Course overview
Geophysics provides a window into the parts of the Earth that we cannot directly see, touch, or drill. This course introduces students to the theoretical foundations of gravity, magnetic, and thermal fields, and shows how these fields are used to investigate Earth’s internal structure and physical properties. Classic analytical solutions are used to develop physical intuition and provide a framework for interpreting the complexities of real‑world observations.
In parallel with the theoretical material, students gain practical experience in forward and inverse modelling, visualisation, and interpretation through a series of computer‑based laboratories. The course is designed for students from a range of numerate scientific backgrounds, including geoscience, physics, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.
- Basic Geophysics, Physical Properties, and Inversion Theory
- Gravity and Magnetics
- Geothermics
Course learning outcomes
- Explain conceptually and quantitatively how gravity, magnetic, and thermal fields arise from variations in Earth structure and composition, and how these variations influence surface observations.
- Evaluate the assumptions and limitations of analytical geophysical models and identify the conditions under which they are applicable.
- Analyse mathematical descriptions of geophysical fields to identify characteristic spatial and temporal scales and understand how geometry and physical properties control anomaly behaviour.
- Develop and use computational forward models of geophysical fields to explore sensitivity, scaling, and non‑uniqueness using idealised and synthetic scenarios.
- Communicate geophysical results with reproducible workflows in class discussions, practical reports, and code notebooks, both individually and as part of groups.
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Group 1
Class number 27960
Section WS01
Size 20
Available 17
Class number 27959
Section PR01
Size 30
Available 27
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