Alternative routes to geophysics
Dear Editors,
The interesting article on career prospects in geophysics (An attractive yet unfamiliar path, Geoscientist 34(4), 32-34) discussed both the challenges of filling available slots on UK undergraduate geophysics courses and the potential career opportunities of such courses. It made me reflect on my own experience: After initially studying physics at a university in the UK, I switched to geology because I enjoyed outdoors fieldwork. But I was attracted by the “whole Earth” aspect of geophysics and went on to complete a PhD in geophysics in the US based on seismic reflection studies of the deep crust. I did not regret that decision. First, given the cross-disciplinary nature of geophysics, an undergraduate degree in geology, physics or similar was good preparation. Second, academic funding levels in the US at that time offered a wide variety of research opportunities. Third, commercial-sector opportunities were plentiful to those interested, although I pursued geophysics research back in the UK. So I would encourage readers to consider routes to a geophysics career other than a UK undergraduate degree in the subject.
Dr Jonathan Brewer PhD, FGS
Visiting Professor, King’s College London, UK
