SOSGEO4023 – Advanced spatial analysis
Course description
Course content
Most social outcomes and phenomena happen somewhere. In this course, you will learn the skills and knowledge necessary to analyse spatial data in the social sciences. The course focuses on spatial methods and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to study socio-spatial processes. Through lectures and practical exercises, students will engage with diverse spatial datasets, methodologies, and analytical tools. The course covers spatial data collection and visualization, as well as techniques for measuring and modelling spatial spillover effects, diffusion, and spatial autocorrelation. Additionally, students will be introduced to advanced quantitative spatial analysis techniques, including spatial network analysis, spatial regression models, and cluster detection.
Learning outcome
Knowledge objectives
Throughout this course, you will acquire in-depth knowledge about:
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Understand the unique characteristics of spatial data and their implications for analysis.
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Learn how to collect, manage, and process spatial data from diverse sources.
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Develop an understanding of spatial visualization techniques and cartographic principles.
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Gain an in-depth understanding of advanced spatial analytical methods, including spatial regression, cluster detection, and network analysis.
Skill objectives
Throughout this course, you will learn how to:
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Use GIS and statistical software to analyze spatial data.
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Apply spatial analysis methods in research projects.
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Critically evaluate spatial analysis results and their sources of uncertainty.
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Integrate spatial data with non-spatial datasets for comprehensive analysis.
General competence
This course will enable you to:
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Complete a research project where GIS will be used to study socio-spatial phenomena.
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Import and analyze spatial data in the social sciences.
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Communicate spatial analysis findings effectively using maps.
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Critically assess the strengths and limitations of spatial methods in different research contexts.
Admission to the course
Admission to the course is dependent on admission to a master’s degree programme at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography.
The course is open to master specialisation in didactics for social science in the Teacher Education Programme (Lektorprogrammet) - please see the link for information regarding admission.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
SOSGEO4000 – Introduction to advanced research methods
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with HGO4941 – Advanced Spatial Data Analysis.
Teaching
The course consists of lectures and seminars.
Examination
Portfolio assessment.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English.You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.
See also our information about resitting an exam.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.