Courses That Will Unlock Exciting Careers In Geophysics And Geology

The study of Earth and its science plays an important role in discovering the details about our planet, and its natural resources. It also teaches how to make judicious use of resources. Earth science further provides guidelines to protect the environment and manage natural hazards effectively.

Geophysics is part of Earth science that uses physics, mathematics and engineering to study the characteristics of our planet. It delves into investigating various aspects of the Earth's structure, composition, and processes, including its gravity, magnetic fields, seismic activity, heat flow, and electrical properties.

Career Option in Geophysics and Geology

Not much is known about the careers available in such a specialised and fascinating career. So to begin with let us understand what are the career options available in this field and then move on to know in detail where you can train to pursue these careers.

Some of the careers you can take up are listed below.

>> Seismologists- Geophysicists specialise in observing, assembling, and examining information related to earthquakes and shockwaves that take place around the year.

>>Geodesists- Geodesists is a branch of geophysics that deals with estimating and analysing the size and shape, of the gravity field of our planet to find out the exact geographical coordinates of a location on the earth

>>Hydrologists-Hydrologist or hydrogeologists supervise and control the usage of water and water resources in a judicious and cost-effective manner. Hydrologists focus on water resources present on the surface of the earth while hydrogeologists take care of the optimum utilisation of groundwater.

>>Geomagneticians-Geomagnetcian are geophysicists that collect data related to the earth’s magnetic field for solving issues related to radio broadcasting, navigation etc.

>>Geologist-Geologist conducts extensive research and surveys to study the structure of the earth and the natural resources present on it.

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Now, let us look at top engineering colleges in India that offer an integrated or master's level programme in Geophysics.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur - Department of Geology and Geophysics

Who Can Do It- IIT Kharagpur offers an integrated MSc course in Applied Geology. Students who have joined the institute through JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) can seamlessly join the master's program. Students from outside the institute, have to qualify for the IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for MSc) to pursue an MSc in Applied Geology.

What It Offers-The course offers collaborative projects with ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation), GSI (Geological Survey of India), OIL (Oil India Limited), UCIL(Uranium Corporation of India), and DAE (Department of Atomic Energy). These projects include vast research on geochronology or finding the age of rocks, experimental petrology or studying the characteristics and formation of rocks, Himalayan geology, climate change, hydrology, seismic studies and more

What Is Special About It-The department uses scientific tools for research and analysis purposes. The geophysics lab has instruments for studying magnetic and electrical properties, as well as earthquakes. The department has well-equipped labs for engineering geology and remote sensing. The faculty members are highly respected and have received awards for their work in geoscience.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay - Department of Earth Sciences

Who Can Do It-Students have to qualify for the IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for MSc) to pursue an M.Sc. in Applied Geology and Applied Geophysics or GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) for MTech in Geo-exploration or Petroleum Geoscience.

What It Offers-IIT Bombay offers multiple programs in earth sciences. Students can choose from MSc (Applied Geology), MSc (Applied Geophysics), M.Tech(Geo-exploration), and M.Tech(Petroleum Geoscience). The curriculum of the core, additional, and elective courses offered by the department are specifically designed to meet the industry's standards and fulfil research requirements.

What Is Special About It-The department has established close links with industries and research organisations. This takes the quality of studies and facilities offered to students to the next level.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee - Department of Earthquake Engineering

Who Can Do It-The Department of Earthquake Engineering offers postgraduate M.Tech admission through GATE/Sponsorships.

What It Offers-IIT Roorkee offers multiple courses related to the field of earth sciences. The student can pursue a course in soil dynamics, structural dynamics or seismic vulnerability and risk assessment. Soil dynamics is the study of the behaviour of soil vibrations and earthquakes. It helps engineers solve problems related to foundations and structures. Structural dynamics on the other hand involves studying the response of buildings and structures to disasters like earthquakes. Seismic risk assessment is the study of the probability of damage to people and buildings in specific areas during an earthquake. It also involves making a plan for safety and reducing the economic impact of earthquakes.

What Is Special About It-The department brings together a diverse team of structural and soil engineers, geologists, and seismologists under one roof. The department offers standardised postgraduate programmes and training to field engineers in various aspects of earthquake engineering.

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Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati - Department of Civil Engineering:

Who Can Do It-Students who have completed their BTech (Bachelor of Technology) in a related field or M.Sc in related disciplines with a valid GATE score are eligible for the master's programme.

What It Offers-The Earth System Science and Engineering program offers an in-detail curriculum with scientific and engineering approaches. Students gain in-depth knowledge of geosystem management, non-renewable energy resources, and monitoring techniques for seismic zones. The program focuses on practical training, fieldwork, and industry internships. This provides students with hands-on experience to address real-world environmental challenges.

What Is Special About It-It addresses the global demand for professionals skilled in managing non-renewable energy resources. The curriculum designed with a special focus on seismic zones, like the Northeastern region of India makes it unique. This enhances students' understanding of geophysical parameters and their role in disaster management. The programme guides the students with a systemic understanding of Earth systems.

Job Prospects After Programme In Geophysics

The scope in geophysics is quite promising. Along with the IITs other reputed institutes like ISM Dhanbad, Osmania University, and Aligarh Muslim University also offer geophysics courses. After the completion of the programme, students can either go to CSIR laboratories and research institutions like the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), and the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIGM).

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts annual examinations to recruit geologists for the Geological Survey of India (GSI). It also appoints hydrogeologists for the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). State Public Service Commissions and departments like mines and geology also conduct examinations for hiring geologists, hydrogeologists, and mineral development officers. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research selects candidates through interviews based on GATE scores. Public sector undertakings like ONGC, Coal India Limited, and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation also shortlist candidates through GATE scores. Private companies such as Shell, Schlumberger, and Vedanta recruit geologists through campus placements or interviews.

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Need For Undergraduate Programmes In Geophysics

The education system in India lacks a dedicated undergraduate programme for this field. Introducing an undergraduate course in geophysics is important as it will increase students' interest. Students will be able to explore different career options like atmospheric scientists, economic and engineering geologists, and geochemists. This will provide more skilled geoscience graduates to meet industry demands. UG courses in geophysics are important to bridge the gap and create more opportunities for students in the field.