Postgraduate course in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for
Applied Earth Sciences, with specialization in Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Management
| Certification | Location | Start | Duration | EC | Tuition fee | Registration deadline | NFP registration deadline | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate diploma | Netherlands | 16 Sep 2013 | 9 months | 62 | EUR 4800 | 01 Jul 2013 | 05 Feb 2013 | Register |
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.
The course on Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Management analyses the processes within a landscape setting (and the drivers behind them) that lead to disasters. GIS and remote sensing are used in the analysis procedures. The course concentrates more specifically on the assessment of geological and hydrological hazards and on the determination of the vulnerability of elements-at-risk for multidisciplinary disaster risk management.
For whom is the course relevant?
The Postgraduate diploma course is designed for practitioners who are active in environmental, engineering or planning organizations and who are dealing with hazard and disaster management.
Participants have a specific interest in spatial information, and want to learn state-of-the-art GIS and earth observation techniques. They are mid-career professionals with a university background (BSc), or recent university graduates in a field relevant to earth sciences.
What is the course content?
The Postgraduate diploma course consists of three distinct blocks.
| Block | Modules | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-3 | GI Science and earth observation: a process-based approach Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Earth Observation (EO), relation to 'System Earth' and the user |
| 2 | 4-10 | Application of geo-information science and earth observation in the field of interest Learning in the domain |
| 3 | 11-12 | Final assignment Individual literature study or limited project leading to a report |
The course will deal with the following topics (among others):
- principles of GIS and remote sensing techniques
- image analysis for hazard monitoring, susceptibility and assessment
- spatial modelling of hazards
- dynamic modelling concepts and software tools
- mapping of elements at risk
- vulnerability assessment
- risk assessment and risk reduction planning
- project skills; individual final project assignment.
What will be achieved?
The course teaches how to apply GIS, remote sensing and modelling techniques in the analysis and assessment of natural hazards, and in disaster risk management. Participants will be able to use remotely sensed data to identify natural hazards and assess susceptibility to these hazards. They will learn how to apply process-based modelling, GIS and remote sensing in multi-hazard and risk assessment.
The Postgraduate diploma course is oriented towards the practical application of methods and techniques, and includes a challenging hazard modelling/risk assessment project and a final practical assignment.
Why choose this course?
This course will transform you into a skilled and knowledgeable expert in the field of natural hazards who can identify the both risks they pose to society and what can be done to reduce these risks. The course offers the opportunity to experiment with spatial approaches and techniques for hazard assessment, and integrate the modelling of the physical processes involved into multi-hazard risk assessment.
Admission Requirements
Academic level and background
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. 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.
| 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.
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
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 7 32 bit English (Home premium, Ultimate, Pro, Enterprise) |
Windows 7 64 bit English (Home premium, Ultimate, Pro, Enterprise) |
| Memory | 3 GB | 4 GB |
| Disk storage | 80 GB free disk space | (Minimum) |
| Screen | 15 inch, 1366 x 768 | (Minimum) |
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i3 Processor or equivalent (e.g. AMD) | (Minimum) |
| Network | Wireless (Wi-Fi) and Ethernet LAN | (Minimum) |
Notes:
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
- Bring your installation DVD’s and license numbers in case your notebook has to be reinstalled.
- Windows 7 student license can be purchased (approximately 55 Euro) at ITC if your notebook does not have the minimum Windows version.
- You will need Microsoft Office 2010, which you can purchase when you arrive at ITC for less than 50 Euro.
- 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.
