MSc in
MSc in Applied Geosciences German University of Technology in Oman
Introduction
About the Program
The Master of Science in Applied Geosciences provides students with theoretical and technical expertise in hydrogeology, petroleum geology, and mineral resources geology.
The hydrogeology specialization prepares students to design pumping and recharging wells, apply analytical and numerical modeling to groundwater flow, learn hydrogeological testing methods and their applications, and apply geological field methods to groundwater challenges.
In the petroleum geology specialization, students learn approaches to seismic modeling, seismic attributes, and quantitative interpretation techniques, gain 2D and 3D seismic interpretation experience in a workstation environment, master approaches to field development planning and production for an oil/gas accumulation, assess and manage reserves of an oil/gas field, and to learn principles of basin modelling and the main functionalities of basin modelling software, as well as understand and interpret geochemical information and evaluate geochemical technical reports. Students get also an overview of the major techniques for down-hole logging, their physical basis, with visualization and interpretation of data and results.
The mineral resources geology specialization prepares students to master sampling methods and analytical tools for the exploration of mineral resources, learn the methods for exploring natural and industrial minerals, interpret mineral exploration data and to understand technical reports, as well as the interpretation of geoelectrical, gravity and geomagnetic data at the scale of mineral deposits.
Time frame
Full-time students are expected to complete the program in three years, over six semesters, taking 20 ECTS credit points per semester.
Transferring graduate credits
Incoming students may petition to transfer up to 50 percent of ECTS credit points from classes completed prior to their admission at GUtech. Students seeking transfer credit should fill out a form after they get admitted into the program. Transfer credit is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the relevant department faculty members.
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements: A recognized bachelor degree in Geosciences, Physics, Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or equivalent fields of study. Relevant work experience can compensate for derivation from the narrow related field of study.
Language requirements: Applicants must provide adequate proof of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL 79 internet-based test, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
Curriculum
Structure
The Master of Science in Applied Geosciences is taught as a part-time program. The duration of the MSc program is six semesters.
The program encompasses a workload equivalent to 120 credit points in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) or 300 credit points in the Oman Qualification Framework (OQF).
The MSc AGEO requires the completion of 19 courses as follows:
- Twelve foundation courses on the fundamentals of advanced and applied geosciences
- Seven advanced courses in one of this specialization Hydrogeology, Petroleum Geology, and Mineral Resources Geology.
The degree program is taught in English, including written and oral tests, seminar papers and the Master thesis. The program may offer the opportunity to travel to Europe to complete coursework at RWTH Aachen or any other University in Germany.
Completion requirements
Study requirements consist of contact hours (in class, on an excursion or during practical lab work) and related individual study work (reading of related literature, exam preparation, writing of seminar papers or reports, and completion of the Master’s thesis). Each of the six semesters covers 20 ECTS credit points.
A total of 120 ECTS credit points are required to graduate:
- 60 ECTS credit points for core courses,
- 40 ECTS credit points for specialization related courses in PGEO, HGEO, and MGEO
- 20 ECTS credits for the Master’s thesis.
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarship opportunities
We offer twenty (20) scholarships for successful applicants to cover 15 percent of tuition fees. There is not a separate application for these scholarships.
Career Opportunities
Career and Studies Opportunities
The Master’s degree program in Applied Geosciences is a career-oriented multidisciplinary program suitable for students who are interested in the general area of geoscience.
Graduates of the MSc program in Applied Geosciences will be able to generate and implement laboratory work, fieldwork, and numeric process simulations.
Popular industries for graduates of the MSc program in Applied Geosciences include the petroleum industry in the Middle East and elsewhere, the mining companies that are exploring and extracting mineral resources such as copper, chromite, manganese, as well as industrial minerals like limestone, dolomite, gypsum, silica sand and others.
Graduates of the MSc program in Hydrogeology specialization are also qualified to work in water supply and distribution companies, and all aspects of water resources management. Besides, hydrogeologist is also employed in oil companies as oil production technology has water aspects. In the mining industry, hydrogeologist is also needed for underground water management and also for de-watering.
Aside from industry, graduates may go on to pursue consultancy as well as research careers, whether through doctoral study in academia or commercial research.