Deadline Extended
"Remote Sensing for Ecosystem Assessment" Field Course
26 July-10 August 2007
Kola Peninsula, Russian Arctic
Application Deadline Extended To: Thursday, 14 June 2007
For further information, please contact:
Gareth Rees
Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge
E-mail: wgr2 [at] cam.ac.uk
or contact:
Olga Tutubalina
Moscow State University
E-mail: olgatut [at] mail.ru
Remote Sensing for Ecosystem Assessment, a two-week field course taught
jointly by University of Cambridge, UK, and Moscow State University,
Russia, will be held on 26 July-10 August 2007, in the Kola Peninsula,
Russian Arctic. The application deadline has been extended to Thursday,
14 June 2007.
Remote sensing technologies based on the use of images from Earth
Observation satellites are used worldwide for rapid and efficient
mapping. However, satellite data should be backed by information
collected through fieldwork to ensure high quality of the results.
Sophisticated modern equipment and methodologies have been developed to
collect this information efficiently and produce detailed maps and
environmental assessments for large areas. But these techniques are only
mastered by a limited number of experts and are not adequately covered
in most remote sensing courses. Although not difficult to learn,
efficient fieldwork techniques must be taught in the field and require a
lot of practical experience.
The course will be based at the field station of Moscow State University
in Khibiny Mountains, Kola Peninsula. The station, founded in 1948, is
situated within easy reach of both wilderness areas and areas suffering
acute damage and degradation as a result of mineral exploration and
metal smelting. Pollution and ecosystem degradation in this region is
well documented. The station's buildings are on the edge of the town of
Kirovsk, half an hour's drive from Apatity on the main railway between
Moscow and Murmansk. Apatity and Murmansk airports serve the area. The
field station will provide student accommodation, transport support,
lecture rooms, and lab space.
The course program includes the following modules:
- Introduction to remote sensing and ecosystem assessment;
- Field techniques, including map reading, GPS positioning, field
photography, geobotanical descriptions, geobotanical and geochemical
sampling, and field interpretation of satellite imagery;
- Ground spectroradiometry of plants;
- Rapid geochemical and biophysical analyses;
- Basics of digital image processing and geographical information
systems; and
- Short course project and report preparation.
This intensive two-week field course has been created within the
framework of the British Degrees in Russia (BRIDGE) continuing
professional development program, funded by the UK's Department for
Education and Skills and administered by the British Council. Successful
graduates of the course will obtain a Certificate of Achievement from
the Institute of Continuing Education, the University of Cambridge, and
a Certificate of continuing professional development from Moscow State
University.
Applicants should have a BSc degree in geography, Earth sciences, or
ecology, and must have sufficient command of the English language to be
able to study in the English-speaking academic environment. The course
is intended for international graduate students and professionals who
use or would like to use remote sensing techniques as part of ecosystem
assessment, environmental impact assessment, or similar applications.
The course is of particular interest for those whose work concerns
sub-arctic and arctic environments, such as environmental impacts of
hydrocarbon and other industrial developments in Russia. Participants
will be responsible for the course fee of 1,025 Pounds Sterling, which
includes tuition, course handbook, all essential field and laboratory
equipment, and local transport. The fee does not include airfare, health
insurance, or meals and accommodation. Basic accommodation with meals
and cooking facilities will be provided at the field station for an
approximate cost of 140 Pounds Sterling (200 Euros).
The course website, application form, and brochure can be found at:
http://www.cont-ed.cam.ac.uk/courses/coursedetails.php?id=1300
For inquiries regarding the course content, please contact:
Gareth Rees
Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge
E-mail: wgr2 [at] cam.ac.uk
or contact:
Olga Tutubalina
Moscow State University
E-mail: olgatut [at] mail.ru