BIO-3111 | UiT

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester. Applicants from outside the Nordic countries: 1 October for the spring semester and 15 April for the autumn semester.

Type of course

Master course for biology students.The course is available as a singular course.

Admission requirements

Local admission, application code 9371 - - Master`s level singular course.
Admission requires a Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) in biology or equivalent qualification in biology.

Course overlap

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

BIO-3111 GIS and Landscape Ecology 10 stp
MILJØ-310 Quantitative ecology 9 stp
BIO-8102 Geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing data 10 stp

Course content

An important tool when performing ecological and environmental analysis is GIS and satellites as providers of spatial data. The theory and application of satellite remote sensing will be covered in the course. The lectures focus on the fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation, reflection and absorption, satellite and sensor technology, map projections, and digital image analysis. The main features and principles of raster GIS will be covered. In addition the theoretical background of geographical positioning systems (GPS) will be given, along with practical use of GPS and its integration with GIS. The course emphasizes practical PC-exercises using the GIS software like IDRISI and ArcGIS Desktop with emphasize on application of the Spatial Analyst module extension. Exercises focus on basic GIS-operation, image processing and the use of remote sensing data. During the course students will collect field data and complete their own GIS-project.

Objectives of the course

Give students the necessary theoretical background and practical skill to be able to work independently with GIS, GPS technology and remote sensing data. Make the students understand the analytic potential that GIS and remote sensed data represent in ecological an environmental studies. Prerequisite: General ecology, some familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), basic statistics and general knowledge of practical use of PC and MS-Windows operative system desirable.

Language of instruction and examination

The language of instruction is English and all of the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English, but may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Teaching methods

10 hours lectures (intensive), 24 hours self learning PC-lab, 30 hours instructor lead PC-lab, 10 hours field work, 30 hours and project work. Total 104 hours.

Assessment

Project report. Grade: Pass/fail. PC-lab self traning and all PC-labs are mandatory. There will be a re-sit examination for students that did not pass the previous ordinary examination.

autumn 2014 BIO-3111 GIS and remote sensing - 10 ECTS