Earth Observation – (M.Sc.)

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Earth observation is synonymous with 'Earth remote sensing'. Earth remote sensing encompasses the science and the technologies that gather information about the earth's surface and the atmosphere without entering into physical contact with the surface or atmospheric phenomenon. In other words, data is collected by sensors that can be placed on any kind of platform, e.g. satellites, planes, balloons, ships, towers, vehicles, etc.

Cloud images for weather forecasts and aerial photographs for topographic mapping are well known earth remote sensing products. Remotely sensed data products have become increasingly vital in present-day society. We use them to produce highly accurate maps for navigation, telecommunication, utility services and land use planning. We need them to monitor and manage the Earth's resources and rely on them for early-warning with respect to extreme weather conditions, floods, wildfires and failure of agricultural production. They are of significant assistance in the organisation of relief and reconstruction efforts when conflicts, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, avalanches, or other disasters strike. They have also become irreplaceable as research tools in global change and sustainability assessment at all spatial levels.

The appropriate and effective utilisation of earth remote sensing requires far more skill than the simple collection of data. Data must be combined with knowledge and information that is already available or obtained from other sources. Data must be verified and processed. Resulting databases must be managed and exploited. All this must occur in such a way that Earth observation becomes a major tool in the sustainable management of our environment.

As the field of Earth Observation is vast and students often have diverse backgrounds and interests, participants can tailor their individual study programme to their personal profile. Not only do we offer two majors (bioscience engineering and science), but your programme will also be coloured by your choice of thematic elective courses. If your background in either 'calculus and statistics', 'earth science and geomatics' or 'environmental science and ecology' lacks depth, you can remedy this by the 'strengthening package´ (10 to 15 credits) available within the programme.

All students take the general segment of 60 credits. Then they choose between the bioscience engineering major (50 credits) or the science major (45 credits). They complete their 120 credit programme with elective courses totalling either 10 or 15 credits. A Master´s thesis equivalent to 30 credits forms an inherent part of both majors.

All students are given the opportunity to conduct part of their Master´s thesis research at a partner institution or organisation abroad. In addition, European residents can undertake their Master´s thesis research at a European university within the framework of the Erasmus programme.