Training Program for Master of Science in 070800 Geophysics

I. Training Objectives

This program aims to cultivate well-rounded master's students with comprehensive development in moral, intellectual, and physical education, equipping them to become high-level specialists in scientific research, engineering technology, and management with entrepreneurial spirit and innovative capabilities, meeting the needs of socialist modernization. The specific requirements are as follows:

1. The program is guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, adhering to Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Important Thought of Three Represents, the Scientific Outlook on Development, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It aims to cultivate professionals with patriotism, teamwork spirit, a strong sense of responsibility and dedication, law-abiding awareness, sound moral character, academic integrity, and physical and mental well-being. The program strives to nurture talents who embrace core socialist values, demonstrate a commitment to scientific research and serving the nation, comply with laws and regulations, actively contribute to socialist modernization, and become qualified builders and successors of the socialist cause. Graduates are expected to possess a rigorous academic attitude, exemplary scientific ethics, innovative spirit and awareness, as well as strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

2. Students shall acquire a solid theoretical foundation, systematic expertise, essential experimental skills, and proficient computer application capabilities within the discipline. They should understand current developments and trends in the field, and demonstrate academic innovation capabilities, pioneering spirit, and the ability to conduct independent scientific research in geophysics.

3. Students shall master a foreign language to proficiently conduct professional reading and academic writing. The program aims to cultivate global perspectives and capabilities for international collaboration. Graduates will be qualified for scientific research, teaching, or specialized technical work in the field, with strong comprehensive abilities, communication skills, and writing proficiency. They shall develop a rigorous academic attitude committed to seeking truth from facts.

II. Research Areas

The discipline offers seven research specializations:

1. Seismology

2. Geomagnetism and Geo-electrics

3. Earth's Gravity and Deep Structure

4. Rock Physics

5. Near-surface Geophysics

6. Computational Geophysics

7. Big Data in Geophysics

III. Training Methods

1. Supervisors shall formulate an individualized training plan based on the program requirements and the student's specific situation within one month after admission.

2. Graduate training adopts a combination of coursework and thesis work. Students must deeply grasp fundamental theories and specialized knowledge while mastering basic scientific research methods and skills, with the ability to engage in scientific research. The entire training process should follow the principle of integrating theory with practice.

3. The guidance model combines responsibility of individual supervisors with collective supervision by a tutor group.

4. Learning for graduate students should focus on attending degree courses with standardized examinations; elective courses can be completed through exams or reading reports. Teachers should inspire students to think deeply and make correct judgments, foster independent analytical and problem-solving skills, emphasize scientific research training, and strengthen students' participation in research projects, topic seminars, and academic activities.

5. Strengthen political education and moral training of graduate students, requiring active participation in political theory courses and current affairs, and involvement in community service.

IV. Duration of Study

The standard duration for full-time master’s students is 3 years, not exceeding 4 years. For part-time students, it is 3 years, not exceeding 5 years. The coursework period is typically one year. Students must complete all coursework and thesis requirements within the designated period.

V. Curriculum and Credit Requirements (See Appendix)

The curriculum includes degree courses, non-degree courses, remedial courses, and research sections, with a minimum of 33 credits.

1. Degree Courses: No fewer than 16 credits, including 7 credits for public degree courses and at least 9 credits for professional degree courses.

2. Non-degree Courses: 9 credits.

3. Research Sections: 8 credits.

4. Remedial Courses: Master's students admitted with equivalent qualifications or from different disciplines must complete 1 relevant undergraduate core course. These courses will be taken and assessed alongside undergraduate students, with only grades recorded (no credits awarded).

VI. Research Sections

1. Thesis Proposal

Usually conducted in the third semester. The evaluation of the thesis proposal is organized by the college, forming an assessment panel to evaluate the topic, research objectives, methods, plans, and expected results. Students are rated as "Pass" or "Fail". Only those rated "Pass" may proceed to thesis work. Those rated "Fail" must reschedule the defense. A second failure leads to disqualification but may reapply after six months.

2. Academic Exchange

Academic activities are a mandatory component, requiring students to earn at least 1 academic credit. Specifically, students must present at least one academic report at a college-level or higher conference (0.5 credits per report) and attend at least five college-level or higher academic conferences (0.5 credits in total). To receive credits, students must submit written materials signed by their supervisor to the college.

3. Mid-term Progress Report and Assessment

Approximately one year after completing the thesis proposal, a comprehensive midterm assessment is conducted to evaluate students' ideological integrity and professional competence. The assessment focuses on ideological and moral performance, coursework grades, practical and research capabilities, and health status. The assessment panel deliberates democratically and assigns one of three grades: "Excellent," " Qualified," or " Unqualified ":

Excellent: May apply for early graduation or be prioritized for master's-to-Ph.D. programs per university regulations.

Qualified: Continue their master's studies as planned and proceed to the thesis phase.

Unqualified: The panel may recommend expulsion or deferral of the midterm assessment. Students recommended for expulsion will receive an expulsion notice and terminate their studies. Those granted deferral may, with supervisor and departmental approval and graduate school authorization, defer the assessment by one or two semesters. If they fail the second assessment, they will be expelled.

4. Master’s Thesis

Thesis work is a critical component of graduate education, providing comprehensive training in scientific research or specialized technical work. It cultivates students' innovation abilities and their capacity to integrate knowledge to identify, analyze, and solve problems. Master's students must participate in their supervisor's research projects and select topics of significant value, ensuring their thesis offers novel insights.

To ensure thesis quality, students must publish at least one academic paper in a Chinese core or higher-tier journal during their studies. The thesis must be completed independently under the supervisor's guidance, with primary data and figures collected or prepared by the student. Use of others' work must be properly cited and strictly limited. Students are encouraged to think independently and innovate, leveraging their initiative fully. Before beginning their thesis, students must conduct literature reviews, practical investigations, and actively participate in academic activities.

By the start of the fourth semester at the latest, students must finalize their thesis plan, select a topic under their supervisor's guidance, and submit a literature review and proposal. The proposal defense, conducted within a designated group or department, incorporates feedback and requires supervisor and departmental approval before research begins. The thesis topic must have significant theoretical or practical value, supported by robust data, sound arguments, feasible methodologies, correct conclusions, and rigorous logic, while demonstrating originality.

Upon completing all training requirements, students may apply for thesis defense. Specific requirements for defense and degree conferral follow Yangtze University regulations. Students who pass the defense graduate and, upon approval by the university's academic degree committee, are awarded a Master of Science degree and a graduate diploma.

VII. Degree Conferral

According to the 《Implementation Rules for Master’s Degree Awarding of Yangtze University》, those who meet all requirements and pass the thesis review and defense shall be granted the Master of Science in Geophysics upon approval by the Degree Evaluation Committee.

Appendix

Table A1 Curriculum Table for Academic Master’s Program in 070800 Geophysics

Note: The total credits must meet or exceed the minimum credit requirement set by the Graduate Education Steering Committee.