Geo-Information Science (MGI) / MSc

Profile

The objective of the MSc programme Geo-Information Science is to educate graduates in becoming skilled geo-information scientists with the competences to analyze the usability of geo-information in complex spatial problems and to develop innovative and interdisciplinary solutions. Geo-information has become an important societal commodity. Our graduates are able to critically evaluate this commodity and add value by deriving additional quantitative and qualitative information, and analyzing, modelling and visualizing the resulting geodata. Integrating the use of Earth Observation techniques and Geographical Information Systems towards the design of integrated monitoring systems is a special asset of the Wageningen approach. The MGI programme focuses on geo-spatial problems related to the mission of the university 'to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life'. Examples include supporting the decision making process in environmental and agricultural management, integrated land monitoring, optimizing food production and distribution and analyzing changing human-space interactions.
The programme prepares the students to function academically in a professional, interdisciplinary and international environment. Within the programme, three main profiles have been identified: geo-information researcher, geo-information engineer and geo-information consultant.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this MSc programme graduates are expected to be able to:
- explain the basic theories, concepts and methods in the field of geo-information science and remote sensing;
- apply geo-information science and remote sensing tools for the acquisition, storage, analysis, visualization and dissemination of spatial data;
- investigate and judge the usability of geo-information in complex spatial problems in domains related to natural resources, living environment, food production and human society;
- create geo-information solutions for spatial problems in an interdisciplinary application domain;
- analyze concepts, approaches and methods and reflect upon scientific literature, with special reference to the field of geo-information science and remote sensing;
- design a research plan in the field of geo-information science and remote sensing by integrating adequate methods and techniques to collect, process and interpret data;
- carry out a research in the field of geo-information science and remote sensing and judge on the quality for the different phases of the scientific research process ;
- communicate clearly - both orally, in writing and visualizing - to present the outcomes of their research and design projects and discuss these results with specialists and non-specialists;
- function effectively as specialist in international multidisciplinary teams with an active and critical attitude;
- respond to social, organizational, scientific, multicultural and ethical issues that are encountered in the field of geo-information science and remote sensing;
- reflect critically on their results and performance, as well as on those of colleagues;
- design and plan their own learning processes through continuous reflection on and experiences gained in the domain of geo-information science and remote sensing.

Programme Director

Dr. G.F. Epema
Email: gerrit.epema@wur.nl
Phone: 0317-(4)80063

Study Adviser(s)

Ing. W.Th. ten Haaf
Email: willy.tenhaaf@wur.nl
Phone: 0317-(4)81865

Programme Committee

Chair: Dr. ir. L. Kooistra
Secretary: B. van Beek

Internet

www.wur.eu/mgi
www.grs.wur.nl

Study Association

Pyrus
Internet: http://www.pyrusbwa.nl