Fundamentals of Remote Sensing

Course Details

Course Number: GEOS 3634  Section Number: 1

Spring 2011

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 105

Days & Times:

MWF 10:00 - 10:50

Course Attachments

Syllabus  Remote_sensing_syllabus_spring_2011-20120312-135509.doc

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Rebecca L Dodge   
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Course Objectives

 

To observe the earth's surface from remote sensors, both satellite and airborne, in appropriate wavelength regions for diverse applications.  You will learn to

  •  Recognize distinctive spectral reflectance patterns for common earth surface materials
  • Select appropriate wavelength regions for earth observations for environmental assessment, resource exploration, coastal and marine mapping, and other applications
  • Understand how scale and resolution affect image interpretability, and choose appropriate scales and resolutions for diverse applications

Course Expectations

 

Exams:  There will be two exams.  Exams will include short essay, fill-in-the-blank, matching, and multiple-choice questions. The exams will cover lecture materials, as well as the readings from the textbook and other assigned readings. Grades will be given during office hours or posted on WebCT – they will not be posted in hardcopy.  Make-up exams will only be given when a written excuse is provided.  In order to take a make-up, a written excuse must be provided before or within one class period of the scheduled exam.(100 points each)

 

Lab:Lab grade will be based on your assignments completed in your Lab Notebook, purchased from the Geosciences office, and activities from web sources that you will complete in lab.  You will need to bring a blank notebook to lab to complete many of the exercises.  You should also bring a calculator to lab.  (150 points)

 

Journal:  A journal about Earth Observations for geologic or environmental science applications.  (75 points)

 

Final Project:  Students will select a sensor system and research its applications, or select an application topic (i.e. a natural hazard, environmental event, field of study such as archeology, ecosystem management, resource exploration, oceanography), and document how remote sensing systems are used to study the topic.  The project will be presented to the class in PowerPoint, and will be approximately 10 minutes in length.  (75 points)


Submission Format Policy

Examples of required format for journals and for presentations will be posted on WebCT.  Students will be responsible for viewing examples and complying with requirements.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

In order to take a make-up, a written excuse must be provided before or within one class period of the scheduled exam.

In order to turn in a late assignment, a written excuse must be provided before or within one class period of the scheduled exam.(


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance is required; be on time and do not leave early.  Students with 3 or more unexcused absences will be dropped from the course.  All students should refer to the MSU Student Handbook for university policies related to student responsibilities, rights, and activities.


Other Policies

This syllabus is subject to change.  All changes will be announced in class and posted on WebCT.  Students are responsible for keeping up with the syllabus.

Grades will be posted on WebCT.  Students are responsible for keeping track of their grades.  Grades cannot be given over the phone or by email. 

Appointments made outside of office hours must be confirmed by email.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.