Fall Semester 2008
Class meets at: 2:00 p.m.-2:50 p.m. MWF in 369 CB
Instructor: Dr. David Long
Office: 448 CB x2-4383
Office Hours: See times posted outside my office. Note: I am generally available for student consultation whenever I'm in my office with the door open or in 484 CB.
Course Description: This survey course will cover various topics in Microwave Remote Sensing with emphasis on spaceborne remote sensing of the Earth's atmosphere, land, and oceans. The primary methods and applications of microwave remote sensing will be considered with both active (radar) and passive (radiometry) techniques covered. Some of the issues related to the design of spaceborne microwave sensors will be discussed along with radiative transfer theory. Students will individually research one topic in depth through the preparation of a research paper.
Course Objectives: Introduce the student to the techniques used in microwave remote sensing and enable them to perform high level design tradeoffs and analysis of such systems.
Prerequisites: Advanced calculus, introductory EM theory (e.g., ECEn 360), and signal processing (e.g., ECEn 380).
Text: (required) Ulaby, Fung, and Moore Microwave Remote Sensing, Vol. 1 & 2 (two books -- we will use both volumes. The set will be available at the book store for about $55). (recommended if you can find it) Elachi, Spaceborne Radar Remote Sensing: Applications and Techniques, IEEE Press (this one is out of print).
Instructor's Philosophy: I emphasize system-level design and analysis with a systems approach to engineering. My goal as your instructor is to help you develop intuition and real understanding of fundamental engineering principles and practices. While understanding the mechanics of using engineering concepts and techniques is, of course, critical, knowing when to apply a given technique can be even more important.
I feel the instructor's role is to expound upon the reading material and homework and to provide additional examples and explanations as needed. As a student it is your responsibility to read the reading assignments prior to coming to class, to actively participate in the class by listening and asking questions, and to do the home work. All of these are designed to help you understand and apply the material. Tests are designed to evaluate your ability to apply what you have learned. Homework assignments are designed to reinforce what you have learned and provide practice using the material.
Grading:
Mid-term Exam 20%Analysis Report: Each class member will select one of several possible data sets from remote sensing system to analyze in detail. Class members will write a 10-15 page report presenting their findings and their experience analyzing this real data set. Note: English, format, etc. will count! The report should take the form of a journal paper being presented to mainline remote sensing journal such as IEEE TGARS. I strongly suggest the use of LaTeX.
Class presentation: Each class member will research and prepare a 20 min lecture on a topic related to the course and approved by the instructor. You will be graded by other class members and the instructor. Please negotiate your presentation date with the instructor.
Research Report: Each class member will research and prepare a 10-15 page research paper on a topic related to the course and approved by the instructor. The same topic may be used for both the presentation and report with the instructor's permission. The reports should be tutorial in nature with other class members as the audience. Note: English will count! The first draft of the report will be edited by class members. Members of the class will be review and edit the report, make comments, and return the report to the author. The final version of the report (the one graded by the instructor) will be due on the day of the author's class presentation. Only the final version of the report will be graded.
Exams: The mid-term exam will be administered in class one day during the second or third week of October as arranged with students in the class.
Final will be 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008. The final will be comprehensive.
Homework: Homework problems are optional and will not be graded. However, homework assignments will be good practice for the exams, which are based in part on the homework assignments.
Reading: Will be assigned in each class period for the next period. Source will be primarily from Ulaby, Fung, and Moore but may include handouts.