Introduction

The Department of Marine Geology at Mangalore University is one of only three universities in India offering M.Sc. programs in Marine Geology and Geoinformatics. The department is well-equipped with infrastructure and has a skilled faculty that offers students a comprehensive learning experience. During the first three semesters, students engage in a variety of courses, geological and geoinformatics-related fieldwork, and visits to national and state government departments, as well as private companies. In the fourth semester, students undertake project work, which provides hands-on experience. These courses are designed to give students a competitive edge, helping them perform better in competitive exams and securing employment or research positions for pursuing a PhD degree.

Marine Geology is a dynamic, field-oriented scientific discipline that focuses on the origin and evolution of ocean basins, along with the exploration and sustainable management of natural resources. The curriculum for the M.Sc. programme is carefully designed to provide a comprehensive understanding across various disciplines. In the first three semesters, students engage with subjects such as Marine Geology, Geology, Meteorology, Climatology, Remote Sensing, Physical, Chemical, and Biological Oceanography, Geology of the Ocean Floor, as well as Computer Science fundamentals and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies for data analysis and visualization. In the fourth semester, students dedicate their time to a project, which they conduct at prestigious national institutions, private companies, or universities, gaining valuable practical experience in the field.

Geoinformatics is an advanced scientific technology that focuses on acquiring, processing, analyzing, and managing temporal and geospatial data using computer systems and specialized software. This field integrates a variety of tools and techniques, such as fundamentals of Computer Science, Remote Sensing (RS), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The primary objective of Geoinformatics is to collect, interpret, and utilize data related to both societal aspects and the Earth, aiding in decision-making and solving complex environmental and spatial challenges.