Physics of remote sensing

The course is available as a singular course. The course is also available to exchange students and Fulbright students.

The course will only be taught if there are sufficiently many students. Please contact the student adviser as soon as possible if you are interested in following the course.

The course teaches the physical foundation, concepts, and instrumentation associated with active and passive remote sensing. The course explains the physics related electromagnetic radiation and the interaction between radiation and matter, and explains the basic principles of radiometry, radar measurements, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging. Various applications of Earth observation data are discussed.

Admission requirements are a Bachelor's degree in physics or similar education, including specialization in physics worth the equivalent of not less than 80 ECTS credits.

Local admission, application code 9371 - singular course at Master's level.

Knowledge - The student can

• describe how electromagnetic (EM) radiation is generated
• explain the propagation of EM waves and how they interact with matter through absorption, scattering and emission
• recognize spectral signatures of gases and solid matter
• describe radiation concepts and transfer
• explain basic antenna theory
• describe how a synthetic aperture radar works

Skills - The student can

• interpret multi-spectral remote sensing images
• interpret spectral signatures
• interpret SAR images
• identify artifacts created in the SAR imaging process

General expertise - The student can

• understand the complete chain of processing involved the generation of remote sensing products; physics, the sensor, propagation effects, analysis aspects

Recommended prerequisites

FYS-1002 Electromagnetism, FYS-2006 Signal processing, STA-2003 Time series

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

• FYS-3001 Earth observation for satellites 10 stp

Language of instruction and examination

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester.

Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October for the spring semester and 15 April for the autumn semester.  

This course is open for inbound exchange students.

Do you have questions about this module? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty: INBOUND STUDENT MOBILITY: COURSE COORDINATORS AT THE FACULTIES | UiT

Examination:

•  Two home-examinations, counting 20% each
• An oral exam, counting 60%

Assessment scale: Letter grades A-F. A is the highest grade and F is failed.

There is no access to a re-sit examination in this course

For further information, see chapter 5 in Regulations for studies and examinations at the UiT The arctic university of Norway.