byGaganDeep
Updated on - 1 Jul, 2024
M.Sc. Geophysics is a postgraduate program which provides study of the physics of the Earth including its formation, nature, composition and history. The program further breaks down some geophysics sub-disciplines such as seismology, geomagnetism, paleomagnetism, glaciology, and exploration geophysics supported by physics principles such as electromagnetism, thermodynamics, mechanics, and mathematics. The duration of the M.Sc. is usually pegged at two years and this is expected to be the duration of the proposed programme. Geophysics course is 2 years and these two years are subdivided into four semesters.
The courses that were said to be recognized for entrance to the M.Sc. programmes were Named Common entrance examinations. Following are the entrance exams for the geophysics program: CUCET, JEST, JAM by the IITs, GATE by the IITs, IISc entrance test, and direct admission based on merit of the qualifying examination. Many colleges also administer their own test to students hoping to be enrolled in the program. Scoring well in any national/state level examination gives a candidate an added advantage along with a good academic background in Physics and Mathematics during their under graduate program.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Master of Science in Geophysics |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in Geophysics, Physics, Geology, Earth Sciences, or a related field with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks |
| Top Colleges | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, Banaras Hindu University, Osmania University, Andhra University, Kurukshetra University |
| Entrance Exam | IIT JAM, university-specific entrance exams |
1. A degree in science with physics as a subject with at least 50% marks in aggregate from any recognized university.
2. Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geo-physics, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science.
3. Even students who are in their final year of the bachelor’s degree may apply provisionally provided they meet the requisite minimum marks.
4. Regarding the eligibility criteria, one thing that has to be noted is that there is no upper age limit for applying for this course.
5. While there are some colleges that have their own tests others admit students on the basis of their score in the national level tests.
6. Mathematical, analytical, computer and technical knowledge and proficiency with strong operational knowledge of physics.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematical Methods | Vector calculus, Differential equations, Fourier analysis |
| Geophysical Exploration | Seismic methods, Electrical methods, Gravity and magnetic methods |
| Seismology | Seismic waves, Earthquake mechanisms, Seismic data processing |
| Geodynamics | Plate tectonics, Rheology of the Earth, Geophysical fluid dynamics |
| Electromagnetic Methods | Maxwell's equations, EM waves in conducting media, Induction methods |
| Petroleum Geophysics | Reservoir characterization, Well logging, Seismic interpretation |
| Environmental Geophysics | Groundwater exploration, Geophysical surveying techniques, Environmental impact assessment |
| Specialization | Job Titles | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Exploration Geophysics | Exploration Geophysicist, Seismic Data Analyst | 4,00,000 - 8,00,000 |
| Hydrogeophysics | Hydrogeophysicist, Groundwater Consultant | 4,50,000 - 9,00,000 |
| Engineering Geophysics | Engineering Geophysicist, Geotechnical Engineer (with Geophysics specialization) | 4,00,000 - 8,50,000 |
| Environmental Geophysics | Environmental Geophysicist, Environmental Consultant (with Geophysics expertise) | 4,00,000 - 8,00,000 |
| Volcanology | Volcanologist, Geohazards Specialist (with Geophysics background) | 4,50,000 - 9,00,000 |