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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2012

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2012.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2011.

193904 v.5 Master of Science (Geophysics)

MSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 012244C
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year

Introduction

The course format is directly comparable to the Honours degree. It is only open to persons who already have an Honours degree or equivalent. As such it is particularly suited to senior geophysicists who wish to become familiar with recent geophysical developments. The coursework elements must be new to the student and are selected in consultation with the course coordinator or Head of Department. A minor project with a formal report is required.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Entrance to the course is either directly from the Graduate Diploma in Geophysics course or an Honours Degree from a related discipline. Students who have completed the Geophysics Honours program at Curtin are not eligible for admission to this course. 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This course is one year full-time or two years part-time study. This course is available to international students for the February intake only.

Course Organisation

The course structure is comprised of the following: advanced studies in geophysics - eight core units. Options - maximum of four units (in consultation with the course coordinator). A compulsory dissertation unit is chosen in consultation with the course coordinator or Head of Department. The optional units listed are only an example of units that can be taken. Other units are available following consultation with the course coordinator or Head of Department.

Professional Recognition

The Commonwealth Public Service Board accepts the Master of Science in Geophysics as satisfying its requirements for appointment as a 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, readers and other essential study materials.

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.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
10379 v.3   Geophysics Workshop 623 - Seismic Processing 5.0 25.0
306172 v.2   Geophysics 632 - Advanced Electromagnetics and Potential Fields 2.0 12.5
306191 v.2   Geophysics 621 - Theoretical Geophysics 2.0 12.5
310305 v.2   Geophysics Project 625 Part A 4.0 25.0
  OR  
310307 v.2   Geophysics Project 634 Part A 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
10380 v.3   Geophysics 624 - Seismic Interpretation 5.0 25.0
306169 v.2   Geophysics 626 - Borehole Geophysics 2.0 12.5
306201 v.3   Near Surface and Engineering Geophysics 631 2.5 12.5
310306 v.1   Geophysics Project 625 Part B 4.0 25.0
  OR  
310308 v.1   Geophysics Project 634 Part B 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
306166 v.2   Geophysics 620 (Specialised Topic) 2.0 12.5
306194 v.2   Geophysics 625 - Rock Physics 2.0 12.5
306202 v.2   Geophysics 633 - Geophysics Applied to Mineral Exploration 2.0 12.5
306210 v.2   Geophysics 665 (Specialised Topic) 4.0 25.0
4556 v.4   Geographic Information Systems 581 4.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
306167 v.2   Geophysics 622 - Seismic Modelling and Amplitude Variation with Offset 2.0 12.5
306171 v.2   Geophysics 630 (Specialised Topic) 2.0 12.5
306173 v.2   Geophysics 634 - Inverse Theory and Applications 2.0 12.5
306181 v.2   Geophysics 666 (Specialised Topic) 4.0 25.0
310539 v.1   Geophysics Workshop 622 - 3D Seismic Processing 3.0 12.5

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 2   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.