Aquatic Geochemistry Course | IISc Bangalore | Prof. Soumita Boral
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 66 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Environmental Sciences, Civil Engineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Dive Deep into the Science of Water: A Comprehensive Guide to the Aquatic Geochemistry Course
Water is the lifeblood of our planet, and understanding its chemical language is crucial for addressing global environmental challenges. If you're a postgraduate student or professional looking to master the complex interactions within aquatic systems, the Aquatic Geochemistry course offered by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, is an unparalleled opportunity. This 12-week program, led by the esteemed Prof. Soumita Boral, provides a rigorous foundation in the processes that govern the composition and quality of our precious water resources.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Soumita Boral
Dr. Soumita Boral is an Inspire Faculty at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR) at IISc Bangalore. As an isotope geochemist, her research passion lies in unraveling the hydrochemical mysteries of freshwater systems—from the pristine glaciers and mighty rivers to serene lakes and vital groundwater reserves. Her work focuses on biogeochemical cycling and understanding the impact of both natural changes and human activities on these delicate aqueous environments. Learning from an expert actively shaping the field ensures you gain cutting-edge, relevant knowledge.
Who Should Take This Course?
This postgraduate-level course is meticulously designed for:
- MS, M.Sc., and Ph.D. students conducting research in hydrology, environmental science, earth sciences, and related fields.
- Professionals in government agencies, private sector companies, NGOs, and consultancies engaged in water science, resource management, pollution control, and environmental impact assessment.
Course Prerequisites & Industry Relevance
To enroll, you should hold a B.Sc. in Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, or a B.Tech. in Civil Engineering/Water Resource Management. The course holds significant industry support, with direct applications in sectors where water quality and chemical processes are critical, including:
- Mining & Mineral Processing
- Pulp & Paper
- Chemicals, Paints, and Pharmaceuticals
- Automobile Manufacturing
- Textiles and Dyeing
What Will You Learn? A 12-Week Journey
The course layout is a comprehensive journey from fundamental concepts to advanced applications:
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Introduction to the hydrosphere, global water challenges, water composition, and modern sampling techniques. |
| 3-6 | Core chemical principles: thermodynamics, kinetics, acid-base reactions, solubility, redox processes, and the role of organic matter. |
| 7-11 | Isotope Geochemistry: Using stable (e.g., water isotopes) and radiogenic isotopes as tracers to understand precipitation, river, ocean, and groundwater systems. |
| 12 | Applied Modelling: Introduction to hydrogeochemical modelling techniques through real-world case studies for source identification and risk assessment. |
Key Skills and Outcomes
By completing this course, you will develop a robust skill set enabling you to:
- Interpret the chemical evolution of natural waters from source to sea.
- Apply isotope geochemistry as a powerful tool for fingerprinting water sources and biogeochemical processes.
- Understand the fate of contaminants and nutrients in aquatic environments.
- Gain introductory proficiency in hydrogeochemical modelling for practical problem-solving in water quality management and research.
Essential Reading Materials
The curriculum is supported by seminal texts in the field, including:
- Langmuir's "Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry" – for core principles.
- Kendal & McDonnell's "Isotope Tracers in Catchment Hydrology" – for applied isotope methods.
- Works by William M. White and Zachary Sharp for comprehensive geochemistry and stable isotope foundations.
Whether you aim to advance academic research or enhance your professional expertise in tackling water-related issues, this Aquatic Geochemistry course provides the scientific toolkit and expert guidance necessary to make a significant impact. Explore the molecular-scale processes that dictate the health of our planet's water and become part of the solution to our global water challenges.
Enroll Now →