Peking University

Geophysics

I. Major Introduction

Geophysics is a science that studies the earth’s internal structure and processes from the angle of  physics, which applies the principles and methods of physics and uses modern geophysical observation means to observe and study a variety of geophysical fields and internal structure of the earth, so as to explore the internal structure, material composition, formation and evolution of the earth, study various natural phenomena and change rules associated with it, and expand the horizons of human knowledge. On the basis of this, geophysics optimizes and improves human’s survival environment, prevents and mitigates the influence of earth’s natural disasters on human, and provides new theories, new methods and new technologies for the exploration and development of much-needed energies and resources in the construction of national economy. Geophysics is a strongly applicable basic subject, the research results not only help to increase human beings’ scientific understanding of the earth, and also support numerous important industry branches or hi-tech fields in the construction of national economy. As one of the most energetic disciplines in geoscience, geophysics will be in a gold development stage during a long period of time in the future, and its research results research will have important implications for human survival and development in the 21st century.

The Department of Geophysics of Peking University was founded in 1958, and is the first geophysics major in China. For more than 40 years since it was established, it has cultivated a large number of senior science and technology personnel in geophysical studies and related research work, including academicians of the National Academy of Sciences, and scientists who act as senior leaders in national important scientific research and administration departments, as well as who work in foreign universities and research institutions.

This major is a national key subject of solid geophysics, grants doctor and master degrees and sets doctoral mobile stations. Currently, there are 8 professors in this department (among which, 1 double hire academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 distinguished professor of the Yangtze River, 2 winners of the “National Science Fund for Outstanding Young Scholars”), 2 researchers (among which, 1 distinguished researcher of “Thousands of Young People Plan”, 1 researcher of “Hundreds of Young People Plan”, 10 doctoral supervisors, and 3 associate professors. Teachers are qualified and skillful, and maintain close connection and good cooperative relationship with overseas universities and research institutes (currently 5 teachers have received doctor’ degree in foreign countries). This profession focuses on equipping university students with a solid foundation of mathematics and physics, profound scientific literacy, as well as proficient foreign language skills and computer knowledge, so that they can understand and grasp the basics of geophysics at present, and have the ability to use physics, mathematics and other modern high technologies and skills to study and solve geoscience problems.

Undergraduates in this major mainly systematically study the foundation courses of physics, mathematics, computer science, foreign language, earth and space sciences for the first three years; in the last year, students can select professional courses under the direction of Geophysics based on their interest. So far, beside the majority of graduates who study for domestic and foreign postgraduate degrees, the other are mainly willing to be engaged in research, teaching, and senior management in research institutions, universities, energy and resources, and national bodies.

II. Training Requirements and Targets of This Major

Through four years of learning, students can get sound political ideas, morality, cultural taste, and physical and psychological quality-oriented education; have a solid foundation of mathematics and physics, profound scientific literacy, understand and master the basics of geophysics at present,  preliminarily have the ability to use physics, mathematics and other subjects to study and solve geoscience problems, and the capability to conduct scientific research, higher education, science and technology development, and administrative management. It provides good education of basic professional knowledge and basic skills training for students who are interested in further study.

III. Awarded Degree

   Bachelor of Science

IV.  Credit Requirement and Course Setting  

Total credits: 145 credits, among which: 

1．99 credits for compulsory courses;

2．40 credits for optional courses；

3．Graduation dissertation/design  6 credits；

4．Other studies（such as scientific research training, social internship and practice, off-campus study and exchange, etc.)