Programme structure
Programme structure

Master of Science Geophysics

On these pages you will find general information about the study structure and an overview of the content of the study modules. For detailed information about the modules, please refer to the examination regulations.

Overview

The research-oriented, two-years long Master’s course mainly covers the fields of geodynamics, seismology and applied geophysics and therefore it reflects the main areas of research of the Institute of Geophysics. The subjects of the Master’s theses are usually from one of these areas. This ensures a close link between teaching and research. After successful completion of the course of study the degree Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Geophysics is awarded.

The following graphic depicts the general structure of the study course:

Modules for the Master of Science in Geophysics

Semester

1

Dynamics, Evolution
and Simulation
of Geophysical Systems
12.5 CP (M)

Advanced Methods
for Investigating the Earth
12.5 CP (M)

Advanced Methods
in Applied Geophysics
13 CP (M)

Elective
Studies
14 - 18 CP (EM)

Interdisciplinary
Studies
4 - 8 CP (M)

2
3

Professional Specialization and Project Design
30 CP (M)

4

Master's Project
30 CP (M)

 

M: mandatory module

EM: elective mandatory module

Content of Modules:

  • Dynamics, Evolution and Simulation of Geophysical Systems,
    Advanced Methods for Investigating the Earth,
    Advanced Methods of Applied Geophysics
    In these three modules the knowledge in the three main research areas of the Institute of Geophysics – geodynamics, seismology and applied geophysics - is expanded and brought up to the current state of research. This provides the students with the necessary background to successfully conduct their own research project during the research phase in the second year.
  • Elective Studies
    The three advanced geophysics modules are supplemented by geophysics-related elective studies, which can be chosen from the fields of nonlinear physics, materials physics and geoscience.
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
    In this module courses from the broad range offered by the departments at the University of Münster can be chosen which are meaningful for the study of geophysics or which provide professional skills.
  • Professional Specialization and Project Design and Master’s Project
    The crucial element in the professional training of a prospective geophysicist is the extensive research phase in the second year of study. It promotes independent scientific work. In this phase the scientific research is inseparably linked with the acquisition of key skills such as project management, team work and the presentation of scientific results.

More detailed module descriptions can be found in the appendix of the examination regulations of the Master’s course in geophysics (in German).

Application and Approval Procedure

Prerequisite for the admission to the Master’s program "Geophysics" is a Bachelor's degree in geophysics, physics, mathematically oriented geosciences, or a closely related subject with a minimum grade of "C" according to ECTS. Applicants are expected to be familiar with the content covered by the Bachelor’s program in geophysics offered at WWU, especially in geophysics, mathematics and physics. Furthermore, appropriate English language skills (CEFR level B2 or equivalent) need to be proven.
 
In case of incomplete equivalence with the Bachelor's program in geophysics offered at WWU, the approval can be granted conditional on attending additional classes from the Bachelor’s program in geophysics offered at WWU. Since these classes are taught in German, this possibility only exists for candidates with appropriate language skills.
 
The application for admission to the Master’s program „Geophysics" has to be submitted online to the Student Admissions Office of the University of Münster. For applicants from Germany, the EU/EEA, and Non-EU/Non-EEA countries the deadline is September 15 for the winter semester and March 15 for the summer semester.

Online Application for the MSc program

Further Information:

Time table for the winter term 2023/24*

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* Subject to changes

  • Dynamics, Evolution and Simulation of Geophysical Systems (12.5 CP)

    • Advanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics: The lecture starts with a reiteration of the basic equations of continuum mechanics and fluid dynamics. Common simplifications of these equations used in different branches of geophysics are introduced. Furthermore, the following topics are discussed: flows in rotating systems, boundary layer phenomena, instability and turbulence in geophysical systems, convection and the dynamics of the Earth’s mantle.

    On a weekly basis, students solve problem sets based on the material taught in the lectures. The solutions are graded and discussed in the practicals. In order to participate in the final exam, students must reach at least 50% of the achievable points over the course of the semester.

    • Seminar on the Dynamics and Evolution of Geophysical Systems: In self-study, students acquire specialized knowledge concerning a particular problem from the broader field of geophysical continuum and fluid dynamics. They present their results in the form of a scientific talk.
    • Numerical Simulation of Geophysical Processes: The lecture gives an introduction into numerical methods commonly used for the simulation of geophysical systems (finite differences, finite volumes, finite elements, advanced methods for solving linear and non-linear systems of equations).

    Under guidance, students develop their own simulation code for porous media flow. They directly apply the concepts taught in the lecture in a practical manner. The numerical implementation is done in weekly steps, which are discussed in the practicals. In addition, students also work on theoretical problem sets. In order to participate in the final exam, students must successfully implement the full simulation code. Furthermore, over the course of the semester, they must reach at least 50% of the points awarded for correct solutions of the problem sets.

    Note: Students are assumed to be familiar with the basics of continuum mechanics, fluid dynamics and numerical methods. Furthermore, basic programming skills are required.

    After the successful completion of all courses of this module (i.e. 50% of the achievable points have been gained in both practicals, the simulation code is fully implemented and correct and a talk has been given that meets the required standards) students have to pass a final oral exam on all topics covered in this module. The module grade is the grade obtained in this oral examination.

    • Geophysical Colloquium: In the colloquium, scientists from mainly other universities give talks on different fields of geophysics. This allows the students to gain an insight into current research, conducted at other places, as well as shows possible career and professional opportunities which may exist after graduation.
  • Advanced Methods for Investigating the Earth (12.5 CP)

    • Advanced Seismology: After a short introduction to seismological principles, students learn concepts of advanced seismology for investigating the Earth (i.e. Green’s functions, ambient seismic noise, monitoring, array seismology, wave propagation modelling, advanced signal processing and others). These concepts are then used in practical exercises using real data examples for better understanding. Admission to the final examination requires active participation in the exercises, as well as a written report at the end of the term.
    • Analysis and Interpretation of Geophysical Data: Methods for the measuring, evaluation and interpretation of seismic and other geophysical data sets are taught in this course. Furthermore, modelling of the data sets are also taught. Practical exercises using real data sets are carried out for a better understanding of concepts. To pass this course a written report about an evaluation of one data set from the practical classes is required.

    After the successful completion of all courses (i.e. the active participation in the practical classes and the reports), a final oral examination on all covered topics takes place. The mark of the oral examination determines the module grade.

    • Geophysical Colloquium: In the colloquium, scientists from mainly other universities give talks on different fields of geophysics. This allows the students to gain an insight into current research, conducted at other places, as well as shows possible career and professional opportunities which may exist after graduation.
  • Advanced Methods in Applied Geophysics (13 CP)

    • Modelling and Inversion: The course covers the theory of linear and non-linear inversion with a focus on geophysical applications in time series processing and geophysical imaging. Practicals include the implementation of regression and ill-posed inversion strategies and their application to synthetic examples and real-world data. Students will be familiarized with widely used regression and inversion approaches in geophysics and other fields of science.
    • Magnetotellurics: Magnetotellurics uses natural geomagnetic variations to probe the Earth lithosphere and upper mantle for its electric conductivity. The method is applied in fundamental geophysical research on the structure and composition of the lithosphere as well as in exploration problems. The course covers the theoretical principles of electromagnetic induction in the Earth and the processing, analysis and inversion of magnetotelluric data. Synthetic and real-world magnetotelluric data from current research projects are studied in form of practicals. Students will be enabled to work with and to evaluate magnetotelluric data and models.
    • Advanced Field Course: Students plan, conduct, analyze and report geophysical measurements to solve a given geophysical or geological research problem in the frame of a supervised field course. The course is typically embedded into ongoing research projects, or a dedicated student research project will be defined. Targets can be within Germany or other countries in Europe.

    It is strongly recommended that students have successfully completed the courses on modelling and inversion and on magnetotellurics before attending the field course.

    Note: The field course is financially supported by the department of physics, but additional costs for students may be involved, e.g. to cover accommodation for the period of the course.

    The module is successfully completed by passing an oral exam about the courses on modelling and inversion and magnetotellurics, and by acceptance of a report about the field course. Admission to the oral examination is only possible if at least 50% of the possible points are achieved in both practicals. The grade of the module is averaged from the grades for the oral exam and for the field course report.

!!! In total, the modules "Elective Studies" and "Interdisciplinary Studies" must achieve a cumulative sum of 22 CP.

  • Elective Studies (14 - 18 CP)

    One of the following three modules is chosen!

    • Materials Physics: The students are introduced to the description of single- and multi-component materials and their microstructure as well as the coupling between microstructure and property. The description of defects of the crystal lattice as well as their properties and their characterization by using modern methods of materials research are discussed to provide the students with a fundamental understanding of the properties of functional materials.

    Students take part in mandatory courses (lectures, exercises, laboratory courses) and choose one additional course upon agreement with the module representative. At the end, an final oral examination on the covered topics takes place and results in the module grade.

    • Non-linear Physics: Students are introduced to important phenomena and terminology of nonlinear physics in a general form. They get a comprehensive understanding of nonlinear physics, ranging from the classification of stationary, oscillating and chaotic behaviour in systems with few degrees of freedom via the spontaneous formation of structures in spatially extended systems up to non-linear wave phenomena and turbuleces, and apply it to various examples.

    Students choose lectures together with exercises, one seminar, and at least one laboratory course offered in non-linear physics upon agreement with the module representative. At the end, an final oral examination on the covered topics takes place and results in the module grade.

    • Geosciences:           Only taught in German!

    Students choose courses from the field of geosciences which are in a meaningful context to the geophysics program. The election of courses should be made from the Bachelor’s program in geosciences and set clear thematic priorities. The election must be agreed upon in advance with the respective module representative. In general, the students take part in the exam for each course they have chosen. The module grade results from the examination grades weighted by the credit points assigned to the associated courses.

  • Interdisciplinary Studies (at least 4 - 8 CP)

    Students choose freely among courses offered at the university of Münster to gain additional qualifications. The courses shall be in a meaningful context to geophysics and the professional qualification. The election of courses must be agreed upon in advance with the respective module representative. The students must take part in at least one degree-relevant examination. The module grade is given by the best grade obtained in degree-relevant examinations or the module final examination.

  • Project Design and Master's Project (each 30 CP)

    The professional specialization and project design imparts the scientific basis for the independent work on the master‘s thesis. This module will be successfully completed with a final presentation by giving a talk.
    During the master’s project the student works independently on a well-defined scientific problem by using scientific methods. The results are presented in written form in the master’s thesis and in oral form in the final presentation.