Last Updated on August 4, 2023 by Sidharth PS
Have you passed 12th standard with science subjects? Are you passionate about Geology? Do you want to pursue a job-oriented geology course after 12th? If yes, this post will be of help to you. Here, we will have an in-depth analysis of B.Sc. + M.Sc. Geology course (Integrated course).
B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Geology is an integrated program. In other words, it is a Dual Degree program. The entire academic program consists of two degrees – B.Sc. in Geology and M.Sc. in Geology. Candidates who have passed 12th standard (with Science stream subjects) are eligible to pursue this Dual Degree program. In this post, we will have an in-depth analysis of B.Sc. + M.Sc. Geology Integrated program. Here, readers will find the following details – basic details about the domain (geology), course details, duration, eligibility, syllabus, fees, admission process, career prospects and more. Come, let us take a close look at the overview of this academic program. Here it is –
| Course | Type | Duration | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc. & M.Sc. Geology | Integrated/Dual Degree | 5 years/10 semesters | Passed 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics subjects |
First of all, let us take a close look at the domain. What is Geology all about? What is this domain/sector like? You will find answers to these questions in the next section.
Table of Contents
What is Geology?
The term ‘Geology’ is actually derived from Greek language. It translates to ‘Study of Earth’. It is basically Earth Science. Do you want a proper definition? Check out the next paragraph-
Geology deals with the study of solid Earth, its rocks, its other solid structures, its minerals, its physical and chemical properties, its water resources and the processes and reactions by which their state and properties change. Thus, it is evident that geology is basically Earth Science.
The science of geology is not just limited to the study of planet Earth. It also covers study of solid surface, structures and properties of celestial bodies (other planets, meteors and satellites). This sub-discipline is called ‘Astrogeology’!
In short, this branch deals with the study of the Earth and its dynamics, rocks, minerals, landforms etc. Geology plays an important role in the exploration of natural resources. For example, in order to explore an oil reserve under the surface of the Earth, we need skilled Geologists.
Geology is a multidisciplinary field that consists of sub-disciplines and sections such as- mineralogy, petrology, astrogeology, stratigraphy, hrdrogeology, sedimentology, seismology, volcanology, geomorphology, crystallography, gemmology, oceanography, geophysics, geochemistry and economic geology.
Geologists form an integral part of such exploration teams and projects. They work along with scientists, engineers, technicians and projects managers. Geologists, using their knowledge about exploration, landforms, mapping, remote sensing etc, can contribute a lot to such a project!
Come, let us take a close look at the academic program now. What is B.Sc. M.Sc. Geology Dual Degree program like, some of you may ask. You will find answer to this question in the next section.
B.Sc. + M.Sc. Geology Integrated Course: Basic Details
As the name suggests, this is an integrated course. In other words, it is a dual degree program. The academic program consists of two degrees – B.Sc. in Geology and M.Sc. in Geology. B.Sc is an undergraduate program and M.Sc. is a postgraduate program.
Basically, the integrated program combines both UG and PG level Geology programs. The program deals with subjects such as – physics, chemistry, mathematics, landforms, minerals, rocks, exploration (minerals), remote sensing and GIS, hydrogeology, groundwater study etc.
Geology deals with the study of Earth, landforms, minerals etc. Classroom lectures are just not enough to help you master this subject. Due to this reason, the curriculum consists of ample amount of field work, practical work and project work.
Come, let us take a close look at details such as – duration, syllabus, eligibility criteria, colleges, fees etc. Here is everything you need to know about this academic program –
Type of course
B.Sc. M.Sc. Geology is an integrated course. In other words, it is a dual degree program. The program deals with two degrees – B.Sc. and M.Sc. One is a UG level degree and the other one is a PG level degree.
Duration
The academic program is 5 years long. Each academic year is divided into two semesters. Each semester lasts for a period of 6 months. So, the entire program is made up of 10 such semesters.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum educational qualification required to pursue this course is – completed 12th Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics from a recognized board. Minimum aggregate marks required in PCM subjects may vary from one college to another. Usually aggregate marks requirement is 50% marks.
Colleges
Here are some of the popular colleges offering this program in India –
- ISM, Dhanbad
- IIT Kharagpur
- Delhi University
- Annamalai University
- Andhra University
- Central University of Karnataka
- Pondicherry University
- University of Hyderabad
- Anna University
- Farook College
- Kurukshetra University
- Bharatidasan University
Fees
Tuition fees may vary from one college to another. It depends upon factors such as – type of college (private, government or aided), rating, scholarship status of the applicant etc. On an average, tuition fees could be anywhere between 30-100K INR per semester.
You may also check –
Syllabus
Here are some of the core subjects present in the curriculum –
- Environmental Science
- Earth System Science
- Mineral Science
- Communication Skills
- Geochemistry
- Structural Geology
- Igneous Petrology
- Sedimentary Petrology
- Paleontology
- Earth Surface Processes
- Metamorphic Petrology
- Hydrogeology
- Economic Geology
- Geomorphology
- Engineering Geology
- Remote Sensing and GIS
- Field Work
- Practical Work
- Project Work
Career Prospects
Geologists are usually hired by firms involved in the following activities – natural resource exploration, mining firms, mineral extraction firms, coal extraction firms, gem and valuable metal mining firms, petrol and natural gas exploration/extraction firms etc. In India, Geologists are usually hired by these popular recruiters –
- GSI (Geological Survey of India)
- ONGC
- SAIL
- Coal India
- GMDC (Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation)
- Government operated Quarries
- BPCL
- OIL
- National Mineral Development Corporation
- Odisha Mining Corporation
- Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals
- Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited
- DRDO
- ISRO
In the firms mentioned above, a geologist may don the following roles – assistant geologist, chief geologist, project director, project manager, petrologist, hydrogeologist, supervisor etc.
I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.
I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.