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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.

193903 v.5 Master of Philosophy (Geophysics)

MPhil(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 061504D
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 2 Years


Course Overview

Master degrees (research) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for research, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


This research course provides opportunity for students to carry out advanced research on a specified topic. It is designed to provide an opportunity for students to develop their potential for research, to identify and work towards the solution of a problem.


Professional Recognition

The Commonwealth Public Service Board accepts the Master of Science in Geophysics as satisfying its requirements for appointment as professional geophysicist. A degree in geophysics satisfies the academic requirements for membership to The Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists, The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (USA) and the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://research.curtin.edu.au/guides. Applicants require a bachelor degree with a strong academic performance and may also require relevant substantial work experience or bachelor honours degree (first or second class) or graduate diploma.


Specifically, entrance to this course is either directly from the honours course, with a minimum of lower second class award, or from the Graduate Diploma in Geophysics.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.


Specific Course Completion Details

Students may be required to take additional background units, all of which must be passed with a superior aggregate. The course coordinator or Head of Department will determine if such units are required.



Course Organisation

Master degrees (research) require students to undertake an approved research program leading to a thesis for independent examination; they may include advanced level coursework studies.


Research topics span a wide range of activities, exploration geophysics being the common denominator. The principles and techniques of exploration geophysics are applied to areas and problems identified by the mineral and petroleum exploration industry. Research and development work culminating in thesis presentation is required in the master degree program.



Duration and Availability

The course is two years full-time or four years part-time study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Research Term 1   Y     Y
2014 Bentley Campus Research Term 2   Y     Y

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
300512 v.2   Master Thesis - Exploration Geophysics



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Science and Engineering on telephone (08) 9266 4600, email ssse@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://scieng.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.