Master of Science in Geo-information

BACKGROUND

The Geography Department at BDU has undergone developmental stages that range from the status of embedded department to a full-fledged one. Before 1973 E.C., Geography had been embedded in the Social Science department when the various disciplines taught in the Academy of Pedagogy were grouped under Pedagogy, Social Science and Natural Science departments. In 1973 E.C, a syllabus was designed and Geography became an independent department from then onwards.

Throughout its long history the Geography Department at Bahir Dar University has trained a number of students in various programs at undergraduate level: Regular, Extension, Kirmet and, currently, Distance programs. The training has been at different levels at different times. From 1973 to 1988 E.C, for instance, the department used to train at a diploma level. From 1989 E.C, onwards, however, the department has been training both in diploma, which is limited to extension program, and B. Ed degree in all programs.      

Currently, by realizing the growing need of qualified professionals in Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing, the department is initiating to train professionals at M. Sc. Level. In line with this, the Department of Geography has prepared itself to address the increasing demand for professionals who can conduct research employing GIS and Remote Sensing technology. To attain this objective the department has already established GIS lab. Moreover, the essential GIS and Remote Sensing softwares such as Arc view, Arc GIS, ILWIS, IDRISI and ERDAS are available in the lab. These softwares are installed in twenty computers. The shortage of instructors for the courses to be offered will be largely dependent on the agreement between Bahir Dar University and TFH-Berlin (University of Applied Science in Germany). TFH-Berlin will provide the department with qualified teachers in GIS and remote sensing courses for a certain periods. Moreover, Geography Department instructors will shoulder the responsibility of teaching geography courses. Thus, the department will produce high-level professionals at M. Sc. level who will use their knowledge and skills to solve environmental problems that are faced by the Ethiopian society at present.

PROGRAM RATIONALE

GIS and remote sensing are essential tools to study the interaction between man and the environment. As a result, the requests from different sectors of the region to train their professionals in GIS and remote sensing are increasing from time to time and thereby creating a severe shortage of trained personals in this discipline. To fill this gap, the Department of Geography at Bahir Dar University took the responsibility to open M. Sc. Program in Geo-information in order to train professionals in GIS and Remote Sensing discipline in the country. The program will improve the capacity of professionals in schools, universities, development works and other sectors of the country.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants shall be admitted to the M. Sc. program when they fulfill the following requirements:

1. Applicants should have first degree in Geography, Civil Engineering, Water resource Engineering, Agriculture, Geology, Meteorology, Computer Science and other related fields from a recognized university.
2. Applicants should have at least a CGPA of 2.00 in undergraduate course from any recognized University.
3. An Applicant should submit letters of recommendations, two from his/her undergraduate instructors testifying his/her ability to successfully complete the program, and the other from a referee who is familiar with the applicant’s professional work and promise.
4. Applicants should pass entrance exams set by the department.

* Priority will be given for those who have certificate in basic computer skills.

DURATION OF THE PROGRAM

The M. Sc program consists of course work and master’s research project (thesis). The program shall normally take two full-time academic years for completion. A candidate, with valid reasons, may be allowed to continue up to a maximum of three years provided the cases are recommended by the DGC (Dep't Graduate committees) and approved by the AC (Academic Council) (Article 124, 124: 3).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The M. Sc. in Geo-Information Science is awarded on the basis of:

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Satisfactory completion of 24 credits units of work and 6 credits of a Thesis.

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A Thesis approved by examiners (internal and external) with a minimum evaluation of "Satisfactory".

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Completion of the required course of study with a minimum grade point average of 3.00.

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Presenting and attending seminars throughout the program.

DEGREE NOMENCLATURE

In English:  “The Degree of Master of Science (in Geo-information).”

In Amharic: የሳይንስ ማስተርስ ድግሪ በጅኦ-ኢንፎርሜሽን

COURSE BREAKDOWN

The course breakdown of the Masters programme in Geo-information Science is as follows: