M. Sc. Tech. (Applied Geophysics)

From its very inception, the Department of Applied Geology, Dibrugarh University had put its effort to groom good geoscientists having expertise in oil, water and mineral resource exploration. This was done for a considerable length of time by offering a three years’ M Tech Course in Applied Geology that was subsequently modified to a two years’ MSc Course in Applied Geology. Introducing a post-MSc two years’ MTech Course in Petroleum Geology in 2003, the department could extend its vision towards the needs to focused studies and research in the field of oil exploration. Interestingly, the effort could draw national attention from the students from Kashmir to Kerala. In extension to the same vision, the department introduced Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Exploration Geophysics (APGDPEG) of one (1) year duration in 2009. The response was good. Subsequently, the department took a decision to upgrade and broad-base the existing Diploma course to a Two-Year MTech (Exploration Geophysics) Programme from 2012-13 academic session onward with active collaboration from the OIL and the ONGCL. A drive was given to modernize the syllabus in 2018 based on the counselling from the Stanford University, USA. However, continuing global recession, drastic fall in the oil price, affected the number of candidates joining the post-MSc MTech programme. Accordingly, it was decided to offer a three years’ Master programme MScTech (Applied Geophysics) from 2020 session at par with other Universities in India.

Objective of offering the Programme:

The basic objective behind offering Applied Geophysics as an MSc Tech Programme principally to the students having major in Physics and Geology (with Mathematics and Physics) at the graduation level is three-fold. First, to generate quality human resources in the ‘high skill’ segment of workers who are supposed to explore, develop and exploit principal natural resources like oil, water and minerals in a sustainable manner and increasing thereby the practical importance of higher education in nation building. Secondly, introduction of more down-to-earth steps so that the academia-industry symbiosis becomes more meaningful as well as useful. Developing the software-based learning skill has been given additional weightage. Making the students confident enough not only to face interviews rather to face different challenges of life while playing leadership roles is the third objective.

Programme structure:

In conformity with the stated objectives, the first year of the programme is devoted to introduce the philosophy of scientific exploration in general and exploration geophysics in particular. Earth System Science approach with emphasis on climate change has been included which is supposed to act as a broader perspective. To develop the computational skill besides ‘Numerical Analysis and Computer programming’, a course ‘Geoscientific data analysis with MATLAB’ has been introduced. The second year is principally devoted to core issues like Seismology and Seismic methods of data acquisition & processing. Besides this, there is in-depth coverage of Gravity and Magnetic Methods. Electrical methods along with Electromagnetic methods are given sufficient weightage. Elective papers include Hydrogeology and ground water investigations, and Principles of Stratigraphy. Moreover, there is a ‘Field Visit’ component which is planned as per convenience. The third year is devoted principally to more specialized issues of exploration applications like seismic data interpretation, well logging and reservoir geophysics. Options were given to choose from latest fields of concern like ‘Decision Analysis and Value of Information’ and ‘Simulation modelling in environmental science’ etc. Besides the regular field work, serious project works of six months’ duration having strictly monitored periodic submission of progress reports related to exploration under the joint supervision of the Department of Applied geology, Dibrugarh University and reputed organizations (OIL, ONGCL, CSIR- NEIST etc.) are conducted in the final sixth semester to promote research aptitude of the candidates.

Special features of this programme:

• Industry as well as research oriented balanced syllabus.
• Faculties having industrial as well as long years of academic background.
• Earth system science approach.
• Continuous interactions with the resource persons from the premiere oil industries like the OIL and the ONGC.
• Serious project work.
• Better training for availing job prospect.
• Purposeful research orientation.