Geophysics 3B: Electromagnetics and Seismology

Undergraduate

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
EART 3016
Course ID icon
Course ID
205937
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Phys, Chem and E Sci
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Graham Heinson
Course level icon
Course level
3
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

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.

Prerequisite(s)

  • must have completed 1 of EART2003 Geophysics 2/ENGI1003 Engineering Physics/PHYS1001 Physics 1A/PHYS1002 Physics 1B

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

Availability

Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/08/2027
Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 03/09/2027
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 17/09/2027
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 15/10/2027

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Group 1

Class number
Class number 63087
Section
Section WS01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
15 Oct - 5 Nov Friday 9:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East SANTOS, G13 Graham Heinson
20 Aug - 10 Sep Friday 9:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East SANTOS, G13 Graham Heinson
Class number
Class number 63085
Section
Section FW01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
6 Aug - 13 Aug Friday 1:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East External, External
17 Sep - 24 Sep Friday 1:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East External, External
Class number
Class number 63086
Section
Section PR01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
15 Oct - 5 Nov Friday 1:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Mawson, G12
20 Aug - 10 Sep Friday 1:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Mawson, G12

Fee calculator

To display course fees for 2027, select your status and program below:

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If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology, Clinical Psychology or Social Work program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.