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PHD in Earth And Environmental Sciences at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali
Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is Earth and Environmental Sciences at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar?
This Earth and Environmental Sciences PhD program at IISER Mohali focuses on fostering cutting-edge research in understanding Earth''''s complex systems and critical environmental challenges. The program integrates various scientific disciplines to address pressing issues relevant to the Indian subcontinent, from climate change impacts to natural resource management and hazard mitigation. Its research-intensive nature prepares scholars for academic and research roles in India and globally, responding to the increasing demand for environmental experts.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for highly motivated individuals with a Master''''s degree in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or related fields, holding a national-level fellowship. It caters to aspiring researchers, academics, and scientists seeking to contribute significantly to environmental policy, climate science, and geological research in India. Professionals from government agencies or research organizations looking to deepen their expertise and lead advanced projects would also find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as faculty in universities, scientists in national research laboratories, or experts in environmental consulting firms across India. Entry-level salaries for PhDs in academia or research often range from INR 7-12 LPA, with significant growth potential. The rigorous training equips them to become leaders in environmental research, contributing to sustainable development goals and addressing critical issues faced by the Indian landscape.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Coursework and Literature Review- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with the initial 20 credits of coursework, selecting courses that bolster your foundational knowledge and directly support your intended research area. Simultaneously, begin an exhaustive literature review in your chosen specialization, using resources like Web of Science, Scopus, and relevant national and international journals, to identify research gaps relevant to India''''s EES challenges.
Tools & Resources
IISER Mohali Library databases, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, EndNote/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures you are well-equipped for your research, making your thesis more robust and your future contributions more impactful in academic and research roles.
Proactive Supervisor Engagement and Research Proposal Development- (Semester 1-2)
Establish regular, productive meetings with your supervisor to discuss research ideas, progress, and challenges. Actively work on developing a compelling and feasible research proposal, integrating feedback from your supervisor and departmental review committees. Focus on research questions that have significant implications for Earth and Environmental Sciences in the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor mentorship, Departmental PhD guidelines, Grant proposal templates
Career Connection
This practice is crucial for defining your research trajectory, securing departmental approvals, and laying the groundwork for a successful thesis, which is fundamental for any scientific career.
Develop Essential Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize workshops and institutional resources to develop crucial research skills such as advanced data analysis (using software like R, Python, MATLAB, ArcGIS), scientific writing, and presentation skills. Participate in departmental seminars and present your preliminary findings to hone your communication abilities.
Tools & Resources
IISER Mohali Skill Development Workshops, Online tutorials (Coursera, NPTEL), Toastmasters Club (if available)
Career Connection
These skills are indispensable for conducting high-quality research and effectively disseminating your findings, enhancing your employability in research and academic positions.
Intermediate Stage
Intensive Fieldwork and Laboratory Experimentation- (Semester 3-5 (Year 2-3))
Dedicate significant time to rigorous fieldwork, data collection, and laboratory experimentation, adhering strictly to scientific protocols. For Earth and Environmental Sciences, this might involve geological mapping, environmental sampling, or setting up controlled experiments. Document all procedures meticulously.
Tools & Resources
Departmental lab facilities, Field equipment, Data loggers, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Career Connection
Hands-on experience in fieldwork and experimentation is highly valued in research institutions and industry, showcasing your practical capabilities and problem-solving skills.
Attend and Present at National Conferences- (Semester 3-5 (Year 2-3))
Seek opportunities to present your ongoing research at national scientific conferences in India (e.g., those organized by Geological Society of India, Indian National Science Academy). This provides valuable feedback, networking opportunities, and exposure to the broader scientific community.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites, Travel grants from IISER/DST, Poster/presentation design software
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences builds your academic profile, expands your professional network, and is crucial for developing a reputation as an emerging expert in your field.
Collaborate and Seek External Funding Opportunities- (Semester 3-5 (Year 2-3))
Actively explore collaborative research opportunities with other groups within IISER Mohali, other Indian institutions, or even international partners. Additionally, start looking into opportunities for travel grants or minor research grants from national agencies (e.g., DST-SERB, CSIR) to support your research.
Tools & Resources
Collaborators'''' networks, Grant proposal writing workshops, Government funding agency websites
Career Connection
Collaborations and successful grant applications demonstrate initiative, leadership, and the ability to secure resources, significantly boosting your career prospects in academia or funded research.
Advanced Stage
Publish in High-Impact Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Semester 6 onwards (Year 3-5))
Prioritize publishing your research findings in reputable, peer-reviewed international and national journals. Aim for at least 2-3 first-author publications from your PhD work. Focus on clear, concise scientific writing and respond constructively to reviewer feedback.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission platforms, Academic writing software, Supervisor''''s guidance on journal selection
Career Connection
High-quality publications are the cornerstone of an academic or research career, significantly enhancing your CV for post-doctoral positions, faculty roles, and research grants.
Thesis Writing and Defense Preparation- (Semester 7-8 onwards (Year 4-5))
Systematically write and revise your PhD thesis, ensuring it coherently presents your research, methodology, results, and conclusions. Practice your thesis defense presentation extensively, anticipating questions from internal and external examiners. Seek mock defense sessions from your peers and mentors.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX/Word for thesis writing, Presentation software, Mock defense panels
Career Connection
A well-written thesis and a successful defense are the final steps to earning your PhD, validating your research, and formally qualifying you for advanced scientific roles.
Network Strategically and Plan Post-PhD Career- (Semester 7-8 onwards (Year 4-5))
Expand your professional network by connecting with senior researchers, faculty, and industry professionals at conferences, workshops, and online platforms like LinkedIn. Actively explore post-doctoral opportunities, research positions, or relevant industry roles (e.g., in environmental consulting, geology services) both in India and abroad, tailoring your applications strategically.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional society memberships, Career services at IISER Mohali, Job portals for academia/research
Career Connection
Proactive networking and career planning are vital for securing desirable post-PhD positions, opening doors to collaborations, and navigating the competitive job market in EES.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- M.Sc./M.Tech. in Earth Sciences/Environmental Sciences/Geology/Geophysics/Physics/Chemistry/Atmospheric Sciences/Oceanography/Remote Sensing and GIS/Agriculture/Civil Engineering or B.E./B.Tech. in Civil Engineering/Environmental Engineering/Chemical Engineering/Computer Science & Engineering. Minimum 60% marks in Master’s degree or equivalent (or minimum 6.0 out of 10 point scale). Candidates must have qualified a national-level examination (e.g., UGC/CSIR-NET JRF, DBT-JRF, ICMR-JRF, DST-INSPIRE or GATE) or equivalent fellowship.
Duration: Minimum 4 years, maximum 7 years
Credits: 20 coursework credits (minimum) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EES 601 | Earth System Processes | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Earth''''s major systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere), Interactions and feedbacks between systems, Global biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, water), Earth''''s energy balance and climate dynamics, Anthropogenic impacts on Earth systems |
| EES 602 | Environmental Chemistry and Biology | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Sources and fates of environmental pollutants, Chemical cycling and transformations in natural systems, Ecotoxicology and effects on living organisms, Environmental microbiology and biogeochemical processes, Bioremediation and pollution control strategies |
| EES 603 | Earth Materials | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Principles of mineralogy and crystallography, Formation and classification of igneous rocks, Formation and classification of sedimentary rocks, Formation and classification of metamorphic rocks, Physical and chemical properties of common Earth materials |
| EES 604 | Analytical Methods in Earth and Environmental Sciences | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Spectroscopic techniques (AAS, ICP-MS, XRF), Chromatographic methods (GC-MS, HPLC, IC), Microscopic techniques (SEM, TEM, optical microscopy), Stable and radiogenic isotope analysis, Geochronology and radiometric dating methods |
| EES 605 | Environmental Hazards and Disasters | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Geological hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides), Hydro-meteorological hazards (floods, droughts, cyclones), Tsunamis and coastal hazards, Risk assessment and vulnerability analysis, Mitigation, preparedness, and disaster management strategies |
| EES 606 | Climate Change: Processes and Impacts | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Earth''''s climate system and radiative balance, Greenhouse effect and atmospheric composition, Paleoclimate records and past climate variability, Climate models and future projections, Impacts of climate change and adaptation/mitigation |
| EES 607 | GIS and Remote Sensing | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Spatial data models and database management, Principles of remote sensing and image acquisition, Image processing and analysis techniques, Applications in environmental monitoring and resource management |
| EES 608 | Fundamentals of Hydrology | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | The hydrologic cycle and its components, Precipitation, evaporation, and infiltration processes, Surface water hydrology and runoff generation, Groundwater flow and aquifer systems, Water balance and watershed management |
| EES 609 | Paleoclimate and Paleoecology | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Paleoclimate proxies (ice cores, sediments, tree rings), Quaternary climate variability and cycles, Reconstruction of past ecosystems and biodiversity, Causes of natural climate change and societal impacts, Interpreting fossil and geological records for environmental history |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EES 610 | Soil Science | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Soil formation and pedogenesis, Physical properties of soil (texture, structure, density), Chemical properties of soil (pH, cation exchange, nutrients), Soil biology and organic matter dynamics, Soil degradation and sustainable land management |
| EES 611 | Biogeochemical Cycles | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Carbon cycle and its reservoirs, Nitrogen cycle and its processes, Phosphorus cycle and nutrient limitation, Sulfur cycle and atmospheric chemistry, Anthropogenic perturbations to global cycles |
| EES 612 | Advanced Topics in Earth and Environmental Sciences | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | Variable | Cutting-edge research frontiers in EES, Interdisciplinary approaches to complex environmental problems, Emerging methodologies and technological advancements, Specialized theoretical concepts in sub-disciplines, Critical analysis of current scientific literature |
| EES 613 | Quaternary Science | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Quaternary glaciations and ice ages, Sea level changes and coastal evolution, Paleogeography and past environments, Human evolution and dispersals in the Quaternary, Dating methods for Quaternary deposits (C14, OSL, U-series) |
| EES 614 | Geodynamics | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Plate tectonics and mantle convection, Crustal deformation and rheology, Seismology and Earth''''s interior structure, Geothermal heat flow and heat production, Dynamics of continental lithosphere and rifting |
| EES 615 | Oceanography | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Physical oceanography (currents, waves, tides), Chemical oceanography (salinity, gases, nutrients), Biological oceanography (marine ecosystems, productivity), Geological oceanography (seafloor spreading, sediments), Oceans and their role in global climate |
| EES 616 | Petroleum Geology | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Origin and migration of hydrocarbons, Source rocks, reservoir rocks, and seal rocks, Structural and stratigraphic traps for petroleum, Petroleum systems analysis, Exploration techniques and unconventional resources |
| EES 617 | Hydrogeology | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Occurrence and movement of groundwater, Aquifer properties and well hydraulics, Groundwater flow equations and modeling, Groundwater quality and contamination, Groundwater management and artificial recharge |
| EES 618 | Advanced Topics in Geophysics | Elective (PhD Coursework Option) | 4 | Advanced seismology and seismic imaging, Gravity and magnetic methods for subsurface exploration, Electrical and electromagnetic geophysical techniques, Geophysical inverse theory and data interpretation, Remote sensing applications in geophysics |
