Online Courses Handbook 2003

172299 v.4 Bachelor of Science (Geophysics)

BSc(Curtin)

Introduction
Geophysics is an area of increasing importance particularly in Australia and graduates who acquire experience in this field 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 countries 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's surface.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
TEE Physics and Applicable Mathematics. Calculus and Chemistry desirable. Students without prerequisites may gain admission, upon taking the Alternative Pathways program, completing an individually designed program over four years.

Specific Requirements
STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q.

Note
Enquiries should be directed to the Department of Exploration Geophysics.

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

Duration and Availability
The course is three years full-time or equivalent part-time.

Course Organisation
Electives are chosen in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

Professional Recognition
The Commonwealth Public Service Board accepts the Bachelors Degree in Geophysics as satisfying its requirements for appointment as a professional geophysicist. A degree in geophysics satisfies the academic requirements for membership of 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 vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

12297 v.2 Geophysics 101 2.0 12.5

1737 v.3 Particles and Waves 101 3.0 12.5

1738 v.4 Physical Measurements 101 3.0 12.5

301995 v.3 Introduction to Communication Skills 116 2.0 12.5

7031 v.5 # Geology 101 6.0 25.0

7062 v.5 Mathematics 101 4.0 25.0

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

12578 v.3 Computational Physics 102 4.0 25.0

1744 v.3 Structure of Matter 102 3.0 12.5

1745 v.5 Physical Measurements 102 3.0 12.5

7032 v.5 # Geology 102 6.0 25.0

7063 v.5 Mathematics 102 4.0 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 1

10194 v.3 # Geology 243 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentology 5.0 25.0

10198 v.3 # Geology 241 - Structural Geology and Mineralogy 5.0 25.0

4946 v.3 Geophysics 211 2.0 12.5

8361 v.5 Physics 221 2.0 12.5

8648 v.3 Mathematical Methods 201 4.0 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 2

10195 v.3 # Geology 244 - Petrology and Geochemistry 6.0 25.0

10199 v.3 # Geology 242 - Remote Sensing and Field Geological Mapping 6.0 25.0

12302 v.2 Electromagnetism 212 2.0 12.5

12524 v.2 Geophysics 214 2.0 12.5

7905 v.5 Mathematical Methods 202 4.0 25.0

100.0

Year 3 Semester 1

12454 v.3 Geophysics 301 5.0 25.0

12455 v.3 Geophysics 303 5.0 25.0

12456 v.3 Geophysics 305 5.0 25.0

12457 v.2 Geophysics 311 2.0 12.5

SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 12.5

100.0

Year 3 Semester 2

12458 v.3 Geophysics 302 5.0 25.0

302607 v.1 Geophysics 314 2.5 12.5

302608 v.1 Geophysics 316 2.5 12.5

3380 v.8 * Project Geophysics 390 4.0 25.0

9227 v.5 Global Geophysics 304 2.0 12.5

SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 12.5

100.0

# Supervised field work is an essential part of the course. Expenses for this are payable by students, and should not exceed $500 for the whole course.

* Geophysics 301, 303, 305 and 311 in fifth semester, and Geophysics 302, 314 and 316 and Project Geophysics 390 in sixth semester will normally be taken concurrently.

NB Electives are chosen in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

Click here for a printable version of this page