IIT Bombay
- Fees: ₹ 49,600
- Exams: JAM
Applied Geophysics
Degrees offered: B.Sc., B.Sc.(Hons), B.Tech M.Tech, BS, Dual Degree, M.E /M.Tech., M.Sc.
What is Applied Geophysics
Applied geophysics is an interdisciplinary field which utilises the basic principles of physics to interpret subsurface phenomena. Applied geophysics mainly focuses on gathering and interpreting of data obtained on subsurface phenomena. These data are interpreted and the results are used for various practical purposes like gas and oil exploration, groundwater exploration, mineral exploration, geothermal exploration, archaeological interest and so on. This branch of geology is often referred to as "quantitative geology". An easier definition claims geophysics to be a course where pupils learn physics of the earth and its atmosphere. This includes studying oceanography, seismology, geomagnetism and volcanology.
Since humans cannot locate the mineral deposits under the surface with simple methods, we need fields like geophysics which helps in locating underground resources. Thanks to the rapid development in recent years, all geoscientists including geophysicists are in high demand. The energy industry is facing the greatest challenge in this respect. Hence, they are in need of efficient geophysicists.
Due to the importance of this course, applied geophysics is offered as a specialisation in a number of colleges across India. Applied geophysics is taught as a course which is a part of the wider course of geology. So the colleges also provide degrees with specialisation in applied geophysics. In this article, we shall discuss in detail the course of applied geophysics including the available courses, the job profiles and upcoming trends in the field of geophysics.
Degrees and Levels of Applied Geophysics
Postgraduate level (M. Tech): Candidates who have completed B. Sc in Physics or geology can opt for a 2-year M. Tech course in applied geophysics.
Integrated B. Tech + M. Sc. Tech course: IIT (ISM) Dhanbad offers this 5 years’ course. It gives off an aspirant the undergraduate degree.
Dual degree (M. Sc- PhD): This dual degree is provided to aspirants who already have a bachelor degree in applied geophysics or other relevant topics. The dual degree programme is available in the IITs across the country.
Applied Geophysics- Minimum and Maximum Duration
M.Tech in applied geophysics takes up a minimum duration of 2 years or 24 months. During this time the candidates are required to cover all the stipulated credits without backlog. For candidates who fail to clear backlogs universities often provide extended time periods in which they can clear the backlogs. In special cases, the time span is 3 to 4 years or 36 to 48 months at the most. The exact extent of elongation depends on the specific university.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Applied Geophysics
To be eligible for admission into the master's programme of applied geophysics the candidates must meet a few criteria as set by the institution they are applying for. The eligibility criteria for the two PG courses are discussed below.
M. Sc in Geophysics:
- The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in physics along with a minor subject of maths/ chemistry/ electronic science/geology.
- The candidate must secure a minimum aggregate of 60% all through the graduation course.
- The candidate must secure their graduation degree from a recognised university.
- The candidate must additionally qualify entrance examinations for the specific state and national university that they are applying for.
The eligibility criteria for applying in applied geophysics M. Tech degree course are:
- The candidate must complete a 4 year B.E./B. Tech course in relevant field like geophysics, instrumentation/electronics/instrumentation and control/electronics and instrumentation/electronics and control engineering etc
- Must qualify entrance examinations with required cutoff.
Admission Criteria for Applied Geology Course
For admission into M. Tech in applied geophysics, the aspiring candidates must successfully complete a 4-year B. Tech degree course with a minimum score of 50-60% in the entire curriculum. Additionally, they must qualify the specified entrance examination to be eligible for admission into the M. Tech course. A valid GATE, TANCET or other CET exam score is only considered for the admission process.
The B. Tech degree secured by the candidate must be in physics or geology or any other related subject. The degree must be awarded by a recognised university. The courses from which candidates can opt for an M. Tech in applied geophysics are:
- B. Tech in Geophysics
- B. Tech in Instrumentation
- B. Tech in Electronics
- B. Tech in Instrumentation & Control
- B. Tech in Electronics & Instrumentation
- B. Tech in Electronics & Control engineering
- B. Tech in Electrical & Electronics
- B. Tech in Applied Electronics
Entrance Examinations for Applied Geophysics
For admission into M. Tech in applied geophysics, it is mandatory for a candidate to qualify entrance examinations such as GATE, CET and TANCET. Here we discuss briefly the various entrance examinations.
GATE: Stands for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. It is an exam that is designed to test the comprehensive understanding of various subjects taught through the B. Tech level. It is an annual exam which takes place once a year and in online mode. The questions asked are all MCQs.
CET: Common Entrance Test or CET is another exam which can provide entry into M. Tech applied geophysics. The CET exams are held annually and consist of aptitude questions.
TANCET: Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test can be attempted by B.Tech, B.Sc or BCA graduates who want to pursue M.Tech/MBA/MCA. It is a pen and paper-based exam which takes place annually. A number of colleges across Tamilnadu accept TANCET scores for admission.
Fees and Expenses of Applied Geophysics Course
The exact fee of the courses depends on the college from which the course will be pursued. The fee can range from Rs.60, 000- Rs.10, 00, 000. Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has a course fee of Rs.60, 000 for 2 years. The esteemed B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology has a course fee of Rs.10, 00,000 for the entire course.
Scope of Applied Geophysics in India and Abroad
Applied geophysics is one of the most high-demand fields in the world. In developing and developed countries alike the value of mineral resources is undeniable. Even when global trends are shifting to renewable resources the importance of minerals has not depreciated. While countries rich in natural minerals like Canada, Russia, Brazil and Venezuela have high demands of geophysicists.
India is one of the countries rich in minerals. With the advancement of time and technology, India is also moving toward being a developed country from a developing country. Thus the industrialisation is also on the rise which means high demand for fuels and natural resources. The need for applying physics to interpret the subsurface resources is also on the rise.
Course Fees Applied Geophysics
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
3.68 Lakhs
B.E /B.Tech in Applied Geophysics at Delhi Technical Campus, Greater Noida
|
8.47 Lakhs
BS in Applied Geophysics at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
|
3.68 Lakhs
B.E /B.Tech in Applied Geophysics at Delhi Technical Campus, Greater Noida
|
13.26 Lakhs
BS MS in Applied Geophysics at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
|
| PG |
55.00 K
P.G.D in Applied Geophysics at Singhania University, Jhunjhunu
|
7.52 K
M.Sc. in Applied Geophysics at Osmania University, Hyderabad
|
55.00 K
P.G.D in Applied Geophysics at Singhania University, Jhunjhunu
|
58.30 K
M.Sc. in Applied Geophysics at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
|
Course Subjects
The subjects that a candidate can expect to cover through the course of the 2-year degree are mentioned below.
Semester I: Theory
Section A: near-surface geophysics
Introduction to seismology/soil engineering
Strong motion seismology and structural responses
Section B: seismic microzonation
Earthquake forecasting and prediction
Natural disasters, mitigation and management
Near-surface geophysics and seismic microzonation
Practical
Section A: near-surface geophysics
Introduction to seismology/soil engineering
Strong motion seismology and structural responses
Near-surface geophysics and seismic microzonation
Section B: seismic microzonation.
Semester II: Theory
Near-surface drilling
Geotechnical modelling
Earthquake hazard, exposure, vulnerability and risk
Computational seismology
Earthquake building codes and safety seismic design
Practical
Near-surface drilling
Earthquake hazard, exposure, vulnerability and risk
Computational seismology
Semester III
Industrial training / minor project
Comprehensive viva-voce
Seminar and viva-voce on industrial training / minor project
Dissertation (interim) fieldwork/lab work
Teaching assignment evaluation/ laboratory development work etc
Seminar and Viva-voce on interim dissertation
Semester IV
Dissertation
Viva-voce on dissertation
Seminar on dissertation
Teaching assignment evaluation/ laboratory development work etc
It is to be mentioned here that the exact subject list may be different from that of the course list offered at various colleges/ universities. The final course list depends on the institution and one or more of the subjects of the list may be removed or replaced. Courses may also be added to the course list.
Careers in Applied Geophysics
There is a wide range of jobs that can be opted for after successful completion of an M. Tech in applied geophysics. Below mentioned are a few of the available jobs in the sector:
Geophysicists
Volcanologists
Petroleum geologists
Environmental geologists
Earth science teachers
Glacial or Quaternary geologists
Structural geologists
Hydrogeologists
Geoscience engineer
Seismic data collection engineer, etc.
Upcoming trends
Applied geophysics has a lot of potential to change the course of climate change. As people become aware of the ill-effects of fossil fuels, the search for a clean replaceable renewable energy source becomes more important than ever. Geophysicists are now uniting their effort to find a clean sustainable resource. With the acute water scarcity in many parts of the world, geophysicists are also doubling their effort to find water sources for these regions or find ways to supply water to these regions. These are some of the major trends seen in the field of geophysics.
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
There are various jobs that one can opt for after pursuing M. Tech in applied geophysics. In this article, we list out the major job branches and provide detailed information on it.
Geo-scientist: The job of a geoscientist involves planning and conducting field studies. As a part of their job, they have to visit various locations of interest, collect samples as well as to conduct surveys. The job of a geoscientist includes studying the physical characteristics of the earth such as its composition, structure and so on. From these studies, they estimate the past, present and the probable future of the land/region.
Seismic data collection engineer: The role of seismic data collection engineer is the most vital aspect of the oil and gas industry. The tasks of such engineers include surveying, sending sound energy in the form of pulses through layers of rocks to depths under the earth's surface and recording their findings.
Seismic data interpretation engineer: Seismic data interpretation Engineers work in conjunction with seismic data collection engineers. They use several technical, computational modelling techniques to analyse the seismic data. This analysis helps them infer the geophysical as well as the geological data of the region. This data can be used to analyse the hydrocarbon composition of the rock structure.
Mineral engineer: The central role of the job of a mineral Engineer is to ensure efficient extraction of underground resources. These resources include Fossil fuels and minerals. The responsibilities of this job include overlooking health and safety requirements of the workers involved in the extraction process, ensuring that only safe equipment is used and so on.
Survey geologist: Survey geologists mostly work for government agencies. The jobs for survey geologists are provided by the provincial or federal government. They work for service and collect data which helps in forming a proper framework of geological knowledge. This helps in promoting a better and improved understanding of mineral resources as well as energy resources in the region of interest.
Here are the major companies where the Geophysicists get employed in India:
1) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation
2) Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
3) Bharat Petroleum
4) Indian Oil Corporation
5) INCOIS
6) National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
7) National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad
8) Geological Survey of India.
9) Agricultural sectors
10) Educational institutions such as various colleges and universities.
11) CSIR & DRDO Laboratories
12) Central Ground Water Board
13) Coal India
14) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
15) Mineral Exploration Authority
16) Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)
17) Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
18) Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation (MMTC)
19) Mineral Exploration Ltd.
20) Hindustan Zinc
21) Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
The course of applied geophysics is a field that is growing by leaps and bounds in terms of opportunities and advances. This course offers lucrative jobs and is a good option for students willing to pursue M. Tech.
Average Salary
The expected salary after completion of M. Tech in applied geophysics course depends on the position that is secured by the candidate. The average salary after completion of applied geophysics M. Tech course ranges from Rs.3 lakhs to Rs.10 lakhs per annum.
The average salary of a geophysicist is around Rs. 3 lakh per annum.
However, the average salary of a seismic data interpretation engineer is Rs.10 lakhs per annum.
It is to be noted here that the above-mentioned figures are an average salary.
Required Skillset for Applied Geophysics
Observation: Observation is an important skill that is very useful for the fields of applied geophysics. Individuals are expected to be very careful and observe accurate data when collecting data and mapping areas from interesting regions. Any error in the observation of data can lead to massive damages.
Analysis: One of the biggest assets in the field of applied geophysics is the analytical skill of the candidate. What helps in the segregation of candidates into various levels of efficacy are the analytical skills possessed by the candidates. The data collected must be analysed by you without any mistakes and results must be accurate.
Teamwork: As a fresher, your initial jobs will require you to work as a part of a team. It is essential for all individuals to be well in tune with the members of the team. This will not only help in building rapport but will also help in improving the efficacy of the team and ultimately benefit the company. One must possess the ability to work as a part of the team without compromising on individual responsibilities. Working as a team can also help in improving leadership qualities and sharpen communication skills.
Instrument handling: Geophysics is a subject in which application of the theories is very much dependent on instruments which are used for the studies. To effectively observe data is imperative that the candidate must be familiar with the instruments in use. Candidates must possess adequate knowledge about working of the instrument and must know how to operate and collect data from these instruments.
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Course Curriculum for Applied Geophysics
Applied geophysics can be pursued as a course or specialisation in the master's degree program. Aspirants willing to go for a PhD can also take up applied geophysics for research purposes. A degree of M. Tech in applied geophysics is a two-year-long course which is offered across a number of universities of India.
The course is a 2-year post-graduation course. The candidates are evaluated through semester exams. There are exams at the end of each of the 4 semesters that the candidate must qualify. A detailed list of course subjects is presented in the following section.
Popular Applied Geophysics Entrance Exams in India
JEE Advanced
Application Process: 30 Apr, 2023 - 07 May, 2023
CUET PG
Application Process: 20 Mar, 2023 - 19 Apr, 2023
JAM
Application Process: 11 Apr, 2023 - 25 Apr, 2023
Popular Applied Geophysics Colleges in India VIEW ALL
IIT Kharagpur
- Fees: ₹ 847,500
Osmania University
- Fees: ₹ 7,520
Singhania University, Jhunjhunu
- Fees: ₹ 55,000
KUK Kurukshetra
- Fees: ₹ 36,117
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Are the two courses- M. Sc in geophysics and M. Tech in applied geophysics the same?
Answer :
No, they are not the same. M. Sc in geophysics is a 2-year post-graduate course in the field of physics. You have to have a graduate degree in physics and must have studied chemistry, geology, mathematics or electronic science along with it to get admission into M. Sc geophysics course. You have to pass graduation with a minimum of 60% marks from a recognised institute or university. Some top colleges of geophysics course are:
Question: What is the fee structure like in the institutes offering applied geophysics courses?
Answer :
The course fees of the above-mentioned institutes are:
Institute | Fee (per annum) |
Rs.60, 000 | |
Rs. 70, 000 | |
Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NiT), Jalandhar | Rs.1 lakh |
Rs.2 lakhs |
Question: Which colleges in India offer M. Tech in applied geophysics?
Answer :
The top institutes offering applied geophysics M. Tech course are:
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
IIT, Roorkee
Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NiT), Jalandhar
Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra
Question: What are the salaries of the top applied geophysics job profiles?
Answer :
Some of the most coveted applied geophysics job profiles and their per annum salaries are tabulated below:
Job profile | Salary per annum |
Geophysicist | Rs.3,67,978 |
Geoscience engineer | Rs.4,93,325 |
Geoscientist | Rs.4,43,732 |
Seismic data collection engineer | Rs.9,02,473 |
Seismic data interpretation engineer | Rs.10,68,000 |
Mineral engineer | Rs.6,56,000 |
Survey geologists | Rs.5,11,804 |
Question: In which areas can I find a job after studying applied geophysics?
Answer :
There are many career options that you can choose from after doing a post-graduation in applied geophysics. Some of the common avenues are:
Mineralogy
Mining technology
Geophysical advisor
Research
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