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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

314661 v.1 Geophysics Major (BSc Science)


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


Geophysics is an area of increasing importance, particularly in Australia. Graduates who acquire experience in this field may have many opportunities open to them both in Australia and Overseas. Geophysicists have always been required in the search for minerals and energy sources by developed countries. This demand is increasing. In addition, there is a fast growing demand from developing nations, which has already created a shortage of professionals. The importance of Geophysics relative to other exploration techniques will increase steadily as oil and mineral deposits are sought at greater depths below the Earth surface.



Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details

The Geophysics major requires WACE Mathematics 3C/3D and WACE Physics 3A/3B. WACE Mathematics: Specialist 3C/3D is desirable.



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply geophysical principles and methods to exploration problems

2. apply logical and rational processes to analyse geophysical information

3. access, evaluate and process geophysical and related information from multiple sources

4. communicate in ways appropriate to the geophysics discipline

5. use and apply geophysical technologies recognising their advantages and limitations

6. demonstrate ability to independently acquire knowledge

7. consider issues from global perspectives and meet international standards

8. work in interdisciplinary groups within a global/international framework

9. work ethically and professionally, both within a team and independently


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 2 Semester 1
10198 v.4   Structure, Mineralogy and Geochemistry 241 5.0 25.0
11914 v.4   Introduction to Geophysical Oil and Gas Exploration Methods 246 2.0 12.5
307727 v.2   Propagation of Energy 201 2.0 12.5
8127 v.6   Advanced Calculus 201 4.0 25.0
312247 v.1   Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 201 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
8128 v.6   Linear Algebra 202 4.0 25.0
10195 v.5   Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 242 7.0 25.0
307728 v.2   Electromagnetic Fields in the Earth 202 2.0 12.5
9776 v.9 *   Geological Field Mapping 292 3.0 25.0
302455 v.3   Introduction to Geophysical Mineral Exploration Methods 245 2.0 12.5
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
12454 v.5   Gravity and Magnetics for Exploration 301 5.0 25.0
12455 v.5   Introduction to Seismic Exploration 303 5.0 25.0
12456 v.5   Resistivity and Induced Polarisation Exploration Methods 305 5.0 25.0
314662 v.1   Theoretical Geophysics 310 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
3380 v.9 *   Geophysics Project 302 2.5 25.0
12458 v.5   Electromagnetics and Radiometrics for Exploration 302 5.0 25.0
302654 v.3   Environmental Geophysics 318 2.0 12.5
302652 v.2   Seismic Acquisition for Exploration 315 2.0 12.5
311770 v.2   Geophysical Data Processing 312 6.0 25.0
  100.0

*    Supervised field work is an essential part of the course. Expense for this is payable by students and should not exceed $500 for the whole course.





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