Geophysics Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Overview

The basic scientific qualifications acquired during bachelor’s studies are further deepened or complemented in the master’s program of geophysics. In particular, the graduates’ profiles are further developed and their scopes of geophysical knowledge and methods are broadened. 

Studies are aimed at the graduates having the capability of independently using scientific knowledge and methods and of assessing their significance and scope for the solution of complex scientific and socially relevant problems.

Learning outcomes

Graduates understand seismics and seismology and in particular the theory of seismic waves and can calculate the solution of the elastic wave equation for the general and special cases. They know the principles of inversion of seismic waves and can apply them. They understand the measurement technology used in geophysics, can explain and compare a number of measurement principles, and know how an objective and detailed error assessment of the measurement results is carried out. They can process and analyze seismic signals of various frequency ranges and evaluate foreign analyses of seismic signals. In seismics, seismology, and interpretation, the students know all working steps from data collection to analysis and can execute them.

Career prospects

Career prospects present themselves in university and non-university research, development and application, e.g. in the exploitation of raw materials (geothermics, minerals), environmental management (detection of pollutants, survey of deposition zones, hydrogeological operations), construction projects (sub-ground surveys for tunnels, dams, above-ground constructions, etc.) or in monitoring natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanos) as well as in the survey of the earth's interior from crust to core. Another possible career path for master's graduates is in science, starting with a doctorate.