Course overview
Geophysics is applied across a broad range of industries, including environmental assessment, resource exploration, groundwater studies, government geological surveys, defence science, and academic research. This course introduces two key geophysical techniques of magnetotellurics and seismology for investigating the three-dimensional structure of the Earth, from the near surface to the core. Both modules emphasise an integrated, end-to-end approach. Students begin with field data acquisition to establish practical context, followed by the development of core theoretical concepts and data analysis skills. Using newly acquired datasets, students will process and interpret geophysical signals and apply numerical modelling and inversion methods to extract meaningful subsurface information. By combining theory, field practice, and computational techniques, the course equips students to critically evaluate geophysical data and understand the capabilities and limitations of these methods in resolving Earth structure.
- Electromagnetic Geophysical Methods
- Seismological Geophysical Methods
Course learning outcomes
- Explain and apply the physical principles underlying electromagnetic geophysical methods.
- Design and conduct electromagnetic field surveys, and process and interpret the resulting data using appropriate analytical techniques.
- Apply numerical modelling and inversion methods to electromagnetic datasets and critically evaluate the results.
- Explain and apply the physical principles underlying seismic geophysical methods.
- Design and conduct seismic field surveys, and process and interpret the resulting data using appropriate analytical techniques.
- Apply numerical modelling and inversion methods to seismic datasets and critically evaluate the results.