M.Sc. in Applied Geophysics

About

The M.Sc. in Applied Geophysics at the Department of Earth Sciences, IIT Bombay is a two-year postgraduate program focused on the study of the application of principles of physics to understand the Earth and its subsurface dynamics, through various geophysical methods. The program is designed to build a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and Earth sciences, while training students to analyze and interpret geophysical data relevant to natural resources, tectonics, and geohazards.

The curriculum emphasizes core geophysical techniques such as seismic methods, gravity and magnetic surveys, electrical and electromagnetic methods, and well-logging fundamentals, supported by solid training in geophysical signal processing and quantitative interpretation. The program stresses on bringing out clarity on concepts and problem-solving, over routine software use, with laboratory work and field exposure integrated into coursework. All students will also be provided a visit to industries as a part of their curriculum to learn industrial applications of geophysical techniques. In the final year of the program, students will have to work on an in-house research or project, that develops independent analytical skills.

Admission to M.Sc Applied Geophysics program is through the IIT-JAM examination, and the program admits a small, competitive cohort, enabling close interaction with faculty and access to advanced computational and laboratory facilities. Graduates are well prepared for careers in geophysical exploration, environmental and engineering geophysics, government and public-sector organizations, or for further research through Ph.D. programs in geophysics and related Earth science disciplines.

Applied Geophysics
Faculty Advisor: Enamundram Chandrasekhar

Semester 1

Course CodeCourse NamePracticalTutorialLectureCredit
GP 401 Global Geophysics 0 0 2 4
GP 403 Earthquake and Engineering Seismology 0 0 3 6
GP 407 Seismology Lab 0 0 1 3
GP 413 Mineralogy and Petrology 0 0 3 6
GP 415 Mineralogy and Petrology Lab 3 0 0 3
GS 543 Computer Programming for Geosciences 0 0 2 6
PH-407 Mathematical Physics – I 0 1 3 8
Total 36

Semester 2

Course CodeCourse NamePracticalTutorialLectureCredit
GP 414 Electrical Methods 0 0 2 4
GP 402 Gravity and Magnetic Methods 0 0 3 6
MA 214 Introduction to numerical Analysis 0 1 3 8
GP 408 Gravity and Magnetic Lab 3 0 0 3
GP 416 Structural Geology & Stratigraphy 0 0 3 6
GP 418 Exploration Seismology I 0 0 3 6
GP 420 Structural Geology & Stratigraphgy Lab 3 0 0 3
GP 422 Geological Fieldwork 0 0 0 3
Total 39

Semester 3

Course CodeCourse NamePracticalTutorialLectureCredit
GP 503 Geophysical Signal Processing 0 1 2 6
GP 505 Electromagnetic Methods 0 0 3 6
GP 521 Electromagnetic Lab 3 0 0 3
GP 523 Industrial Training 0 0 0 0
GP 519 Engineering and Groundwater Geology Lab 3 0 0 3
GP 517 Exploration Seismology II 0 1 2 6
GS 507 Engineering & Groundwater Geology 0 0 3 6
Elective I Elective I 0 0 3 6
Total 36

Elective Courses for Semester 3

Elective GroupCourse Name
GP 511 (Elective I) Nuclear Geophysics
GP 513 (Elective I) Natural Hazards and Environmental Geophysics
GS 535 (Elective I) Statistical Methods in Geosciences

Semester 4

Course CodeCourse NamePracticalTutorialLectureCredit
GP 502 Well Logging 0 0 3 6
GP 506 Geophysical Inverse Theory 0 0 2 4
GP 520 Project Work 0 0 0 8
GS 422 Process Geomorphology, Remote Sensing & GIS 0 0 3 6
Elective II Elective II 0 0 3 6
Elective-III Elective III / Institute Elective 0 0 3 6
Total 36

Elective Courses for Semester 4

Elective GroupCourse Name
GS 534 (Elective II,III) Tectonics and Crustal Evolution
GP 512 (Elective II,III) Rock Physics
GS 556 (Elective II,III) Petroleum and Coal Geology
GP 516 (Elective II,III) Petroleum Geology and Petrophysics