- History
- Learn about the history of IGPP in an interview with Professor Walter Munk.
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IGPP Graduate Student Life
Are you a new student? Click here for information about getting
keys, setting up mail, core first year courses etc.
View south from IGPP
The Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics has strong
ties with Scripps
Institution of Oceanography and the University of California, San Diego, both of
which provide research opportunities, administrative support and
state-of-the-art facilities. The broad range of geophysical research
expertise is acknowledged globally, and there are individual geophysics
curricular groups that specialize in different fields. Please visit the
Research pages for more information.
IGPP has extensive computing resources, with an excellent network
support infrastructure. The main network is run on Mac OSX, with support for SGI and IBM,
and we have on-site technicians to help with all aspects of computing.
Coursework
The Keller Laboratory
Every graduate student is encouraged to take coursework during their first few years in order to acquire a base knowledge in Geophysics, and develop practical research skills. Courses are taught by faculty members in small groups, and student-faculty interaction is encouraged.
The Keller Lab
The Keller Laboratory is the first year graduate student lab, complete
with wired and wireless network access, a microwave, sofa, coffee machine,
refrigerator, and other such luxuries. The lab is located on the west
side of the Institute, with a full view of the Pacific Ocean. All
first year students are assigned space in the lab, allowing new
students to get to know each other, help each other with coursework
and research questions, and generate the amiable feeling that is
found throughout IGPP.
Keller lab sunset
After one year, the graduate students are relocated to offices
close to their advisors or in their curricular groups, and the new
first years take over the lab. The atmosphere in the Keller lab
is relaxed and informal, with students coming and going to class,
or working on research papers, proposals, or coursework.
Fieldwork
Many geophysics students at SIO do fieldwork as part of their thesis research. Some deploy geophysical instruments at sea on Scripps research vessels. Others assist on land-based sensor deployments and surveys at exotic locations around the world. IGPP operates the Piñon Flat observatory in Southern California.
Camping
Extra-curricular activities
Each year, IGPP students organize a camping trip to the nearby Southern California desert parks such as Anza-Borrego or Joshua Tree. This is an opportunity to enjoy the local wilderness areas, get a fantastic view of the stars, and bond with your fellow students. All IGPP students are warmly encouraged to attend. Other activities include the annual beach barbecue, ski trip (to Mammoth), pizza parties, and the daily tea break (3:30 pm in the Munk Reading Room). Interaction with other SIO students can be found at TGIF (Fridays @ 5 pm in T-29) or through intramural sports (innertrube water polo, soccer, softball, beach volleyball, and more). IGPP is located within walking distance of world-class snorkeling and surf spots.
Snorkeling in La Jolla Cove
Getting your Ph.D.
At the end of the first year of classes, all SIO students take a two-part Departmental Exam. A written part is based on the material covered in classes, and an oral part assesses the student's ability to understand and conduct research. Sometime in the third year, a student organizes their thesis committee and defends a proposal of thesis research in a Qualifying Exam. After completing the Qualifying Exam, a student meets annually with their committee for progress updates until the final Thesis Defence. Students at SIO are not required to get a Masters degree en route to their Ph.D. degree.
Tea time: The Halloween Special
How to Apply
Interested in applying for graduate school in geophysics at SIO? See the SIO page here to begin the application process.
2007-08 First Year Students
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