Explore the best options for a career in Geophysics

Physics and its branches are finding new momentum and interest among the youth owing to the success of the likes of Elon Musk and the broadcast of television sitcoms such as the ‘Big Bang Theory’ making the subject a cool one among millennial who are clamoring to study abroad at the best universities offering a post-graduate course in the subject. But apart from its cool factor physics is also a very practical and useful field of study with many branches that equip us to find answers and solutions to everyday problems. One branch of physics which paves the way for an honorable and successful career is Geophysics

What does a geophysicist do?

Geophysics is a subject that deals with the study of the physical form and related aspects of the earth. This is done by using a wide variety of methods and banking on other aspects such as gravity, magnetic force, seismic force and another phenomenon. Geophysicists get to play an important role in the collection of seismic data and create maps of hydrocarbons based on the data. Geophysicists are also vital to the oil and gas industry as they can predict what lies below the surface of the earth based on the study of seismic waves. The job description of a geophysicist varies as per the area in which he is employed. Some common duties of a geophysicist include

1.    Planning before visiting the site of inspection

2.    Planning for the acquisition of data

3.    Determining suitable techniques for data processing and seismic measurement

4.    Observation of recording equipment for detection of irregular activity.

5.    Interpretation and mapping of  2D and 3D seismic data

6.    Measurement of reservoir volumes and assessment of oil and gas yield.

A geophysicist can expect to earn between 36,785 USD to 46,230 USD at the starting stage of his career. A more experienced and senior level physicist can earn up to 100,000 USD per year or more is depending on experience and skill sets.

Best courses for a career in Geophysics

Students who plan to pursue a career in geophysics have to complete a post-graduate course in Geosciences. We take a look at some of the universities which are the perfect choice for students looking for an overseas education in the above field.

1. Post-graduation in Geo sciences, Princeton University, USA

The Department of Geo sciences at world-renowned Princeton University works as the central focus for all earth, oceanographic, atmospheric and environmental studies. Students who wish to pursue their overseas education in the field of geophysics would naturally opt for Princeton as their first choice. The university prides itself on the quality of research output it generates and a number of alumni have gone on to win prestigious honors for their research efforts. Students who study abroad at Princeton are able to interact closely with some of the best minds in the world and benefit greatly from the close collaboration.

2. Post graduations in Geophysics, University of Aberdeen, UK

The University of Aberdeen is one of the oldest and highest ranked universities in the world and has earned itself a reputation for its excellence in teaching and research. The university alumni are the proud recipients of various prestigious awards including the Nobel Prize.  Students who intend to pursue their abroad education in the field of Geophysics would so well to choose the University of Aberdeen as their alma mater. The Department of Geosciences which conducts the course at the university has an excellent faculty as well as unparalleled research facilities.

3. Doctorate studies in Geophysics, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Students who pursue their abroad education for a research degree at the University of Edinburgh can benefit from the expertise of the university’s Earth and Planetary Science Research Institute.  The institute is renowned for its ability to bring together the different fields of geology, geodynamics, meteorology, and geochemistry along with geophysics. The aim of the program is to understand the working of the subsurface of the earth from the minutest atom to tectonic plates.

4. Faculty of Geosciences, Ludwig Maximilians University of München, Germany

The Ludwig Maxi milians University has an excellent faculty of geo sciences for students who wish to pursue their post-graduation studies in the field of geophysics. The faculty boasts of cutting-edge research output and excellent research facilities where students get to apply their knowledge in the various aspects of geo sciences such as geophysics, geo dynamics, earth sciences, oceanography and others.

Abroad Education Consultants in India

To know more about pursuing careers in geophysics get in touch with our expert abroad education consultantsat Global Tree.