Environmental Remote Sensing

Snapshot

Overview

This programme aims to provide a thorough background in the physical principles of remote sensing, before specialising in environmental applications of Earth Observation.

Programme Content

The course comprises 11 modules extending over twelve months. These are delivered by a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions and assessed via a mixture of coursework and examinations in March. The final module is an individual research project that occupies the rest of the year full-time (March to end of August).

Module 1:

Remote sensing principles and systems (10 credits): This module presents the physical principles involved at all stages of remote sensing, as well as introducing some of the more commonly used platforms, sensors and data collection methods.

Module 2:

Image processing (10 credits): An introduction to image processing procedures using a variety of software packages. The module includes both theoretical and practical experience in displaying and manipulating data from various sensors.

Module 3:

Software Development (20 credits): A knowledge of basic computer programming is essential to an appreciation of data handling and image processing. This introductory course requires no previous knowledge yet enables students to be able to write simple computer programmes relevant to remote sensing.

Module 4:

Data Capture – Geophysics (10 credits): An introductory module outlining the techniques and application of acoustic methods of remote sensing (e.g., underwater and sea floor topography), as well as other data capture methods such as GPS and GPR. Module is taught at the University of St Andrews which is located near Dundee.

Module 5:

Research methods and project planning (10 credits): This module develops the basic skills required of a graduate to both complete the course and succeed in the highly competitive commercial world. It develops key transferable skills (essay and report writing, presentation skills etc), as well as seminars from visiting experts in the fields of remote sensing and the environmental sciences.

Module 6:

Either Carbon Cycling, Measurement and Monitoring (10 credits). This module considers the use of remote sensing for estimating elements of the carbon cycle, OR Environmental Health (10 credits). This module covers the concepts and measurement of the health of the environment, and is delivered by the University of St Andrews.

Module 7:

Introduction to GIS (10 credits): A module outlining the principles of GIS and spatial data analysis, including hands-on practical experience of displaying and manipulating geospatial data within a GIS.

Module 8:

Space Systems (10 credits): Delivered by staff from the Dundee Satellite Data Receiving Station, a module that covers the basic principles of satellite systems, both on-board and those on the ground, and includes a visit to the station.

Module 9:

Environmental Risk (10 credits): A module that looks at risks within an ever changing environment, such as flooding, landslides and issues relating to climate change.

Module 10:

Group Project (20 credits): This module allows students to investigate research at the cutting-edge of remote sensing whilst gaining experience of developing research proposals.

Module 11:

Research Project (60 credits): The final part of the course requires the student to undertake an in-depth research project under the supervision of a member of staff either in the University or in conjunction with an appropriate organisation elsewhere. The choice of topic for the project is driven by the student and is presented as a written dissertation in September.

Entry Requirements

An honours degree in Geography, Physical or Environmental Science, Mathematics, Computer Science or Engineering, or relevant experience in the field.

If your first language is not English, then you need to demonstrate that you have a good command of the English language. Please check our Language Requirements page for full details, including University of Dundee English Language courses.

Sources of Funding

University of Dundee Overseas Student Scholarships are available for students on this course. For more information, visit the Scholarships website.

DFID Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are available for students on this course. For more information, visit the Scholarship webpage.

Sources of Funding

The Postgraduate Student Allowances Scheme (PSAS) run by the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) has made available a limited number of awards. A limited number of bursary awards are also available.

University of Dundee Overseas Student Scholarships are available for students on this course. For more information, visit the Scholarships website.

Applicants to this course may be eligible for SAAS funding. For more information visit the SAAS postgraduate awards page.

Contact

Course Contact	Admissions Contact
Postgraduate Coordinator Dr Mark Cutler Geography School of Social & Environmental Sciences University of Dundee Nethergate Dundee DD1 4HN Scotland Telephone: 01382 385446 (from the UK) Telephone: +44 1382 385446 (from outside the UK) Fax: 01382 386773 (from the UK) Fax: +44 1382 386773 (from outside the UK) Email: m.e.j.cutler@dundee.ac.uk	Postgraduate Admissions Admissions and Student Recruitment University of Dundee Nethergate Dundee DD1 4HN Scotland Telephone: 01382 384 384 (from the UK) Telephone: +44 1382 384 384 (from outside the UK) Fax: 01382 385 500 (from the UK) Fax: +44 1382 385 500 (from outside the UK) Email: postgrad-admissions@dundee.ac.uk