GEOS3104/3804: Geophysical Methods

GEOS 3104 Geophysical Methods (6cp)
GEOS 3804 Geophysical Methods (Advanced) (6cp)
Dr Christian Heine, Dr Gabriele Morra and Dr Simon Williams

Session: July
Prerequisites: 16 credit points of Intermediate Science Units of Study
Prohibitions: May not be counted with GEOS3004, GEOS3904, GEOS3003, GEOS3903, GEOS3006, GEOS3906, GEOS3016, GEOS3916, GEOS3017, GEOS3917, GEOP3201
Classes: 2 hours of lectures & 3 hours practical classes per week
Assessment: Practical work (50%) and 2 hour final exams (50%). Independent assessment is required for ‘Advanced’ Unit of Study

This unit introduces the common geophysical methods used to investigate the interior of the Earth and focuses on the techniques used for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration and production. Applications of these methods to problems in global geophysics will also be examined with an emphasis on on their use in marine and terrestrial environments. On completion of this unit students will have developed a thorough understanding of the commonly used geophysical methods and will be able to evaluate and critically assess most forms of geophysical data as well as be able to actively participate in geophysical explorations. The unit is aimed at students with interests in land-based and marine resource exploration, plate tectonics, internal earth structure, and near-surface investigations of groundwater resources and environmental pollution. Students wishing to specialise in the field and become professional geophysicists will normally need to expand upon the geophysics knowledge gained from this unit and either complete an honours project or progress to postgraduate coursework in this field.