Online Courses Handbook 2003

306799 v.1 Bachelor of Science (Geophysics), Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)

BSc(Curtin), BSc(WAust)

Introduction
Resources such as oil and gas, minerals and ground water are commodities which are fundamental to our daily life. A good knowledge of rock types helps us in the search for these resources, which will become increasingly important in the future. Geophysics is an expanding science which uses a knowledge of the physical properties of rocks to remotely determine the rock type and structure beneath the surface. New technologies help us understand the three dimensional shape of geology, which in turn helps us to understand the form of the rock and how the resources developed. In order to understand rock properties, technology is moving forward in a direction which allows improved three dimensional visualisation of the rock and its physical properties. This requires geophysicists who are strong in computing, with an application to developing visualisation technologies further. This double degree offered collaboratively with the University of Western Australia provides the ideal grounding in geophysical methods, as well as the computing requirements to allow the development of graduates skilled in computer applications for geophysics and improved visualisation of rock properties.

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

Duration and Availability
The course is four and a half years full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Course Organisation
This double degree is a collaborative award with the University of Western Australia. Students may enrol at either institution in the combined double degree. Units studied at the non-enrolling insitution are undertaken on a cross institutional enrolment basis. Curtin University of Technology will award the Bachelor of Science (Geophysics) on satisfactory completion. The University of Western Australia will award the Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) on satisfactory completion.

Professional Recognition
Graduates qualify for entry to the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists, the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (U.S.), the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Computer Society), the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, the Australian Computer Society and could lead to membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, as well as the Geological Society of Australia.

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 area of study.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

1737 v.3 Particles and Waves 101 3.0 12.5

1738 v.4 Physical Measurements 101 3.0 12.5

7062 v.5 * Mathematics 101 4.0 25.0

SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 50.0

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

1744 v.3 Structure of Matter 102 3.0 12.5

1745 v.5 Physical Measurements 102 3.0 12.5

7063 v.5 * Mathematics 102 4.0 25.0

SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 50.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 1

12297 v.2 Geophysics 101 2.0 12.5

1776 v.3 Surveying 141 3.0 12.5

302455 v.1 Geophysics 245 2.0 12.5

8361 v.5 Physics 221 2.0 12.5

8648 v.3 * Mathematical Methods 201 4.0 25.0

SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 2

11914 v.2 Geophysics 246 2.0 12.5

12302 v.2 Electromagnetism 212 2.0 12.5

301995 v.3 * Introduction to Communication Skills 116 2.0 12.5

302388 v.1 * Statistics for Engineers and Scientists 101 2.0 12.5

7905 v.5 * Mathematical Methods 202 4.0 25.0

SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

100.0

Year 3 Semester 1

12454 v.3 Geophysics 301 5.0 25.0

12456 v.3 Geophysics 305 5.0 25.0

7031 v.5 * Geology 101 6.0 25.0

SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

100.0

Year 3 Semester 2

12458 v.3 Geophysics 302 5.0 25.0

302607 v.1 Geophysics 314 2.5 12.5

7032 v.5 * Geology 102 6.0 25.0

9227 v.5 Global Geophysics 304 2.0 12.5

SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

100.0

Year 4 Semester 1

12455 v.3 Geophysics 303 5.0 25.0

12457 v.2 Geophysics 311 2.0 12.5

9188 v.6 Geophysics 313 2.0 12.5

SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 50.0

100.0

Year 4 Semester 2

302608 v.1 Geophysics 316 2.5 12.5

302654 v.1 Geophysics 318 2.0 12.5

3380 v.8 Project Geophysics 390 4.0 25.0

SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 50.0

100.0

Year 5 Semester 1

306805 v.1 Geophysics Project 348 1.0 100.0

100.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 1 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credits

302358 v.2 Foundations of Information Technology 104 - UWA 3.0 25.0

307506 v.1 Foundations of Computer Science 123 - UWA 4.0 25.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 1 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credits

307507 v.1 Java Programming 124 - UWA 4.0 12.5

307508 v.1 Software Engineering 104 - UWA 3.0 12.5

Optional Units to Select From in Year 2 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credits

307509 v.1 Object Orientated Programming 224 - UWA 3.0 25.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 2 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credits

307510 v.1 Data Structures and Algorithms 223 - UWA 3.0 25.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 3 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credits

307512 v.1 Operating Systems 205 - UWA 4.0 25.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 3 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credits

307513 v.1 Software Engineering Design 200 - UWA 3.0 25.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 4 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credits

307514 v.1 Professional Computing 307 - UWA 3.0 25.0

307515 v.1 Computer Networks 312 - UWA 3.0 25.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 4 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credits

307516 v.1 Databases 313 - UWA 3.0 25.0

307517 v.1 Visualisation 413 - UWA 3.0 25.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 5 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credits

307518 v.1 Computing Practicum - UWA 3.0 50.0

* These units could be taught by UWA if there are timetabling clashes.

NB Electives are designated Computer Science units undertaken at the University of Western Australia.

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