Master Physique — Géophysique marine

Géophysique marine (marine geophysics) is one of the specializations within the Master Physique delivered by Université de Bretagne Occidentale at its Brest Technopole - Plouzané campus in France. Marine geophysics studies the physical structure and processes of the seafloor and the layers beneath it, using techniques such as seismic reflection and refraction, gravimetry, magnetometry, and heat-flow measurement to image and interpret the crust under the oceans. The discipline explains phenomena like seafloor spreading, subduction, sediment deposition, and the formation of underwater volcanic and tectonic features, connecting physics to plate tectonics and the long-term evolution of ocean basins. Students in this area typically study wave propagation through rock and sediment, signal processing for geophysical data, marine geology, and the instrumentation used aboard research vessels to collect data at sea. Practical training often involves interpreting seismic profiles, processing survey data, and building models of subsurface structure from indirect measurements. The field overlaps with resource exploration, since similar methods are used to locate hydrocarbon deposits, mineral resources, and to assess seabed hazards such as fault lines and slope instability. Career paths for graduates include roles in oceanographic research institutes, the energy and mining sectors, environmental and geohazard consulting, and public agencies responsible for mapping and monitoring the seabed, alongside the option of continuing into doctoral research. The program awards a master's degree over two years, with a start date expected in September, taught entirely in French. Yearly tuition is 250 EUR. Applicants are generally expected to hold a background in physics, earth sciences, or a related quantitative field.