Master in Earth, planetary and environmental sciences

Master in Earth, planetary and environmental sciences

Geophysics and Earth Imaging 1st and 2nd year

Presentation and goals

The "Geophysical Imaging of the Earth" program is for students interested in the understanding and evolution of the Earth's internal processes and structures, at different scales. It addresses several aspects of geophysics: environmental geophysics (changes in the cryosphere related to global warming, geothermal energy, hydrology, natural hazards...), fundamental geophysics (study of fault zones and earthquakes, volcano studies and monitoring, deep Earth dynamics...) and multi-scale and multi-physics imaging/monitoring.

These structures are mainly understood by their seismic, magnetic, electrical or gravimetric signatures, and their deformation movements. In the era of Big Data, the teaching is therefore resolutely oriented towards i) the acquisition of data during field and/or laboratory experiments, ii) the use of continuous observatory-type data, iii) their analysis via signal processing methods, as well as iv) their modelling and inversion by classical and advanced approaches (machine learning, use of numerical models...)

The students trained in the Geophysical Imaging of the Earth program will be able to demonstrate their skills as geophysical engineers and apply for jobs offered by design offices, public research institutes or large industrial groups concerned with the imaging, characterization and temporal monitoring of the physical properties of underground environments and their natural reservoirs in various environments. The main applications of this work are in the fields of seismology, civil engineering, natural hazard assessment, natural resource exploration and production including geothermal and hydrology, and the storage of fluids or solid wastes underground. There are many opportunities for internships in Earth science research laboratories (ISTerre in Grenoble), but also in operational research offices (BRGM) or in companies and design offices. The course also opens the way to a PhD.

Presentation

Presentation

Further information

This course is characterised by many digital educational activities, carried out in the form of practical assignments or projects. The principle is a strong emphasis on using the latest tools for quantitative exploration of the Earth and its environment. Geophysical measuring tools are supplemented by interpretation tools, such as numerical modelling, signal processing, remote sensing and seismic interpretation. The support of the OSUG@2020 excellence laboratory has been essential to implementing or renewing many of these tools.

Most of the "tools" modules (i.e. numerical modelling, remote sensing/GIS) are organised in the form of projects, enabling students to apply these tools to mini-problems that correspond to their choice of programme and their interests. Several disciplinary modules (UEs) also partly take the form of a supervised project, where students work in small groups to resolve a societal problem.

The modules in semester 9  are taught in English, as is at least one module from the master 1st year. The policy is to offer teaching in English in the event that there are non-French-speakers among the students, both in 1st and 2nd years.

International dimension :

Internationally-oriented programmes

Study abroad as an exchange student

As part of this track, you have the opportunity to study for a semester or a year at a UGA partner University abroad.

The International Relations Officers of your faculty will be able to provide you with more information.

More information on : https://international.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/partir-a-l-international/partir-etudier-a-l-etranger-dans-le-cadre-d-un-programme-d-echanges/

Programme

Programme

Master 1st year

Master 2nd year

Practica, projects, and missions

Internships in companies or laboratories are routinely conducted abroad

Registration and scholarships

Registration and scholarships

Access condition

  • The 1st year is open to students who have obtained a national diploma equivalent to a bachelor degree (licence) in a field compatible with that of the Master, or via a validation of their studies or experience
  • Entry to the 2nd year may be selective. It is open to candidates who have completed the first year of a master in the field, subject to a review of their application

Public continuing education : You are in charge of continuing education :

  • if you resume your studies after 2 years of interruption of studies
  • or if you followed training under the continuous training regime one of the previous 2 years
  • or if you are an employee, job seeker, self-employed

If you do not have the diploma required to integrate the training, you can undertake a validation of personal and professional achievements (VAPP)

Candidature / Application

You want to apply and sign up for a master ? Please be aware that the procedure differs depending on the diploma you want to take, the diploma you have already obtained and, for foreign students, your place of residence.Let us be your guide – simply follow this link

Prerequisites

The Geophysics program of the new master in EPES is intended for students with a background in Earth sciences and a strong preference for the physical sciences, numerical calculation and data processing, as well as students with a background in physics who are interested in the natural physics laboratory that is planet Earth. At the local level, the Physics, Earth and environmental sciences, Mechanics program of the bachelor degree (licence) in Earth sciences appears particularly suitable. Students from the bachelor in Mechanics and the bachelor in Physics may also apply.

Target group

  • Students in initial training who have obtained a bachelor degree (licence) in physics, mechanics or earth sciences
  • Foreign students wishing to pursue their studies in the geophysics field in France
  • Students in continuing education wishing to pursue advanced studies in the geophysics field

Expenses

Tuition fees 2023-2024 : 243 € + 100€ CVEC

And after

And after

Further studies

Graduates of the EPES master Geophysics program can continue their studies with a doctoral thesis, or supplement their training with a specialisation in computer science or business management methods.

  • A reorientation to the Georisks program is possible up to the end of the 1st year. Depending on the choice of UEs in semesters 7-8, reorientations to the Geodynamics or Georesources programs are also possible
  • Lastly, there is a Geosciences gateway locally in the Physics master through two modules of this master, Imaging and waves in natural environments (3 ECTS) and Geophysical fluids and/or instabilities (3 ECTS), option Complex matter, living matter, allowing students who have followed these modules to join the Geophysics program in 2nd year