

PHD-EARTH-SPACE-SCIENCES in Research Areas As Per Faculty Expertise at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak


Rohtak, Haryana
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About the Specialization
What is Research Areas as per faculty expertise at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak Rohtak?
This PhD Earth & Space Sciences program at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak focuses on advanced research and inquiry into the complex systems governing our planet and the broader cosmos. With India''''s growing focus on environmental sustainability, disaster management, and space exploration, this field offers immense relevance. The program is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, allowing scholars to delve into cutting-edge research areas guided by faculty expertise, contributing to critical knowledge and technological advancements in the Indian context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students holding Master''''s degrees in Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Geography, Physics, Geophysics, Remote Sensing, or allied disciplines, who possess a strong aptitude for research and critical thinking. It targets individuals passionate about understanding natural phenomena, climate change, resource management, and space exploration. Professionals seeking to transition into academic research, senior scientific roles, or policy formulation within environmental and space sectors in India will also find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers as research scientists in governmental organizations like ISRO, DRDO, IMD, or state environmental agencies. Opportunities also abound in academia, environmental consulting firms, and private sector companies involved in GIS, remote sensing, and data analytics. Entry-level salaries for PhDs in India can range from INR 6-10 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program prepares scholars for leadership roles in scientific innovation and policy-making relevant to India''''s environmental and space challenges.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deep Dive into Research Methodology- (Semester 1 (Coursework))
Actively engage with the Research Methodology course, focusing on formulating robust research questions, designing experiments, and understanding ethical considerations. Utilize MDU''''s library resources and online academic databases (e.g., UGC-CARE List journals, Scopus) to conduct comprehensive literature reviews specific to Earth & Space Sciences.
Tools & Resources
MDU Library Resources, UGC-CARE List Journals, Scopus/Web of Science
Career Connection
Strong methodological foundations are critical for successful thesis completion and will be highly valued in any research or academic role.
Statistical & Computational Proficiency- (Semester 1 (Coursework))
Master data analysis software introduced in ''''General Computer Applications & Data Analysis.'''' Practice with real-world datasets from Earth & Space Sciences (e.g., climate data, geological surveys) to develop proficiency in statistical modeling and programming (e.g., R, Python) essential for thesis work.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R/Python (with scientific libraries), Government open data portals (e.g., ISRO''''s Bhuvan, IMD data)
Career Connection
Advanced data skills are indispensable for analyzing complex Earth and Space science data, opening doors to data scientist and research positions.
Supervisor Engagement & Research Area Definition- (Semester 1 (Coursework))
Regularly meet with your allocated supervisor to refine your research proposal, identify key research gaps in Earth & Space Sciences, and define the scope of your Paper III (Subject Specific) coursework. Proactively seek guidance on potential interdisciplinary avenues and required skill sets for your doctoral project.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Research Committee (DRC) guidelines, MDU Ph.D. Ordinance, Supervisor meetings
Career Connection
Early clarity on research direction and a strong relationship with your supervisor are vital for timely thesis submission and future recommendation letters.
Intermediate Stage
Fieldwork & Data Acquisition Expertise- (Post-coursework, Years 1-3)
Actively participate in departmental fieldwork, lab work, or acquire expertise in remote sensing data acquisition and processing relevant to your research. Collaborate with peers and senior researchers, leveraging MDU''''s infrastructure and external project opportunities for practical experience in collecting and handling Earth & Space Sciences data.
Tools & Resources
Remote Sensing Labs/Equipment, GPS devices, Field survey tools, Satellite data archives (e.g., USGS Earth Explorer, Bhuvan)
Career Connection
Hands-on data acquisition skills are highly sought after by research institutions, environmental agencies, and geological survey organizations.
Advanced Software & Modeling Skills- (Post-coursework, Years 1-4)
Beyond coursework basics, specialize in advanced software tools like ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, ENVI, or specific numerical models (e.g., climate models, hydrological models) relevant to your Earth & Space Sciences sub-discipline. Attend specialized workshops and online courses (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera) to build niche technical skills.
Tools & Resources
ArcGIS/QGIS, ERDAS Imagine/ENVI, MATLAB/Python for modeling, NPTEL courses, Coursera specializations
Career Connection
Mastery of advanced computational tools enhances your research capabilities and makes you a valuable asset in academic, government, and private sector R&D roles.
Early Publication & Conference Participation- (Post-coursework, Years 2-4)
Aim for initial research outputs in the form of conference presentations (e.g., national scientific conferences, student research symposiums) or review papers in peer-reviewed journals. This builds a publication track record and provides crucial feedback on your research direction from the wider scientific community.
Tools & Resources
National/International Earth & Space Science Conferences, Peer-reviewed journals (UGC-CARE listed), Departmental seminars
Career Connection
A strong publication record is fundamental for securing post-doctoral positions, academic faculty roles, and prestigious research grants in India and globally.
Advanced Stage
Rigorous Thesis Writing & Data Interpretation- (Years 3-6 (leading to submission))
Focus on structured academic writing for your thesis, ensuring clarity, logical flow, and robust data interpretation. Regularly submit chapters to your supervisor for feedback and integrate revisions promptly, adhering to MDU''''s thesis submission guidelines and academic standards.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Plagiarism checking software (e.g., Turnitin), MDU Thesis Manual
Career Connection
A well-written and defended thesis is the cornerstone of your PhD, demonstrating your ability to conduct independent research and communicate complex scientific findings.
Grant Application & Research Funding- (Years 3-6 (concurrent with thesis writing))
Explore and apply for national research grants (e.g., DST, CSIR, UGC) relevant to Earth & Space Sciences. Develop proposals demonstrating the societal impact and novelty of your research, a critical skill for future academic and research positions in India, enabling you to secure independent funding.
Tools & Resources
DST, CSIR, UGC funding schemes, University research grants office, Proposal writing workshops
Career Connection
Grant writing expertise is crucial for establishing an independent research career, funding future projects, and enhancing your profile for senior scientific roles.
Networking & Career Development- (Years 4-6 (pre-submission and post-submission))
Actively network with researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals at national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars. Develop a clear career plan, whether in academia, government research, or private industry, by tailoring your research and publications to align with desired career paths in India.
Tools & Resources
Professional scientific societies (e.g., Geological Society of India), LinkedIn, University Career Services
Career Connection
Effective networking can lead to post-doctoral opportunities, collaborations, and direct recruitment into specialized roles in Earth & Space Sciences in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (or equivalent professional degree) with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/BC/PWD candidates of Haryana). OR M.Phil. degree from a recognized university.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (including coursework), maximum 6 years. Coursework duration is 1 semester.
Credits: 12 credits (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD CM 101 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Statistical Analysis in Research, Research Ethics and Report Writing |
| PHD CM 102 | General Computer Applications & Data Analysis | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Computer and Operating Systems, Microsoft Office Suite for Research, Internet and Email Operations, Introduction to Data Analysis Software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python basics), Data Visualization and Presentation Tools |
| PHD EES 003 | Subject Specific (Earth & Space Sciences) | Core (Specialization based) | 4 | Advanced Geosciences & Earth Systems, Remote Sensing & GIS Applications, Planetary Science & Space Environment, Climate Change & Environmental Modeling, Natural Hazards & Disaster Management |




