Earth science

Earth Sciences is an interdisciplinary subject including topics from Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, and even Chemistry. The subject, therefore, offers specialisation in many fields. This broadens the prospects of an Earth Sciences course. If one is studying B.Sc. in Earth Science, one can opt for M.Sc. in Seismology and get recruited in Meteorological Departments of India.

The course also covers topics like minerals, rocks, natural gas, and fuels which are the cores of the Energy Sector of India and are thus, in high demand. Recruitments for supervisors of mines and industries, hydrogeologists and petroleum geologists for various oil and gas companies - private and public - are increasing as the demands of natural resources are getting higher day by day.

The overall scope of the subject is very wide, and students will not only have great career opportunities, but will also learn a great deal about our one and only abode - the Earth - which will never lose its relevance whatsoever.

To become a Geologist, one must possess excellent communication, critical thinking, outdoor, problem-solving, and physical stamina. Apart from that, in order to become a geologist, one must meet the following basic academic requirements:

• To work as a Geologist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in geology, Earth Sciences, or a related scientific field.
• A candidate can pursue a master’s degree in the field after graduation. If a student wishes to be considered for admission to a government college, he or she must take national-level examinations such as the GATE. To choose candidates, several colleges hold their own admissions exams.
• Candidates for higher education must hold a Ph.D. degree (Ph.D. in Geology).

With improvements in technology, new methods of research in Earth Sciences have been incorporated. As demands of natural resources are increasing and the depletion of the resources are on the rise, a lot of importance has been given to certain sub-fields. These include -

• Marine geology
• Petroleum geology
• Meteorology
• Mineralogy
• New Renewable Energy Sources

A lot of recent research has been organized for evolution of Earth dinosaurs, and even humans in order to have a better understanding of Earth's past and potent risks for the future. Environmental issues like global warming, pollution, air quality, and water conservation have also found its place in the curriculum.

To grow in the field of Earth Sciences, a keen interest of the subject and its various faucets is the only way. Listed below are some skills that can easily be picked up along the way.

• Knowledge relating to Science and The Earth: Students must have a great deal of knowledge about geography and the
  Earth with a good application of science, especially in the chemistry of everyday processes of the Earth. This will definitely
  be a plus point.
• Practical Skills: Students must have great lab skills to excel in experiments and any other practical work. Practical skills will
  be especially useful for conducting on-site research like in mining, hydrogeology, and other work.
• Research Oriented: Students must be research-oriented to find solutions to unsolved problems and conduct new
  research to prove points and inferences.
• Statistical Mind: Statistical skills to draw and analyse large numerical data and graphs and deduce conclusions from them
  is an especially important asset for Earth Sciences students.
• Computer Skills: Students must know how to operate computer programs such as GIS and Remote Sensing.

Yes, you can apply for the UGC NET Earth Science exam after completing your M.Sc in Zoology. The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a qualifying exam for candidates who wish to become assistant professors and research scholars in various universities and colleges in India.

While UGC NET Earth Science primarily focuses on topics related to Earth and Planetary Sciences, candidates from different Science backgrounds can apply for the exam. As you have a master's degree in Zoology, you might need to familiarize yourself with the Earth Science syllabus and prepare thoroughly for the exam to ensure your success. It's important to check the official UGC NET website or the exam notification for the most recent and specific eligibility criteria before applying.