172299 v.5 Bachelor of Science (Geophysics)

BSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 003876A
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 3 Years

Introduction

Geophysics is an area of increasing importance, particularly in Australia. 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, 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 Applicable Mathematics. TEE Physics and Calculus are desirable. Applicants without prerequisites may also be considered.

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 study.

Course Organisation

The first year provides a foundation of knowledge in areas of physics and mathematics. Year one also introduces the students to geophysical processes, geology, electronic measurement, experiment or survey design, and scientific computing or data processing. Year two provides a solid foundation in geology and the physical and mathematical principles behind geophysical processes. A strong emphasis on the understanding of the physical properties of matter and the transmission and dissipation of energy is provided in the second year geophysics units. An introduction to various methods of analysing and imaging the Earth is also provided in the second year. The third year provides the students with detailed knowledge of the techniques of analysing and imaging the Earth. Geophysical methods such as seismic, magnetics, gravity, electrical and electromagnetic methods are introduced and significant field experience in the operation of industry-standard equipment and computer software is gained during this year.

Professional Recognition

The Commonwealth Public Service Board accepts the bachelor 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.

Career Opportunities

Graduates generally find employment with oil and mineral exploration companies and geophysical contractors to those companies. Many companies operate internationally and personnel may be relocated on international transfer. Employment opportunities also exist in State and Federal government agencies.

Additional Course Expenses

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

Further Information

Applicants without prerequisites will also be considered, but are required to complete additional and/or bridging units as part of the study program, which may extend the duration of the course by an additional year. Contact the Department of ExplorationGeophysics on (08) 9266 3565 or (08) 9266 3408, fax 9266 3407, email: Deirdre.Hollingsworth@geophy.curtin.edu.au or studentinfo@geophy.curtin.edu.au or visit our website: www.geophysics.curtin.edu.au.

Combined Degree Information

Geophysics may be combined with Applied Geology, Computer Science (UWA).

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
12297	v.2	Geophysics 101	2.0	12.5
301995	v.5	Communication Skills 116	2.0	12.5
302804	v.3	Physics 101	4.5	25.0
7031	v.5 #	Geology 101	6.0	25.0
7062	v.6	Mathematics 101	5.0	25.0
		OR
10926	v.5	Mathematics 103	5.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
307725	v.1	Geophysics 102 - Geophysical Data Analysis	4.0	25.0
307726	v.1	Geophysics 104 - Properties of Matter and Electricity	5.0	25.0
7032	v.5 #	Geology 102	6.0	25.0
7063	v.6	Mathematics 102	5.0	25.0
		OR
7492	v.5	Mathematics 104	5.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
10194	v.3 #	Geology 243 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentology	4.5	25.0
10198	v.3 #	Geology 241 - Structural Geology and Mineralogy	5.0	25.0
302455	v.2	Geophysics 245 - Introduction to Mineral Methods	3.0	12.5
307727	v.1	Geophysics 201 - Propagation of Energy	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	7.0	25.0
10199	v.3 #	Geology 242 - Remote Sensing and Field Geological Mapping	6.0	25.0
11914	v.3	Geophysics 246 - Introduction to Oil and Gas Methods	3.0	12.5
307728	v.1	Geophysics 202 - Electomagnetic Fields in the Earth	2.0	12.5
7905	v.5	Mathematical Methods 202	4.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
12454	v.4	Geophysics 301 - Gravity and Magnetics	5.0	25.0
12455	v.4	Geophysics 303 - Introductory Seismic	5.0	25.0
12456	v.4	Geophysics 305 - Resistivity and Induced Polarisation	5.0	25.0
9188	v.7	Geophysics 313 - Data Analysis	2.0	12.5
9227	v.5	Global Geophysics 304	2.0	12.5
				100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
12458	v.4	Geophysics 302 - Electromagnetics and Radiometrics	5.0	25.0
302607	v.2	Geophysics 314 - Data Processing (Minerals)	3.0	12.5
302608	v.2	Geophysics 316 - Data Processing (Petroleum)	3.0	12.5
302652	v.1	Geophysics 315 - Seismic Acquisition	2.0	12.5
302654	v.2	Geophysics 318 - Environmental Geophysics	2.0	12.5
3380	v.8 *	Project Geophysics 390	2.5	25.0
				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 and 305 in fifth semester, and Geophysics 302, 314 and 316 and Project Geophysics 390 in sixth semester will normally be taken concurrently

Availability

Year	Location	Period	Internal
2008	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y
2008	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y
2008	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y
2008	Miri Sarawak Campus	Semester 1	Y
2008	Miri Sarawak 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.