Earth Observation - Physics - master

Programme description

Earth observation is a discipline of the Master's degree programme in physics.

The central location of Tromsø in the Arctic has led to substantial activity related to earth observation and remote sensing technologies. Today, around 250 people work with remote sensing in the Tromsø area, producing steadily increasing revenues which makes it a sector of major economic importance. The Earth Observation group at UiT contributes to this development both through fundamental research and application development. The group has strong connections to the local companies, research institutes and users of satellite images, as well as to international research institutes. The cross-disciplinary collaboration with these actors is vital in the design of useful tools for applications such as oil spill detection, ship detection, sea ice charting and glacier monitoring. The Earth Observation group possesses a large archive of satellite data and ground truth data, and has access to powerful computing facilities.

The objective of the Earth Observation discipline is to teach the techniques used in satellite remote sensing of the Earth, with a focus on environmental monitoring. The tools are drawn from various fields such as signal and image processing, pattern recognition, applied statistics and physics. The aim is further to deliver candidates to the earth observation community, providing competent workers to all levels of the value chain, from users of remote sensing data in resource management and decision-making bodies to industry companies, research institutes and academia.

Programme structure

Learning outcomes

Knowledge - The candidate:

• has a solid basis in physics in general
• has an advanced level of knowledge in one of the disciplines offered
• has knowledge about scientific methods in mathematics, statistics and physics
  

Skills - The candidate:

• is able to use scientific measurement equipment and carry out advanced experiments
• is able to evaluate and analyse measurement data
• is able to use programming tools for solving physical problems numerically
• is able to evaluate and analyse publicised theories, methods and experiments in the physics literature
• is able to work independently with problem solving
  

Competences - The candidate:

• displays good communication skills, orally and in writing, in the presentation of scientific work, both for a general public and for specialists in the field
• displays a good working habit, follows the code of ethics, and is able to continue a career within research, production, development and technical professions in the society

Admission requirements

Admission to the Master's programme in physics requires a Bachelor's degree in physics, or another degree following a programme of study of not less than three years' duration, or similar education approved in accordance with the Norwegian Universities Act section 3-4.

In addition, specialization in physics worth the equivalent of not less than 80 ECTS credits is required. Normally, an average mark of C or better is required in the Bachelor's degree or similar basis of admission.

Applicants from Norway or other Nordic countries:

• The application deadline for Norwegian and other Nordic applicants is April 15th for admission to the autumn semester and November 1st for admission to the spring semester.

Applicants from outside the Nordic countries:

• Wh is an international applicant?
• The application deadline for self-financing and quota scheme applicants is December 1st for admission to the autumn semester.
• General admission requirements for international applicants.

Teaching and assessment

The courses in the study programme have varied forms of instruction, typically lectures, exercises, laboratory work, computer work, or combinations of these.

Special curricula, project papers and the Master¿s thesis are supervised on an individual basis by the department¿s academic staff, possibly in collaboration with external companies or institutions by agreement.

Language of instruction

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.

Also the Master's thesis may be written either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Exchange possibilities

Exchange studies abroad or at the University Centre in Svalbard can be recognised in the Master's degree if recommended by your supervisor, and only if the external courses are validated prior to departure.

Job prospectives

The programme leads to exciting career options domestic and abroad within research, industry, administration and teaching, both in private and public sector.

Access to further studies

Completed Master's degree studies qualify for admission to PhD-studies in physics, depending on satisfactory marks in the Master's and Bachelor's degree. PhD-studies in physics are offered at UiT The Arctic University of Norway.