Two programming courses, Automating GIS processes and Introduction to Quantitative Geology, started today in Kumpula with 50 enrolled students in total. The aim of both courses is to introduce students to the python programming language and its applications in geosciences and geography.

The first part of both courses, “Python for geo-people“, focuses on the basics of programming and is held as joint lectures and practical sessions for all the students. In the second teaching period, the courses will go on their separate ways focusing on the two fields of specialization. The twin-course is lead by Henrikki Tenkanen (GIS processes) and David Whipp (quantitative geology) from the Department of Geosciences and Geography.

Teaching and learning is done using cloud computers (powered by CSC), and version control trough Git and GitHub. All the course materials are shared openly on GitHub during the autumn: https://github.com/Python-for-geo-people 

A recent study led by Eduardo Maeda is featured at the Faculty of Science research news: http://www.helsinki.fi/facultyofscience/research/news/2015/amazon.html

The study combines satellite data and hydrological measurements for studying the consequences of extreme climatic events in the Amazon forest. “The researchers fear that, if climate scenarios are proven right, a permanent change in the western Amazon may start to take place within 10 years.”

See also:
Article in Geophysical Research Letters, 16.9.2015, Disruption of hydroecological equilibrium in southwest Amazon mediated by drought.

Geoinformatics research is being presented in the CHIESA project seminar in the Taita Hills, Kenya on October the 7th, 2015.

CHIESA (Climate Change Impacts on Ecosystem Services and Food Security in Eastern Africa) is an international research and development project aiming at increasing knowledge on the impacts of climate change on ecosystem services in mountainous areas in Eastern Africa. The project is funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and coordinated by the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi.

The seminar is hosted by the Taita Research Station, University of Helsinki. Opening remarks are given by the Governor of the Taita Taveta County, H.E. John Mruttu and Prof. Juha Karhu from the University of Helsinki. See the seminar program at the Taita Research Station website.

The pages are being updated in September 2015, sorry for any broken links!