Geology

B.Sc. (Hons.) Geology

Program Details

The B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology program at UPES School of Advanced Engineering is a comprehensive undergraduate course designed within the UGC-choice-based credit system (CBCS). Spanning three years and six semesters, the program accrues 147 credits, ensuring a well-rounded education in Geology. Structured to provide equal exposure to various facets of the field, students delve into topics such as Structural Geology, Stratigraphy, Plate Tectonics, Petrology, Mineralogy, Hydrogeology, Remote sensing, Engineering Geology, Geomorphology, and Palaeontology. A key feature of the program is the Elective Course Basket available to students in the 4th and 5th semesters, enabling personalized learning paths.

Following the UGC-CBCS pattern, the program fosters student-centric learning and has been meticulously crafted in collaboration with industry experts, academia, alumni, and parents. This ensures that graduates are industry-ready, and equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The Geoinformatics specialisation, a unique component of the program, aligns with the latest technological advancements in space and unmanned aerial systems, remote sensing, information technology, and communication technology. Geoinformatics plays a crucial role in national projects like Digital India, Smart Cities, Clean Ganga, and aerial surveying (Drone mapping). The curriculum focuses on geospatial modelling for sustainable resource exploration, environment and infrastructure development, disaster management, positioning, and navigation.

Under the Geoinformatics specialisation, students gain proficiency in software such as ArcGIS, ERDAS, Quantum GIS, SAGA, and more, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Graduates of the B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology with Geoinformatics specialisation are well-positioned for diverse career opportunities. Potential roles include Geotechnical analysts, GIS Programmers/Developers, GIS analysts, GIS database administrators, Remote sensing specialists, and Environmental specialists (modellers). Additionally, graduates may explore opportunities in consulting and entrepreneurship domains. The program not only opens avenues for immediate employment but also provides a strong foundation for further studies in the field.

Program Highlights

  • The B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology program at UPES School of Advanced Engineering offers a specialised focus on Geoinformatics, integrating the latest advancements in space technology, unmanned aerial systems, and information science infrastructure to tackle geoscience and engineering challenges.
  • Emphasizing hands-on learning, the program equips students with practical expertise in industry-relevant software such as ArcGIS, ERDAS, Quantum GIS, and SAGA. This ensures graduates are well-prepared for real-world applications in geospatial technology.
  • Aligned with key national projects like Digital India, Smart Cities, and Clean Ganga, the program addresses the increasing demand for skilled professionals in areas such as aerial surveying (drone mapping) and geospatial modeling for sustainable resource exploration.
  • Graduates with a specialisation in Geoinformatics from the B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology program open doors to diverse career paths, including roles as Geotechnical analysts, GIS Programmers/Developers, Remote sensing specialists, and Environmental specialists (modelers). The curriculum is designed to enhance career prospects in both public and private sectors.
  • Leveraging geospatial technology as a vital tool, the program emphasizes its application in developmental projects, ensuring that students are well-equipped to contribute to infrastructure development, disaster management, and environmental sustainability.
  • Beyond immediate job prospects, completion of the B.Sc. (Hons.) Geology with Geoinformatics specialisation provides a strong foundation for further studies. Graduates may pursue advanced degrees, fostering continuous growth and specialisation in the field.

The future scope of the B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology program is promising, offering diverse opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Graduates are well-equipped for further studies at national and international institutions, as well as employment in various science and engineering disciplines. Geologists play a crucial role in addressing Earth and environmental issues, contributing to mining industries, hydrocarbon exploration, subsurface mapping, remote sensing studies, natural hazard and disaster management, marine studies, city planning, geothermal exploration, geotechnical engineering, medical geology, and horticultural geology. Additionally, geology graduates can enhance their employability by pursuing higher education or certificate programs, facilitating opportunities abroad. The government of India's recent initiatives, including digital India, smart cities, Svamitva Scheme (drone mapping), Clean Ganga, Swatch Bharat, Jal Shakti Aviyan, Nadi Utsav, and Namami Gange, further expand job prospects, encouraging geologists to engage in consulting, entrepreneurship, and national projects utilizing geospatial technologies for groundwater conservation.

Career Opportunities

Completion of a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology opens doors to various career paths. Graduates can pursue master's degree programs and secure entry-level positions in diverse fields such as the upstream hydrocarbon sector, mineral exploration, groundwater exploration, environmental consultancy, and IT companies specialising in geo modelling and GIS development. They may also find opportunities in mining companies as geologists, GIS analysis or technician roles, and remote sensing image analysis. Post-graduation, extensive employment prospects await, with reputable organizations such as the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Institute of Himalayan Geology, National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), and others actively seeking skilled professionals in the field.

Placements

The B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology program at UPES opens doors to promising placement opportunities for graduating students. While the university actively facilitates placements for its geology graduates, students are strongly encouraged to consider pursuing a master's degree in their respective domains to enhance their career prospects further. The emphasis on postgraduate education aligns with UPES's commitment to providing comprehensive academic and professional development for its students. This approach ensures that graduates not only secure immediate placement opportunities but also gain a competitive edge in the industry by attaining advanced expertise in geology through higher education.

Fee Structure

Click here for detailed Fee Structure.

Curriculum

Semester 1

CourseLTPCredits
Earth System Science4004
Mineral Science3003
Mineral Science Lab0021
Minor - I3003
Minor - I Lab0021
Environment Sustainability
and Climate Change
2002
Critical Thinking2002
Computational Techniques2002
TOTAL   18
,

Semester 2

CourseLTPCredits
Igneous Petrology4004
Sedimentary Petrology4004
Petrology Lab - 10042
Stratigraphic Principles and
Indian Stratigraphy
4004
Minor - II3003
Minor - II Lab0021
Environment Sustainability
and Climate Change Lab
0042
Living Conversations2002
TOTAL   22
,

Semester 3

CourseLTPCredits
Structural Geology4004
Structural Geology Lab0021
Metamorphic Petrology3003
Petrology Lab 20021
Elements of Geochemistry3003
Minor - III4004
Design Thinking2002
Social Internship    
Introduction to MATLAB
Programming
2002
TOTAL   22
,

Semester 4

CourseLTPCredits
Remote Sensing and GIS3003
Remote Sensing and GIS Lab0021
Paleontology3003
Paleontology Lab 20021
Hydrogeology3003
Introduction to Energy Resources2002
Minor IV3003
Minor IV Lab0021
Geology fieldwork I0001
Working with Data2002
TOTAL   20
,

Semester 5

CourseLTPCredits
Geomorphology3003
Geomorphology Lab0021
Elective I3003
Elective II3003
Elective II Lab0021
Minor V4004
Geology fieldwork 20001
Leadership and Teamwork2002
Technologies of Future/
Meta 101
2002
Internship    
TOTAL   20
,

Semester 6

CourseLTPCredits
Engineering Geology3003
Engineering Geology Lab0021
Economic Geology3003
River Science3003
Elective III3003
Elective III Lab0021
Minor VI4004
Start your own Start-up2002
TOTAL   20
,

Semester 7 (If you opt for Hons.)

CourseLTPCredits
Exploration Geophysics4004
Exploration Geophysics Lab0021
Basin Analysis and
Sequence Stratigraphy
3003
Geohazard and Risk Assessment3003
Elective IV3003
Minor VII3003
Minor VII Lab0021
Research Methodology and Ethics2002
TOTAL   20
,

Semester 8 (If you opt for Hons.)

CourseLTPCredits
Himalayan Geology3003
Applied Subsurface Geology3003
Elective V3003
Elective V Lab0021
Minor VIII4004
Dissertation   6
TOTAL   20
,

Programme Electives (Geoinformatics Specialization basket)

SemCourseLTPCredits
ISpatial Database Management3003
IIGeo-Spatial Data Analysis
and Modelling
3024
IIIRemote Sensing Applications
in Geosciences
3024
IVAdvance in GIS Technologies3003
VDigital Image Processing3024
,

Other Programme Electives

SemCourseLTPCredits
IMineral Economics3003
IIRock Mechanics3024
IIIPetroleum Geology3024
IVEnvironmental Geology3003
VMining Geology3024

Eligibility

Students who are interested must fulfill the prescribed minimum eligibility requirements for the B.Sc. (Hons.) program in Geology: Minimum 50% marks in Class X and XII (PCM/B).

Selection Criteria

The criteria for selecting students who wish to pursue a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology at UPES rely on the individual's performance in Personal Interview.

Minors

To opt the minors, please choose the minors from the bucket. Click here to know more.

Varied Specialisations to pick from

Geoinformatics

Geoinformatics

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