Master of Science degree course in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for

Applied Earth Sciences, with specialization in Earth Resources Exploration

The sustainable use of land and earth resources is a key factor in economic development. In our daily life, we are continuously confronted with situations that have a direct link with earth resources and related processes. The buildings in which we live and work are constructed of materials from the earth, the soil produces our daily food, and mineral resources provide fuel for transport and cooking and metals for the construction of, for example, computers and cars.

Sustainable development of a country’s mineral resources is generally seen as a key factor in economic growth. The search for mineral resources relies on the availability of up-to-date geological knowledge bases, conceptual mineral deposit models and modern exploration technologies. This course follows an integrated approach to upgrading geological maps, and to re-interpreting geological information in a GIS environment, using aerial photographs, satellite imagery and airborne geophysical data. Subsequently, exploration data and deposit concepts are brought together for integration and analysis using GIS and modelling systems to assess mineral resources potential.

For whom is the course relevant?

The MSc degree course is designed for academicians who are active in the field of earth resources and who have a specific interest in geological and mineral exploration. They have a specific interest in an academic career, and in applied research on the concepts and strategies taught in the course.

Participants are university graduates with a background in earth sciences, and with an interest in applying remote sensing and GIS techniques for exploration purposes.

What is the course content?

The Master of Science degree programme consists of four distinct blocks.

The courses will deal with the following topics (among others):

• principles of GIS and remote sensing techniques
• airborne geophysics
• geological remote sensing
• integrated image interpretation
• geological mapping methodology
• mineral deposit geology
• exploration geochemistry
• hyperspectral remote sensing
• mineral prospectivity modelling
• research skills and methodology; thesis research.

What will be achieved?

Participants are trained in upgrading the geological knowledge bases of countries or regions and in the assessment of their mineral potential, using remote sensing and GIS technology.

The MSc degree course is oriented towards carrying out independent research, and includes MSc thesis research.

Why choose this course?

The strong link between education and research activities at ITC guarantees a modern course that covers state-of-the-art methods and technologies for earth resources exploration. Examples include integrated image analysis for geological mapping, mineral mapping using hyperspectral remote sensing, and quantitative modelling of mineral prospectivity. Participants come from a wide range of countries, and the teaching staff has ample experience in international education and projects.

Admission Requirements

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. If you are a national of one of the countries in this list (PDF), you 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.

Computer skills
Although introductory lessons on computer skills are scheduled in the Master of Science (MSc) degree programme, applicants lacking computer experience are strongly advised to follow basic courses in their home countries.

Notebook requirements

Participants who start an ITC course of nine months or longer (MSc, Master and Diploma courses), are required to have a notebook computer that meets ITC’s requirements. If you do not own a notebook that meets the minimum requirements as described below then you can purchase a notebook through the ITC Notebook Programme. Notebooks purchased through the ITC Notebook Programme will have at least the recommended specifications as described below and will be fully supported and serviced by the ITC Notebook Service Centre. When repairs take more than an hour you will be able to borrow a notebook for the duration of the repair. Of course you are free to buy a laptop somewhere else, but then you cannot make use of these benefits.

If you are planning to bring your own notebook then please check the requirements carefully. Only notebooks that meet the minimum requirements can be serviced by the Notebook Service Centre. Note that only limited service on a best effort base (software issues only) can be provided when you bring your own notebook.

Student notebooks have access to the wireless and wired network at ITC and wired network in the ITC hotel. This provides access to the network disks and printers.

Software that is required for your study is provided by ITC for the time that you are studying at ITC. Microsoft Office you will need to buy yourself.

Hardware and operating system requirements

Notes:

1. If your computer has a different language installed then you can install the free English language pack from the Windows Update site. Notebooks that do not have an English operating system or language pack installed will not be serviced by the Notebook Service Centre. Supervised practicals also rely on an English user interface.
2. Make sure you have a genuine installation of your operating system. Non genuine windows versions cannot be updated with the latest security updates. (Test it here.)
3. Remove unnecessary software from your notebook before you come to ITC. Demo or trial software can conflict with full software versions provided during the ITC course.
4. Bring your installation DVD’s and license numbers in case your notebook has to be reinstalled.
5. Windows 7 student license can be purchased (approximately 55 Euro) at ITC if your notebook does not have the minimum Windows version.
6. You will need Microsoft Office 2010, which you can purchase when you arrive at ITC for less than 50 Euro.
7. Make sure not to bring or install illegal software, because this will not be tolerated, access to the network and ITC software will be denied and support on your notebook will not be given any longer.