Environmental and Geoinformatics Engineering

Presentation

The degree in Environmental and Geoinformatics Engineering (takes place over three years, divided in six semesters. Each semester comprises twenty workweeks, with sixteen academic weeks, and accomplishing a total of 180 ECTS) aims technical and scientific training:

1. in geodesy, cartography and surveying, global positioning systems and processing aerial and space images in spatial database management, WEGIS, Spatial data infrastructure and development of web mapping applications;
2. related to environmental science and analysis of environmental systems;
3. applied in technologies, tools and environmental quality management processes and for the development, planning and management that contribute to the territorial sustainability.

In the third year, Integrated Environmental Project (5 ECTS) (first semester) and Training and Individual project (10 ECTS) (second semester) will allow, in group or individually, to develop research, professional and soft skills as well as entrepreneurship in the context of real challenges and projects.

Transversely to the study programme, a close supervision in alignment to students needs (individually or in groups), during teachers attendance hours and through the interaction using e-learning tools, approaching relevant social, technical and scientific topics as well as vocational, professional and scientific guidance. The individual work hours are important in the pursuit and construction of personal interests, autonomy, time management and other personal and lifelong learning skills training.

Objectives and skills

The Environmental Science and Technology degree aims to provide students with multidisciplinary expertise in environmental sciences to meet the challenges regarding models of sustainable development and environmental constraints.

The course enables students to analyse complex relationships between natural and human components using spatial data models, modelling, data sharing and communication in decision, action, inclusion and governance of the socio-ecological systems and provides technical and professional skills for land use planning, natural resource management, environmental technologies development and operation for pollution control, to ensure environmental protection and life quality.

The learning outcomes include developing diagnostic capabilities and to have critical and creative attitude in project proposal presentation and management, and skills to develop governance systems and to work in multidisciplinary teams. Furthermore, the course promotes the ability for research, technical and scientific communication, knowledge management and innovation, and social and business entrepreneurship

Career opportunities

Graduates have skills to assume positions as technical and environmental managers in public or private organizations and industries, in governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations. There is a wide range of career opportunities, namely for:

1. Geodetic and topographic surveys works and equipment specialized companies as well as spatial digital data content management to use in Geomatics;
2. technicians and experts of Property and Infrastructures/utilities Cadastre in Land Information Systems, geoportal and Spatial data infrastructure management framework;
3. Companies or initiatives to provide services concerning Cartography, Digital Cartography, organization and database management and Geographic Information;
4. Spatial Decision Support Systems Development in Smart Territories and Cities framework;
5. Organizations with competences in Nature Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Development and Environmental Management;
6. Consulting firms concerning Land Use, Environmental Technologies, and Environmental Management Systems planning and project development, monitoring and assessment;
7. Industrial and agro-industrial companies;
8. Environmental technology companies (e.g waste and wastewater management and treatment);
9. Integration in multidisciplinary teams for Environmental Impact Studies;
10. Public institutions, companies and organizations for natural and built heritage recovery and protection regarding environmental quality promotion;
11. Institutions or initiatives with intervention in the Research, Innovation, Training and Environmental Education domains.

Teaching methodologies

The study programme gives particular emphasis to practical and professional teaching methodologies, including lectures, workshops, seminars, practical exercises, laboratory and project work, fieldwork classes, study visits, internship and e-learning tools.

Students are involved in research and project activities through practical and laboratorial work, individual and team project development dealing with real situations with a close articulation with industrial companies and organizations.

Teaching methodologies promote individual and teamwork, bibliographic search, technical and scientific oral communication and reporting, and digital knowledge managing.

Course Coordinator

Joaquim Mamede Alonso
malonso@esa.ipvc.pt