Geology is a branch of Earth science that studies the solid Earth, the rocks that make it up, and the processes that change them over time. The discipline has become highly popular among students because of the variety of jobs it offers.
To take an admission in Diploma and Bachelors in Geology Courses, students should have Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in their 10+2. There are some specialised courses on Geology offered by some prominent institutes like IIT Kharagpur.
Students who have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics can give a Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for a five-year Integrated Program in Exploration Geophysics. Also, students can also get an admission in a three year M.Tech in Geology and Geophysics. The candidates must have a B.Tech/BE/MSc Degree along with GATE in order to be eligible for the course.
Also, some of the similar subjects that are offered across all levels of degrees are Sedimentary Petrology, Palaeontology, Petrology, Geochemistry and Geo Sciences, the level of study keeps increasing with higher degrees.
Many colleges and universities offer Geology as a course at the Diploma, Under Graduation, Postgraduate and PhD level.
Geology Courses List
There are many courses that students can do in Geology. The course structure may vary from various colleges to universities. Have a look at the number of Geology Courses available at various levels.
| Diploma | Diploma of Associateship in Applied Geology |
| B.Sc | Bachelor of Science in Geology |
| Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology | |
| M.Sc | Master of Science in Applied Geology and Geoinformatics |
| Master of Science in Applied Geology | |
| Master of Geology in Earth Science and Resource Management | |
| Master of Science in Geology | |
| Master of Science in Petroleum Geology | |
| Master of Science and Technology in Geology | |
| M.Phil | Master of Philosophy in Applied Geology |
| Master of Philosophy in Geology | |
| PhD | Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Sciences |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Geology |
Geology Subjects: Bachelor Course
B.Sc in Geology is a three year undergraduate program focused on earth science. The whole course is divided into six semesters, and covers important subjects like petrology, environmental science, English, Palaeontology and Geomorphology. The course also includes fieldwork and training.
General Electives in the first four semesters and Electives in 5th and 6th Semester are to be chosen by the candidates out of the options offered by the college.
Check: Top Geology Colleges
Geology subjects offered in BSc Geology across all colleges and universities are as follows:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Earth System Science | Elements of Geochemistry |
| Mineral Science | Environmental Science |
| Communicative English | Structural Geology |
| GE-I | GE-II |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Igneous Petrology | Metamorphic Petrology |
| Sedimentary Petrology | Hydrogeology |
| Palaeontology | Stratigraphic Principles and Indian Stratigraphy |
| Field Work-I | Field Work-II |
| GE-III | GE-IV |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
| Economic Geology | Remote Sensing and GIS |
| Geomorphology | Engineering Geology |
| Elective -1 | Elective -3 |
| Elective -2 | Elective -4 |
MSc in Geology Subjects
MSc in Geology is a postgraduate degree course for two years. It is divided into four semesters and teaches students about the environment and focuses on the scientific study of the earth and its layers. The curriculum includes important subjects like Sedimentary Petrology, Economic Geology, Mineral Fuel Resources, Dissertation etc.
MSc Geology subjects across all universities and colleges are as follows:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Mineralogy, Optics, and Crystallography | Remote Sensing and Geomorphology |
| Igneous Petrology | Economic Geology |
| Metamorphic Petrology | Stratigraphy and Palaeontology |
| Sedimentary Petrology | Structural Geology and Geo-Technomic |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Hydrogeology | Natural Resource Management |
| Geochemistry | Mineral Fuel Resources |
| Geophysics and Exploration Methods | Geo-Techniques and Engineering Geology |
| One paper out of the following: | Dissertation |
| Gemology and Industrial Mineralogy | |
| Marine Geology | |
| Geoinformatics | |
| Mining Geology |
MSc Petroleum Geology Syllabus
MSc Petroleum Geology is a two year postgraduate course divided into four semesters. Petroleum Geology is a study of origin, accumulation, occurrence, movement and exploration of hydrocarbon fuels. This course is aimed at geo science graduates who want to gain a technical background to prepare them for a professional career as a petroleum geoscientist.
Geology subjects offered in MSc Petroleum Geology across all colleges and universities are as follows:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Depositional systems and sequence stratigraphy | Applied geosciences methods |
| Mathematical modelling | Wave theory or Decision Analysis |
| Structural styles and basin analysis | Seismic reflection methods applied to petroleum |
| Geostatistics and reservoir modelling (a) | Geostatistics and reservoir modelling (b) |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Seismic interpretation and formation evaluation | Master Thesis |
| Seismic amplitude analysis and inversion | |
| Electives |
MSc Earth Science and Resource Management
MSc Earth Science and Resource Management is a postgraduate Geology course divided into four semesters. It provides training and education in managing, understanding and developing Earth’s natural resources. This course is suitable for those who wish to enhance their careers and skills in Earth science and environmental professions.
Geology subjects offered in MSc Earth Science and Resource Management are as follows:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Geoscience Part II | Theory Papers |
| Advanced Remote Sensing in Geoscience Part – II | Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology |
| Laboratory Work | Sedimentology |
| Structural Geology and Geo – tectonics | Paleontology and Stratigraphy |
| Mineralogy | Laboratory Work |
| Structural geology & Remote sensing | Petrology |
| Computer Application in Geosciences – II | |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Ore Geology and Mining Geology | Hydrogeology |
| Indian Mineral Deposits and Mineral Economics | Special Paper (Any One of the following corresponding to special Paper already offered in III Semester) |
| Mineral exploration and Mineral Beneficiation | Advanced Environmental Project Orientation) |
| Special Paper: Any one Advanced Environmental Geoscience Part –I Advanced Remote Sensing in Geoscience. Part –I Computer Application in Geosciences -I Part | |
| Laboratory work | |
| Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology | |
| Corresponding special Paper |
Geology Subjects: M.Phil Geology
M.Phil Geology is a two year duration course divided into two semesters. Students enrolled in M.Phil Geology study the structure, physical properties, composition, and history of the Earth. The candidates study plate tectonics, history of life and evolution, hydrocarbons, and learning about past climate.
Geology subjects that are offered in M.Phil Geology are as follows:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Research Methodology | Thesis |
| Remote Sensing and GIS | |
| Specialization | |
| Petrology | |
| Hydrogeology | |
| Environmental Geology |
PhD in Geology Subjects
PhD Geology is a three to five years doctorate program which prepares students for Geoscience careers. You can pursue PhD after you have completed your Masters. After completing PhD, you are eligible to become Glacial Geologists, Palaeontologists, Earth Science teachers, Volcanologists, Engineering Geologists etc.
The following table shows the detailed syllabus of the program:
| Course Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Literature Review | Literature is reviewed to understand local and regional- Geology, Structural and Tectonic Setting, Stratigraphy, Mineral Deposit, Geomorphology and Hydrogeology etc. |
| Remote Sensing | It is intended to teach how to use remote sensing techniques in a variety of geological studies. |
| Microscopy | Different types of microscopes and their applications in geology are studied. It also includes preparing the polished and thin sections. |
| Geo-Scientific Writing | There are three stages: Pre-Writing, Writing and Post Writing The Pre-Writing Stage includes writing technical reports, illustrations and scientific reports. Writing Stage includes qualities of scientific paper and writing practises. Post Writing Stage includes presentation, both oral and poster. |
| Geological Survey | Geological Survey includes studying the scope and nature of Geology, important field equipment, collecting structural and geological data, geological mapping procedures etc. |
| Sampling | Sampling includes the purpose and types of samples, sampling techniques and patterns and sample preparation. |
| Geochemical Analysis | Dealing with different geochemical techniques and instruments for analysing soil, rocks and water samples. |
Geology Subjects: Books
Some of the books that are recommended for various Geology courses are as follows:
- Igneous Petrology by J.D. Winter
- Geology of Petroleum by Arville Irving Levorsen
- Essentials of Geology by Fredrick K. Lutgens
- Sedimentary Petrology by S.M. Sengupta
- Geochemistry by Mason and Moore
- Structural Geology by SK Ghosh
- Exploring Geology by Reynolds
- Foundations of Earth Science by Fredrick K. Lutgens
- Elements of Geology by S.M. Mathur
- Structure and Tectonics by P.C. Badgley
- Dynamic Himalaya by KS Valdiya
- Mechanics in Structural Geology by B Bayly
- Petrology of Igneous rocks by Hatch, Wells and Wells
- Evolution of Igneous Rocks by Bowen
- Petrogenesis of metamorphic rocks by Bucher and Feg
- Principles of Isotope Geology by G Faure
- Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry by G.J.S. Govett
- Time and Strata- bound Deposits by Klemm and Schneider
- Ore Petrography and Mineralogy by Craig and Vaughan
-
Metal Deposits in Relation to Plate Tectonics by Sawkins
Geology Subjects: FAQs
Ques. Is there any entrance exam for taking an admission in BSc Geology?
Ans. Yes, Candidates who want to take an admission in Banaras Hindu University have to give BHU-EUT to pursue BSc in Geology.
Ques. What is the entry-based salary for a BSc Graduate?
Ans. The entry-based salary for a BSc Graduate is around 4-5 lakhs per annum. With higher education and experience, you can even earn more than 15 lakhs per annum.
Ques. Can I pursue MSc in Geology through a distance education?
Ans. Yes, if you are a working professional and looking to enhance your skills to get a better pay, then you can pursue MSc in Geology through a distance education from colleges like BHU Varanasi, University of Madras and Punjab University.
Ques. What are the areas where I can find the job after I have done my PhD?
Ans. The top recruiting areas where you can find the job after you have done your PhD are mining, oil and gas, oceanography, hydrology, volcanology, mineral and water resources etc.
Ques. What subject combinations should I choose in BSc Geology if I want to pursue a career in petroleum?
Ans. If you want to pursue a career in petroleum, then you should choose Geology, physics and Chemistry in BSc Geology.
Ques. What are the best colleges that offer MSc Petroleum Geology in India?
Ans. Only two colleges offer MSc Petroleum Geology in India. They are BHU and MS Baroda University.
Ques. What is the best between geology and petroleum geology for an MSc?
Ans. If you think you can keep up with changes and varieties in Geology and still carry out research, then pursue MSc in Geology. If you want to earn money, irrespective of the work, then go for MSc Geology. However, you can still do research in Petroleum Geology.
Ques. What is the average fees for pursuing MSc in Geology?
Ans. The average fees for pursuing MSc in Geology is around INR 25000 to INR 108000.
Ques. What is the scope of doing an MSc in Geology?
Ans. After completing MSc in Geology, you can pursue PhD or go for research or a job.
Ques. What educational qualification is needed to get a job in the Geological Survey of India?
Ans. If you want to work as an Officer Cadre in Geological Survey of India, then you should have MSc in Geology or MSc in Applied Geology.
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