Postgraduate diploma course in geo-information science and earth observation for applied earth sciences

03 Novembre 2009 alle 10:19 Redazione Protezione Civile » Università e Formazione
 




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 nine-month Postgraduate diploma course aims to develop practical skills.




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).

From diploma to degree
Participants who have successfully completed the Postgraduate diploma course are eligible to pursue the MSc degree course at a later stage.








Program URL
http://www.itc.nl/Pub/Study/Courses/C10-AES-PG-01


Subject Areas

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 (listed above). 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.

Geo- and Environmental Engineering

This stream aims to strengthen capacity to use spatial information and earth observation techniques in engineering practices but with a clear focus on environmental impact as well as awareness of environmental integrity in a planning context. This is done through planning and selection of sites for engineered infrastructure (e.g. dams, roads, waste disposal sites) considering costs and function, risks of damage to the infrastructure (e.g. by earth quakes and slope instability) and impacts of the infrastructure on the environment at large. The program looks at the reality of engineering practice in the environment, considering the entire process from data acquisition, analysis, modelling and assessment, prediction and monitoring.

Earth Resources Exploration

Course participants will concentrate on geological concepts related to earth resources and geological mapping, on exploration methods such as multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing and airborne/spaceborne geophysics, as well as on ground-based geophysical methods, field/laboratory spectrometry and geochemistry. Information extraction and analysis from GIS-based integration of exploration data sets is used in survey design and predictive GIS modelling for earth resource potential assessment. This includes environmental impact assessment, societal issues, as well as the communication of results and interpretations to a variety of end users for decision purposes.

The Postgraduate diploma course in Applied Earth Sciences is divided into three blocks:

Block Modules
1 1-4 Priniciples and applications of geographical information systems and remote sensing techniques
2 5-10 a) Geo-information and earth observation for problem solving in applied earth sciences
(b) Advanced earth observation and quantified modelling in applied earth sciences
3 11-12 Final assignment: individual literature study or llimited project leading to a report

Block 1 and parts of Block 2 are offered as individual Certificate courses:

* Geo-information and Earth Observation for Problem Solving in Applied Earth Sciences
* Principles and Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS.

What will be achieved?

The end objective of the Postgraduate diploma course is an individual final assignment that is practical in nature.

Graduates will be able to critically analyse problems with an earth science component, assess data and information requirements, ensure quality and relevance while carrying out the process of analysis, and effectively communicate the outcome to both peers and other groups (e.g. scientists, local government, stakeholders, general public).

Why choose this course?

Many aspects of the problems facing society ranging from global climate change and the depletion of non-renewable resources to finding a safe place to make a living are related in some way to earth science processes. Confronted with an increasing number of challenges, we are fortunately equipped with improved techniques in earth observation and spatial information handling that can help us to model and understand these underlying processes and make informed decisions on possible scenarios. At ITC, we get to grips with these challenges through developing geo-information and earth observation techniques that will allow us to contribute towards a sustainable society.



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 nine-month Postgraduate diploma course aims to develop practical skills.

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

Applicants for the Postgraduate diploma 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

Computer skills

Although introductory lessons on computer skills are scheduled in the Postgraduate diploma programme, applicants lacking computer experience are strongly advised to follow basic courses in their home countries.



Application Procedure

Please visit: http://www2.itc.nl/education/register/register.aspx?ccode=C10-AES-PG-01



Tuition and Cost
Tuition: EUR 4800,-
Add. costs: EUR 1600,-
Allowance: EUR 7432,-
Insurance: EUR 370


Deadline for application
01 Jul 2010



 

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