This course is meant to introduce post-graduate researchers to geographical information systems and remote sensing. The goal is to transfer basic theoretical knowledge along with practical, hands on expertise in the use of GIS/RS which is used extensively in wildlife sciences and conservation applications. The course is based on the versatile, increasingly popular, multi-platform and open source software package called Quantum GIS. What's new In the two years since this course was last taught, QGIS had matured further. Among the major changes in the package is the way many of the analysis tools have been brought under a similar interface. Another important development is the maturity of the scripting interfaces for QGIS which make it simpler to perform repetitive tasks and to save an entire sequence of commands. Objectives: At the end of the paper, the students should be familiar with:  1. Geodesy, mapping, co-ordinate systems, ground survey and positioning,  2. Remote sensing, cartography, and GIS. This paper will help them use open source spatial tools for research and applications in ecological sciences as well as to the broad field of conservation. Structure: The paper would consist of extensive hands on practical sessions interspersed with lectures and limited field data collection. The course, assignments and quizzes will be delivered via the Moodle course management system. Evaluation: End of semester written examination: 40% Computer practicals and assignments: 60%