Master of science degree course in geo-information science and earth observation for applied earth sciences
The sustainable use of land and earth resources is a key factor in economic development. In the daily life, people are continuously confronted with things and situations that have a direct link with earth resources and related processes. The buildings in which people live and work are constructed of materials from the earth; the soil produces our daily food; and mineral resources provide fuel for our transport and cooking.On the other side of the coin, the same processes that shape the environment in which people live can also be extremely destructive. Disastrous events such as the tsunami in Southeast Asia and the earthquakes in Peru and Indonesia show that the forces of nature can have a huge impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.
A range of tools and techniques have been developed to make inventories of all the resources at our disposal, and to plan and manage their best possible use in a way that benefits not only the present population but also future generations. These tools and techniques provide adequate spatial and temporal information on resources and processes, and make it possible to use the available resources wisely, foresee risks, and plan accordingly.
What is the course content?
The applied earth sciences course deals with state-of-the-art geo-information science and earth observation applied to problems with an earth science context. Three streams are offered. Teaching is tuned to key tasks that employees in earth science organisations are expected to perform, while the educational approach is project-based, centred on assignments with supporting lecture topics. Course participants are stimulated to develop a self-learning attitude and are assigned to a tutor. The course focuses on the acquisition, interpretation, integration, analysis and modelling of earth science information coupled with remote sensing data. Course participants are able to choose from a variety of course elements in line with one of the three streams.
Geo-hazards
Course participants will concentrate on the use of remote sensing and geo-information technology in dealing with geo-hazards (instantaneous disastrous events such as landslides and floods, as well as slow and reoccurring processes of land degradation such as erosion and desertification). They will learn to map and monitor the spatial extent and magnitude of geo-hazards, and to construct models predicting where and when such hazards may occur in the future. As geo-hazard experts, they must be able to contribute to the preparation of mechanisms for hazard risk analysis. Furthermore, they must be able to provide expertise and information for the development of strategies to mitigate the impact of geo-hazards and reduce the risk of natural disasters, as well as communicate the end results to scientists, decision makers and the general public.
Target Audience
The course is designed for people with a background in a relevant field and with an interest in spatial information who want to learn state-of-the-art geo-information and earth observation techniques. The 18-month MSc degree course aims to develop academic skills leading to independent research and eventually to the defence of an MSc thesis.
Participants are mid-career professionals with a university background (Bachelor level required) or recent university graduates in a field relevant to earth sciences in general and the chosen stream in particular (i.e. geologists, geomorphologists, soil scientists, civil engineers, (physical) geographers, geophysicists, geochemists).
Admission Requirement
Academic level and background
Applicants for the Master of Science (MSc) degree programme should have a Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised university in a discipline related to the course, preferably combined with working experience in a relevant field.
English language
As all courses are given in English, proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite. Those who have English as their mother tongue, or were taught in the English language up to university level, are exempted from an English language test. Please note: the requirements when applying for fellowships may vary according to the regulations of the fellowship provider.
English language tests: minimum requirements
Only internationally recognised test results are accepted.
TOEFL Paper-based Test (PBT) 550
TOEFL Internet-based Test 79-80
British Council / IELTS 6.0
Cambridge CPE/CAE
Aggiungi un commento
Accedi dalla colonna di destra per aggiungere un commento.
Commenti (0)