- Faculty of Physical Science & Earth Science
Department of Geology
Established in 1980, the Department of Geology has built a strong foundation in undergraduate education in South Goa, combining field-based learning, skill development, and industry exposure to prepare students for evolving scientific and professional landscapes.
Overview
Established in the year 1980, the Department has set up a standard in terms of teaching and learning. It remains one of the only Departments in South Goa offering the subject of GEOLOGY at the undergraduate level.
With a growing demand for the subject over the years, the department has incorporated newer courses under Autonomy in its academic curriculum.
Focusing on classroom teaching supplemented with field studies, besides promoting internship programmes in institutes and companies of repute, the students are exposed to skill-based learning which will enable them to get equipped for the present-day requirements of the industries.
The Department is presently manned by one Associate Professor and four Assistant Professors, aided by a full-time laboratory assistant & a laboratory attendant.
The four-decade old department now looks forward to involve itself in Research and Consultancy in addition to community outreach activities through our students and network of alumni and also organize seminars and discussions to highlight topics/issues of public importance.
Vision
The Department of Geology intends to be well-recognized through education and research in mineralogy and petrology to make students become independent thinkers, learning to apply their knowledge to field situations. This would strengthen their scientific temperament and technical abilities to become competent academicians and professional geologists/geoscientists to serve as a valuable resource for the industry and society.
Mission
The Department of Geology is committed to delivering quality education through experienced faculty who provide a strong foundation in core geological disciplines supported by effective teaching–learning practices. The department emphasizes practical training through well-equipped laboratories with petrological microscopes, gemstone testing equipment, field instruments, sedimentological analytical kits, and an extensive collection of minerals, rocks, fossils, and gemstones to strengthen the link between theory and practice.
Regular field visits are conducted every even semester to regions of geological significance within and outside the state, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world geological settings. Internship opportunities are provided through reputed research institutes, mining organizations, and groundwater investigation agencies, offering students valuable exposure to professional practices and industry expectations.
Student engagement is further enhanced through the active departmental student club, Nebulites, which organizes academic and co-curricular activities such as seminars, quizzes, debates, and national-level geological events, fostering leadership, teamwork, and scientific communication skills.
The department also aims to develop essential attributes in aspiring geologists, including a sound understanding of allied sciences, strong analytical and observational skills, inquisitiveness, and the physical and intellectual readiness required for rigorous fieldwork. Through this integrated approach, the department strives to prepare competent geologists and geoscientists equipped for higher studies, research, and professional careers.
Programmes Offered
BSc in Geology
The Department of Geology offers a B.Sc. in Geology, a comprehensive undergraduate programme that combines theoretical knowledge with practical training. The course equips students with a strong foundation in earth sciences, fieldwork skills, laboratory techniques, and research aptitude, preparing them for careers in geoscience, industry, and higher studies.
Department Faculty
The Department of Geology is supported by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members with expertise spanning mineral exploration, petrology, stratigraphy, structural geology, Ground water, environmental studies, and applied geosciences. The faculty actively engage in teaching, research, curriculum development, and academic administration, and are committed to mentoring students through classroom instruction, laboratory work, field training, and research guidance. Their combined academic and industry experience ensures a strong balance between theoretical foundations and practical applications in geology.
Activities Organised
The Department of Geology regularly organizes academic, co-curricular, and skill-enhancement activities aimed at holistic student development. These include geological field visits, workshops, guest lectures, hands-on training programmes, student club activities, awareness programmes, and participation in national-level conferences and academic events. Such activities provide students with exposure beyond the classroom and help them develop professional competence, teamwork, and leadership skills.
A highlight of the department’s calendar is Nebula, the annual student seminar and competition, fully conceptualized and managed by the departmental student club, Nebulites. Nebula provides a platform for students to present research, participate in competitions, and engage in collaborative learning, fostering innovation, presentation skills, and peer-to-peer interaction.
Teaching & Learning method
The department adopts a student-centric teaching–learning approach that strongly integrates theoretical concepts with hands-on field experience. Teaching methods include classroom lectures, laboratory practicals, extensive fieldwork, project-based learning, seminars, student presentations, and the use of digital tools such as GIS and virtual learning platforms. Regular field visits to geologically significant locations form a core component of the curriculum, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world geological settings.
Internships, industry interactions, and research-oriented assignments further strengthen experiential learning and prepare students for higher studies and professional careers. Students undertake internships involving field-based and industry-related projects and have opportunities to work with reputed research institutes such as NCPOR (National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research), where they gain hands-on experience in applied geology and geoscientific research.
Best Practices
The Department of Geology maintains a strong and active alumni network, which plays a key role in enhancing the academic and professional environment. Alumni regularly visit the department to deliver guest lectures, share insights on current industry trends, and provide guidance to students. They actively contribute to curriculum enhancement by offering suggestions based on evolving geoscientific practices and emerging career opportunities.
Additionally, alumni facilitate internship and research opportunities, provide mentoring and support to students aspiring to pursue higher studies abroad, and help them navigate international academic pathways, enabling students to gain practical exposure and professional experience in reputed organizations and research institutes.
Alumni of the Department
Academia & Research
- Dr. Pratima Kesarkar – Senior Principal Scientist, National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula, Goa
- Delia Cardozo- 2014 Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, Government College, Sanquelim, Goa
- Brahmanand Sawant – Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, Government College, Sanquelim, Goa
- Dr. Purushottam Verlekar 2011– Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, Dnyanprassarak Mandala College (DMC) & Research Centre, Assagao, Goa
- Kimberly Afonso- 2012 Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, Dnyanprassarak Mandala College (DMC) & Research Centre, Assagao, Goa
Mining, Exploration & Mineral Economics
- Sachitanand Tiwari – Senior Geologist (Exploration & Mining), Katanga Copper Belt, Rubamin, DR Congo
- Akshay Kelkar- 2015 Mining Engineer, Western Australia, Australia
- Akash Mokal – 2019 Mining Engineer, Mining Industry (Australia)
- Deepti Lotlikar 2008– Associate Manager, Department of Mining Services, Vedanta Ltd.
- Glancia Fernandes – Assistant Geologist, Directorate of Mines and Geology, Government of Goa
- Sanford Mascarenhas – Assistant Geologist, Directorate of Mines and Geology, Government of Goa
- Vikas Peeru 2007– Senior Manager (Exploration & Mining Valuation), JSW Group
- Santosh Ghadi 2007– Technical Manager – Mine Geology & Mine Planning; Registered Competent Person, Vedanta Sesa Goa
Petroleum, Drilling & Geophysical Services
- Meldrin Afonso 2021- Field engineer | Data Management | GEOLOG International
- Muller Gomes – Mudlogger, Oil Field Instrumentation (OFI), Kuwait
- Oswald Goes 2012 – Field Engineer, Scientific Drilling International, Middle East
- Satyam Sadekar 2017– Geophysicist, Fugro, United Kingdom
- Clifford Pereira 2012– Engineering Geologist, Fugro, APAC (Asia–Pacific)
- Elroy Fernandes 2012- M\LWD Engineer at Halliburton
Others (Entrepreneur, Geospatial, Policy, Gems & Allied Fields)
- Malcolm Afonso 2013– Founder, Afonso Spatialcraft LLP, Goa; Geospatial & Drone Mapping Consultant
- Kiran Sawant Dessai – Proprietor, Dip Direction Consultancy; Entrepreneur and Consulting Geologist
- Shravan Prabhu 2020– Geospatial Consultant, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), New Delhi
- Praveena Miranda 2012– Gemmologist / Jewellery Product Manager, Damas Jewellery, UAE
