Geophysics

Coordinator: Associate Professor James Cull (School of Geosciences)

Geophysics is an interdisciplinary science involving aspects of geology, physics, engineering, mathematics and computing. It is used to investigate the sub-surface structure of the earth and is essential for mineral exploration (including base metals, coal, oil, gas and groundwater), and geotechnical and civil engineering surveys. Although an introduction to aspects of geophysics is given in the geology program at level one (see the ‘Geosciences’ entry in this section of the handbook), detailed studies in geophysics begin at level three to allow the necessary basics of physics, mathematics, computing, and preferably geology, to be acquired. In addition to methods for subsurface mapping and remote sensing to assist with geological models, exploration targets and subsurface utilities can be investigated using a variety of techniques including gravity, magnetics, electromagnetic, resistivity and seismic profiles.

Units offered

Level three

ESC3180 Field mapping
ESC3200 Geophysics project
ESC3311 Geophysics: regional mapping
ESC3322 Geophysics: geoscience software
ESC3332 Global dynamics and crustal evolution
ESC3410 Geophysics/special studies

Sequence requirements

Major sequence in geophysics (48 points):

A minor sequence in geosciences, and
ESC3311, ESC3322, ESC3332 and ESC3180, or ESC3410

A list of related units are provided in the ‘Geosciences’ entry in this section of the handbook.

Recommendations

Level one

The recommended course for a major in geophysics should include 12 points from each of the core level-one units in earth sciences (ESC), mathematics (MTH) and physics (PHS).

Level two

At level two, the recommended course includes 12 points from the core ESC units. MTH and PHS units are strongly recommended.

Level three

At level three, 48 points of geophysics units are available (including civil engineering electives), constituting a double major in geophysics. Students intending to major in geophysics should take the four 6-point units ESC3311, ESC3322, ESC3332 and ESC3180/3410. One or more 6-point units from related physics or mathematics level-three electives may be taken as substitutes subject to approval from the coordinator. Students interested in the geosciences project option ESC3200 should obtain permission from either the third-year coordinator or head of school.

Students taking a single major (24 points at level three) in geophysics are advised to combine this choice with 24 points of level-three units in one of geosciences (ESC), mathematics (MTH) or physics (PHS). Students taking 36 points of geophysics units are advised to combine this choice with 12 points from either the ESC, MTH or PHS streams at level three.

Requirements for a professional qualification in geophysics include geophysics at level three (together with the requisite backgrounds in physics, mathematics, computing and preferably geology) and an honours course in geophysics.

Honours

Students intending to continue on to honours-level geophysics should consult the geophysics coordinator when selecting units at level three.

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