SMARTPHONE to do this class.
   6. NOTE to MAC Users: There is no MAC version of the software. You must have a PC in order to do this course. Some students have had success running the software on a MAC using a Windows emulator, though many students have not had success using a MAC for this course. Alternatively you may try using a Virtual Machine in Microsoft’s Azure environment. There are costs associated with running an Azure VM. Consult with the instructor before attempting this option.
   7. Internet:  Reliable Internet access and a working ACC email address. Computers with Internet access are available at each ACC campus.  Most assigned readings will be available in electronic format.
   8. USB Drive: (aka Flash or Thumb drive) or a portable external hard drive.  It should be at least 4 GB in size. I recommend you get one with 12 or higher GB of storage.  This will be used to store your course data, documents, etc.
   9. Web Camera and Audio:  You must be capable of joining a video call using web meeting platforms such as Google Meet or Zoom.  This means a camera with audio capability.  The instructor will help students learn how to use the web meeting platforms for the use of this course.
   10. Technical Abilities:  Technical Abilities that Students MUST HAVE in order to enroll in this course:  This course assumes that you have access to a suitable PC, that you know how to navigate Windows file structure, how to install software, how to upload files, how to download files, how to unzip compressed (zipped) files, and how to copy and paste files using My Computer or Windows Explorer. 

1. Instructional Methodology
   1. This is an online asynchronous course and does not have a set meeting time. All coursework is conducted online and on the students own time. Students will complete the lecture and lab work using their own computer and the ArcGIS software provided and/or a computer on campus in the open lab, classroom, and/or ACCelerators.  Students should expect to spend 2.5 hours a week in live class sessions for the LAB portion of the class completing quizzes, exercises, and projects; an average of 7.5 hours per week working independently on the LECTURE portion of the class completing demonstrations, watching videos, reading provided materials, studying for tests, etc.  
   2. Tests: Tests are self administered via Blackboard, there is no need for a proctor or to schedule a testing appointment. There are four exams. Students must complete the exam on or before the due date. Students will be allowed only one (1) attempt at the exam and it must be completed within one sitting for the length of the time allotted for the test. However, the exams are open book/notes. As the tests are self administered, students must take the exam on their own and may not collaborate with other students or receive outside assistance. Students are expected to adhere to the Austin Community College’s Academic Code. 

To take a test, the student must take the following actions:

1. Email the professor that they are ready to take the exam at least 24 hours prior to their exam attempt.
    
2. The professor will send them a password for the test.
    
3. The student has 48 hours to complete the exam from the time the professor responds with the test password.

1. Distance Education (for online and hybrid courses only)
   1. ACC distance education courses are every bit as academically challenging as on-campus courses, but many students discover that there are also unique challenges to online education. Common challenges that distance students encounter include lack of self-motivation, inability to focus, trouble maintaining accountability, being disorganized, inability to effectively communicate, poor time management, and failure to balance your educational and personal commitments.
   2. You must be able to manage your time effectively and prioritize your course workload in order to meet deadlines and stay on track with your coursework. Successful students are self-starters who understand the commitment and discipline required to thrive in an online environment. You must ask questions when you do not understand something. Contact your instructor right away; otherwise, there is no way for your instructor to know that something is wrong.
   3. Students will access the Blackboard learning management system to gain access to lecture and lab materials and to read assignment instructions, submit assignments, and collaborate.
       
2. Student Technology Support 
   1. Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

1. Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

1. Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.
    

1.  Grading System

Grading:  The course grade is based on the successful completion of quizzes, tests, and projects.  Exercises are a key component but do not contribute to the overall grade of the student.

The final Grade is based on a total of 100 points and the following grade scale:

Exercises:  Each topic includes a textbook lab exercise(s).  Exercises are designed to apply the concepts and techniques discussed in lectures and readings. The instructor will be available to assist students with the exercises and discuss their practical application. Completing the exercises will improve your skills and make you more proficient in completing the quizzes, tests, and projects.  Nothing is due to the instructor, this is preparation for your quizzes/tests/projects.  

Quizzes:  Each topic includes a supporting quiz. Quizzes will include 10 questions from the lecture materials and from the lab materials. Quizzes will be accessed via the course Blackboard website and can be retaken as many times as desired. At the end of the semester,  all highest quiz grades will be averaged.  Quizzes are structured to measure comprehension of the weekly lecture and lab materials. Successfully completing and studying the quizzes will improve your test scores.

Tests:  There are four subject-matter tests and will consist of 20 questions - 10 questions covering the lecture material and 10 questions covering the exercises. Each question is worth 0.5 points. Tests are structured to measure and reinforce overall comprehension. Tests must be completed on or before the due date indicated in the course schedule above.

Projects:  There will be four projects assigned during the semester. Each project will include a work breakdown structure (i.e. list of tasks) and a description of the final deliverable that builds on the material covered in lecture materials and exercises. The first two projects will include a list of tasks supported by step-by-step instructions. The third and fourth projects will include a list of tasks supported by more general instructions. Each project is worth 10 points. Any project turned in late will be penalized 2 points. The projects are designed to build the skills and confidence required to complete real-world applications using GIS.  

The final Grade is based on a total of 100 points and the following grade scale:

Introduction Email

1. During the first week of class send an email from your ACC email account to the instruction (christian.hartnett@austincc.edu) confirming that you have 

• reviewed the syllabus and any questions you might have
• access to your ACC ArcGIS Online account and are able to login into arcgis.com
• installed ArcGIS Pro and are able to open and run the software
• provide a little information about yourself and why you are taking the course

Quiz Average

1. Most topics include a supporting quiz. Quizzes will be accessed via the course Blackboard website and can be retaken as many times as desired. Quizzes are structured to measure comprehension of the weekly lecture materials and lab exercises. Successfully completing and studying the quizzes will improve your test scores.  An average score of up to 10 points is awarded.

Test Average

1. There are four subject matter tests that will be administered during the course. Each subject matter test will consist of 20 questions - 10 questions covering the lecture material and 10 questions covering the lab materials. Each question is worth 0.5 points. Tests are structured to measure and reinforce overall comprehension of the course competencies.  A total score of up to 40 points is awarded.
2. Tests are self administered and do not require a proctor. At least one week prior to the due date for each test the professor will send out the password to the exam. While these tests are un-proctored, students are expected to adhere to the college’s policy on Academic Integrity. Tests must be taken by the student without help from any other persons. Tests are “open note” and students may use any material posted on Blackboard.

Projects

1. There will be four projects assigned during the semester. Each project will include a work breakdown structure (i.e. list of tasks) and description of the final deliverable that builds on the material covered in lecture and in demonstrations. The first two projects will include a list of tasks supported by step-by-step instructions. The third and fourth projects will include a list of tasks supported by more general instructions. Students should complete project tasks after reviewing lectures and completing demonstrations. Each project is worth 10 points. Any project turned in late will be penalized 2 points. No late project can receive a higher grade than a project submitted on time by a classmate.  The projects are designed to build the skills and confidence required to complete real-world applications using GIS.

1. Course Policies
   1. Attendance/Participation: As this is an asynchronous online class, there are no scheduled meeting times. The instructor will be available during office hours via Google Meet and students are encouraged to attend. Blackboard does track a student's last login, and the instructor will monitor logins to gauge a student’s progress in the course.

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

1. Withdrawal: It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is April 22, 2024.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

1. Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.”

1. Missed or Late Work: In general, late work will not be accepted without prior coordination with the instructor and valid reason for late submission such as illness or other emergency. Assignments not received by the submission date will be marked as a 0.

1. Incomplete: An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion.  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1. Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.
2. The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   
3. The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  
4. Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  
5. When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

College Policies

Please refer to https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies or the link in Blackboard for ACC’s college policies including Statement on Academic Integrity, Student Rights & Responsibilities, Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements, Student Complaints, Statement on Privacy, Recording Policy, Safety Statement, Campus Carry, Discrimination Prohibited, Use of ACC email, Use of the Testing Center, and Student Support Services.

Course Schedule based on a Tuesday January 16, 2024 start date and a last day of the semester as May 12, 2024 (16 week course)

as assigned by instructor. There is no textbook for this class

1. Student Learning Outcomes
   1. WECM Student Learning Outcomes
      The Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM) is a web-based inventory of current workforce education courses and outcomes published by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for Texas public two-year colleges. WECM courses are created and maintained by teams of instructional specialists from Texas college with expertise in the subject areas. By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Explain basic concepts of using GIS in mapping the earth in spatial terms and populating the GIS's system to access data 
• Create and access data in the GIS's system using an appropriate software package 
• Develop and print maps with industry standard legends 
• Operate industry standard GIS packages on a personal computer 
• Capture positional and attribute information with correct and accurate geographic referencing 
• Convert geographic information among several coordinate systems 
• Acquire GIS's system information from databases, existing maps, and the Internet 
• Annotate output for finished maps, documents, and reports.

1. GTCM Student Learning Outcomes
   The Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM) is an industry model framework published by the US Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to identify industry-specific technical competencies. By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
   • Edit, query, convert, rectify, georeference, project, transform, geoprocess, validate, import, export, backup, and archive data while utilizing file and data standards and assuring quality. 
   • Query spatial and attribute data by location and utilizing query languages. 
   • Implement a GIS project by collecting, creating, assimilating, analyzing, synthesizing, and presenting data and results that satisfy the project goal. 
   • Create data, maps, and reports with GIS-industry recognized data standards, cartographic conventions, and reporting methods. 
   • Practice continuing GIS education utilizing formal instruction; academic, professional, and industry publications; software documentation; online resources; peer professionals; on-the-job experiences; and professional certifications.
2. SCANS Competencies
   The Secretary Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) is a commission appointed in 1990 by the Secretary of the US Department of Labor Lynn Martin to develop a list of skills "that high-performance workplaces require and that high-performance schools should produce." By the end of this course, the student will demonstrate the following workplace competencies and foundation skills:
   • Workplace Competencies - Effective workers can productively use:
     1. Resources – They know how to allocate (C1) time, (C2) money, (C3), materials, and (C4) staff
     2. Information – They can (C5) acquire and evaluate data, (C6) organize and maintain files, (C7) interprets and communicate, and (C8) use computers to process information.
     3. Interpersonal skills – They can (C9) work on teams, (C10) teach others, (C11) serve customers, (C12) lead, (C13) negotiate, and (C14) work well with people from culturally diverse backgrounds,
     4. Systems – They (C15) understand social, organizational, and technological systems, (C16) they can monitor and correct performance; and (C17) they can design or improve systems.
     5. Technology – They can (C18) select equipment and tools, (C19) apply technology to specific tasks and (C20) maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
   • Foundation Skills - Competent workers in the high-performance workplace need:
     1. Basic Skills – (F1) reading, (F2) writing, (F3) arithmetic and (F4) mathematics, (F5) listening and (F6) speaking.
     2. Thinking skills – (F7) to think creatively, (F8) to make decisions, (F9) to solve problems, (F10) to visualize, (F11) the ability to learn, and (F12) to reason.

Personal Qualities – (F13) individual responsibility, (F14) self-esteem, (F15) sociability, (F16) self-management, and (F17) integrity.