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M-SC in Applied Geology at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Applied Geology at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Haridwar?
This M.Sc. Applied Geology program at IIT Roorkee focuses on providing an in-depth understanding of geological processes and their practical applications in resource exploration, environmental management, and engineering projects. It is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled geoscientists in India''''s mining, oil & gas, water resources, and infrastructure sectors. The program emphasizes extensive field-based learning and advanced analytical techniques.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for geology graduates or those with relevant science backgrounds who aspire to careers in geological survey, mineral and petroleum exploration, hydrogeology, or environmental consulting. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry into the geoscience industry, as well as working professionals looking to enhance their technical expertise for specialized roles within the dynamic Indian market.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in Indian public sector undertakings (like GSI, ONGC, CIL), private mining and oil companies, and environmental agencies. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 6-10 LPA, with significant growth potential in specialized areas. The program also prepares students for research careers and aligns with professional standards required for certifications in geological practice.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Geological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant effort to thoroughly understand fundamental subjects like Crystallography, Petrology, and Structural Geology. Utilize textbooks, reference materials, and problem-solving exercises. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts, building a strong academic foundation for advanced studies.
Tools & Resources
Standard geology textbooks, Online academic resources, Peer study groups, Departmental faculty office hours
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is crucial for success in advanced courses, project work, and cracking competitive exams for PSU jobs or further research opportunities.
Excel in Field and Lab Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all lab and field exercises, focusing on developing practical skills in mineral identification, geological mapping, and data collection. Pay attention to detail during field trips and meticulously document observations. Seek feedback from professors and teaching assistants to refine techniques.
Tools & Resources
Geological compass and maps, Microscopes and lab equipment, Field notebooks and sketching tools, Departmental workshops
Career Connection
Practical skills are highly valued by employers in exploration, environmental, and engineering geology, directly impacting internship and placement opportunities.
Engage with Departmental Activities- (Semester 1-2)
Attend seminars, guest lectures, and workshops organized by the Department of Earth Sciences. Participate in geological societies or clubs to network with seniors and faculty. These activities provide exposure to current research trends and industry challenges beyond the curriculum.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, IIT Roorkee official events calendar, Professional geological societies
Career Connection
Early engagement helps in identifying research interests, understanding career paths, and building a professional network, which can be beneficial for future mentorship and job referrals.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Summer Internships/Projects- (Summer break after Semester 2)
Actively seek and apply for summer internships or research projects (8-10 weeks) after the second semester. Target organizations like GSI, ONGC, CIL, WAPCOS, or academic research labs. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in areas like mineral exploration, hydrogeology, or remote sensing.
Tools & Resources
IIT Roorkee Internship Office, Departmental faculty contacts, Online job portals (LinkedIn, Naukri), Company career pages
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable industry exposure, practical skill development, and networking opportunities, significantly boosting resume strength for final placements.
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Topics- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose electives in Semester 3 and 4 that align with your career interests (e.g., Petroleum Geology for oil & gas, Engineering Geophysics for infrastructure). Delve deeper into these specialized areas through advanced readings and project work. Consider undertaking mini-projects in your chosen domain.
Tools & Resources
Elective course descriptions, Faculty specialization areas, Research papers and journals, Advanced software tutorials (e.g., for GIS, modeling)
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a more targeted and competitive candidate for specific roles in high-demand sectors, enhancing job prospects and starting salary.
Develop Data Analysis & Software Proficiency- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond theoretical knowledge, acquire proficiency in geological data analysis software and programming languages relevant to geoscience (e.g., GIS software like ArcGIS/QGIS, remote sensing software, basic Python for data handling, statistical tools). This enhances your problem-solving capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, NPTEL), Software tutorials and manuals, Departmental computing facilities, Project-based learning
Career Connection
Analytical and software skills are highly sought after in modern geoscience roles, from data interpretation in exploration to environmental modeling, providing a significant edge in the job market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Project Work- (Semester 4)
Engage deeply in your Semester 4 project work, viewing it as an opportunity to apply all learned concepts and develop research acumen. Choose a topic that aligns with your specialization and career goals. Focus on rigorous methodology, detailed analysis, and clear scientific communication in your thesis.
Tools & Resources
Faculty supervisors, Departmental research labs, Library resources (journals, databases), Statistical and modeling software
Career Connection
A strong project demonstrates independent research capability, problem-solving skills, and deep subject knowledge, which are critical for securing high-quality placements or pursuing Ph.D. studies.
Intensive Placement and Interview Preparation- (Semester 4)
Begin focused preparation for campus placements early in Semester 4. Polish your resume and cover letter, practice technical and HR interview questions, and participate in mock interview sessions. Understand the requirements of target companies and prepare case studies relevant to applied geology.
Tools & Resources
IIT Roorkee Placement Cell, Alumni network for guidance, Online interview platforms, Company-specific preparation materials
Career Connection
Effective preparation maximizes your chances of converting placement offers from top companies and securing desirable roles in your chosen specialization.
Network and Engage Professionally- (Semester 4 and beyond)
Attend national/international geological conferences and workshops (if possible) or online webinars to network with industry leaders, researchers, and alumni. Stay updated with industry trends and technological advancements. Active networking can open doors to opportunities not advertised through conventional channels.
Tools & Resources
Professional geological societies (e.g., GSL, AEG, IGC), LinkedIn, Conference websites, Alumni groups
Career Connection
Building a strong professional network is vital for long-term career growth, mentorship, and staying competitive in the evolving geoscience landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. Degree (3-year / 6-semester) with Geology as a subject for all 3 years / 6 semesters, or B.Sc. Honours in Geology, or B.Sc. (Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics) with Geology as a subsidiary subject in all 3 years / 6 semesters, plus a P.G. Diploma in Applied Geology or equivalent qualification from a recognized university/institute. Minimum 60% aggregate marks or 6.0 CGPA (out of 10) for General/OBC category, and 55% aggregate marks or 5.5 CGPA for SC/ST/PwD category. Valid JAM score in Geology (GG).
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESG-501 | Elements of Paleontology and Stratigraphy | Core | 3 | Introduction to Paleontology, Principles of Stratigraphy, Biostratigraphy and Chronostratigraphy, Magnetostratigraphy and Lithostratigraphy, Indian Stratigraphy |
| ESG-503 | Crystallography and Mineral Optics | Core | 3 | Crystal Morphology and Systems, Miller Indices and Stereographic Projection, X-ray Diffraction, Optical Mineralogy and Polarizing Microscope, Isotropic and Anisotropic Minerals |
| ESG-505 | Structural Geology and Tectonics | Core | 3 | Stress and Strain in Rocks, Brittle and Ductile Deformation, Folds, Faults, and Joints, Foliation, Lineation, Shear Zones, Plate Tectonics |
| ESG-507 | Igneous Petrology and Geochemistry | Core | 3 | Magma Generation and Igneous Rock Classification, Igneous Textures and Structures, Phase Diagrams in Petrology, Geochemical Principles and Trace Elements, REE Geochemistry and Igneous Rock Series |
| ESG-509 | Metamorphic Petrology | Core | 3 | Metamorphic Processes and Textures, Metamorphic Reactions and Facies, Classification of Metamorphic Rocks, Regional and Contact Metamorphism, Metasomatism |
| ESG-511 | Crystallography and Mineral Optics Lab | Lab | 1.5 | Megascopic Mineral Identification, Microscopic Mineral Identification, Petrographic Thin Section Preparation, Analysis of Uniaxial Minerals, Analysis of Biaxial Minerals |
| ESG-513 | Structural Geology Lab | Lab | 1.5 | Stereographic Projection Problems, Structural Mapping Exercises, Cross-section Construction, Fault and Fold Geometry Analysis, Strain Analysis Techniques |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESG-502 | Sedimentology and Sedimentary Petrology | Core | 3 | Sedimentary Processes and Environments, Clastic and Carbonate Rocks, Sedimentary Structures and Textures, Diagenesis and Provenance Studies, Basin Analysis Principles |
| ESG-504 | Principles of Engineering Geology | Core | 3 | Engineering Properties of Rocks and Soils, Geological Investigations for Civil Engineering, Geology of Dams and Tunnels, Landslides and Slope Stability, Geological Hazards and Mitigation |
| ESG-506 | Remote Sensing and GIS in Geology | Core | 3 | Principles of Remote Sensing, Aerial Photography and Satellite Imagery, Image Processing and Interpretation, GIS Fundamentals and Spatial Data Analysis, Geological Applications of RS & GIS |
| ESG-508 | Field Geology I | Lab/Field | 3 | Geological Mapping Techniques, Compass Traverse and Topographic Maps, Strike and Dip Measurements, Lithological and Structural Data Collection, Field Report Preparation |
| ESG-510 | Geophysical Prospecting | Core | 3 | Principles of Geophysics, Gravity and Magnetic Methods, Seismic Refraction and Reflection, Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods, Borehole Geophysics and Data Interpretation |
| ESG-512 | Sedimentology and Sedimentary Petrology Lab | Lab | 1.5 | Megascopic and Microscopic Study of Sedimentary Rocks, Grain Size Analysis, Heavy Mineral Separation, Facies Analysis Techniques, Sedimentary Thin Section Analysis |
| ESG-514 | Remote Sensing and GIS Lab | Lab | 1.5 | Image Interpretation and Classification, Digital Image Processing Software Applications, GIS Data Management, Thematic Map Generation, Geological Feature Extraction using RS & GIS |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESG-601 | Mineral Exploration | Core | 3 | Principles of Mineral Deposits, Classification of Ore Deposits, Exploration Strategies and Techniques, Geochemical and Geophysical Prospecting, Drilling and Resource Estimation |
| ESG-603 | Hydrogeology | Core | 3 | Hydrological Cycle and Groundwater Occurrence, Aquifers and Darcy''''s Law, Groundwater Flow and Well Hydraulics, Water Quality and Contamination, Groundwater Exploration and Artificial Recharge |
| ESG-605 | Environmental Geology | Core | 3 | Earth Processes and Environmental Hazards, Natural Disasters and Mitigation, Water and Soil Pollution, Waste Management Strategies, Climate Change and Geological Conservation |
| Elective I | Elective I | Elective | 3 | Choice from specialized subjects such as: Basin Analysis and Sequence Stratigraphy (ESG-611 - note code conflict with a lab), Petroleum Geology (ESG-613), Coal and Industrial Minerals (ESG-615), Engineering Geophysics (ESG-617), Geomicrobiology (ESG-619), Marine Geology (ESG-621). Students select one elective. |
| ESG-607 | Field Geology II | Lab/Field | 3 | Advanced Geological Mapping, Structural Interpretation in Field, Economic Geology Survey, Hydrogeological Field Studies, Environmental Impact Assessment |
| ESG-609 | Mineral Exploration Lab | Lab | 1.5 | Ore Mineral Identification, Geochemical Data Interpretation, Reserve Calculation Methods, Sampling Techniques, Drilling Data Analysis |
| ESG-611 | Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Lab | Lab | 1.5 | Groundwater Modeling Techniques, Water Quality Analysis and Testing, Pollution Mapping and Monitoring, Environmental Impact Assessment Practices, Hydrogeological Survey Methods |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESG-650 | Project Work | Project | 9 | Research Methodology and Problem Formulation, Data Collection and Field Investigations, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Scientific Writing and Thesis Preparation, Project Presentation and Defense |
| Elective II | Elective II | Elective | 3 | Choice from specialized subjects such as: Basin Analysis and Sequence Stratigraphy (ESG-611), Petroleum Geology (ESG-613), Coal and Industrial Minerals (ESG-615), Engineering Geophysics (ESG-617), Geomicrobiology (ESG-619), Marine Geology (ESG-621). Students select a different elective than in Semester III from the same list of options. |
