Assessments

Assignment I

  • Title: Programmed Map
  • Type: Coursework
  • Due date: 5th November 2026 (week 6)
  • 40% of the final mark
  • Chance to be reassessed
  • Electronic submission only

This assignment will be evaluated on technical data processing, map design abilities (assemblage), and design overall narrative.

Once you have created your map, you will need to present it. Write up to 500 about the choices you made to create the map.

You will submit an .html file obtained by rendering your .qmd in R or .ipynb Jupyter Notebook in Python.

  • If you are doing the assignment in R: You can start from this .qmd file to render the html. Other file formats will not be accepted.

  • If you are doing the assignment in Python: To do so, in your .ipynb file, follow these steps: File –> Save and Export as.. –> HTML. Prior to this step, the notebook needs to be rendered (i.e. all the cells should be executed). Other file formats will not be accepted. You can start from this .ipynb

Submit

Once completed, you will need to submit the following:

An html version of a .qmd document with R integrated code. OR and html version of jupyter notebook with Python code.

The assignment will be evaluated based on three main pillars, on which you will have to be successful to achieve a good mark:

  1. Data Processing: Your proficiency in handling and manipulating data will be a fundamental aspect of the assessment.

  2. Map assemblage This includes your ability to master technologies that allow you to create a compelling map.

  3. Design and narrative: Your success in designing an appealing map with a compelling narrative will play a pivotal role in your overall evaluation.

Assignment II

  • Title: Computational Essay
  • Type: Coursework
  • Due date: 10th December 2026 (week 11)
  • 60% of the final mark
  • Chance to be reassessed
  • Electronic submission only

A 4,000 word computational essay on a geographic data set which they have explored and analysed using the skills and techniques developed during the course. Students will complete an essay which combines both code, data visualisation and prose supported by references in order to demonstrate sound understanding of all learning outcomes.

Important information about data access through the US Census API:

There are three kinds of elements in a computational essay:

  1. Ordinary text (in English)

  2. Computer input (R or Python)

  3. Computer output

These three elements all work together to express what’s being communicated.

Marking Criteria

This course follows the standard marking criteria (the general ones and those relating to GIS assignments in particular) set by the School of Environmental Sciences. Please make sure to check the student handbook and familiarise with them. In addition to these generic criteria, the following specific criteria will be used in cases where computer code is part of the work being assessed:

  • 0-15: the code does not run and there is no documentation to follow it.
  • 16-39: the code does not run, or runs but it does not produce the expected outcome. There is some documentation explaining its logic.
  • 40-49: the code runs and produces the expected output. There is some documentation explaining its logic.
  • 50-59: the code runs and produces the expected output. There is extensive documentation explaining its logic.
  • 60-69: the code runs and produces the expected output. There is extensive documentation, properly formatted, explaining its logic.
  • 70-79: all as above, plus the code design includes clear evidence of skills presented in advanced sections of the course (e.g. custom methods, list comprehensions, etc.).
  • 80-100: all as above, plus the code contains novel contributions that extend/improve the functionality the student was provided with (e.g. algorithm optimizations, novel methods to perform the task, etc.).

Generative Artificial Intelligence

WarningProhibited use

You are reminded that inappropriate use of Generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot) in the preparation of this assignment is prohibited. Submitting code, analysis, or narrative that you cannot explain or justify yourself will be treated as an Academic Integrity concern — regardless of whether AI was involved.

ImportantDeclaration required

You must submit a short declaration with your assignment stating:

  • Which AI tools you used
  • For which parts of the work (narrative text and/or code)
  • How you used them (e.g. debugging support, syntax lookup, translation, proof-reading) — versus what you produced yourself

Undisclosed use discovered later will be treated as an Academic Integrity penalty, not merely a missing declaration.

NoteNarrative sections

Narrative sections should be prepared substantially in your own words.

  • Ordinary spelling/grammar checks in word-processing packages do not need declaring.
  • AI proof-reading that materially changes wording or sentence structure does need declaring — and extensive use of it may still incur a penalty even when declared.
TipCode

AI coding assistants may be used for support, but every part of your submitted code must be something you can explain and justify in your own words.

Declaration form

Please complete this declaration and submit it alongside your assignment. Tick all boxes that apply.

1. Which AI tool(s) did you use?

2. Which parts of the work did you use it for?

3. How did you use it?

4. Confirmation

Student ID: _______________________ Date: _______________________