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Study information

Geophysics - 2019 entry

MODULE TITLEGeophysics CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSM2190 MODULE CONVENERDr James Hickey (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 10 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module will introduce the fundamental concepts, techniques and results of applied geophysics. If you have ever wondered why graphite deposits can be mistaken for sulphide ores in geophysical surveys, what the best methods are to detect subsurface oil reservoirs, how we can use micro-variations in gravity to delineate cave systems, or what the best geophysical techniques for mineral exploration or volcano monitoring are, this course is for you. The course is recommended as a valuable theoretical background to many subsequent and parallel modules, and will include a hands-on field-based practical session and a science communication project.

Pre-requisite modules, for this module, are: Mathematics 1A (CSM1027) and Geology (CSM1030). There are no co-requisite modules. This module may be suitable for non-specialist students or interdisciplinary pathways.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to introduce and demonstrate a variety of geophysical methods that are used to investigate the Earth’s subsurface, with applications for natural resource exploration, monitoring natural hazards, archaeology, and engineering site investigations. Their underpinning physics will be explained, as well as their respective advantages and limitations.

The module develops problem-solving, science communication and team-work abilities and equips students with basic computer programming and computational geoscience skills.The transferable skills and content developed during this module will be applicable for later modules and research projects, as well as industry, with particular relevance for resource exploration (minerals and hydrocarbons) and environmental/engineering site investigations.

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Describe the background theory and resulting effects of a variety of geophysical phenomena;

2 Solve numerical problems related to geophysics;

3 Compare and contrast different geophysical methods for specific applied or academic endeavours;

4 Discuss the benefits of geophysics within a wider exploration or site investigation workflow;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

5 Understand how field geophysical data is collected for a variety of applications;

6 Recognize how global geophysics underpins other geosciences;

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

7 Demonstrate the use of scientific programming for simple mathematical tasks and data visualization and analysis;

8 Demonstrate an ability to work in small groups towards a single goal in a timely fashion;

9 Design and deliver a science communication project accessible for a lay audience.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Topics covered will typically include:

• General data acquisition, analysis and modelling;

• Seismic fundamentals;

• Seismic reflection and refraction surveys;

• Gravity surveys;

• Magnetic surveys;

• Electromagnetic methods;

• Electrical methods (resistivity, IP, SP);

• Volcano geophysics.

The module will be split into a series of lectures and practical sessions. The practicals will mainly be divided between quantitative problem sets and computational geoscience using MATLAB (standard software for both industry and research). There will also be a field-based practical to explore geophysical data collection.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 40 Guided Independent Study 110 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 10 Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 30 Practical Sessions
Guided Independent Study 110 Independent Study, guided by Reading List

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Practicals 10 x 3-hour practicals 1-7 Verbal Feedback, during and after sessions

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Theory Examination 60 2 hours 1-6 General Feedback to whole cohort
Group Science -Communication Project 30 Project-dependent 1-9 Written Feedback to each group
MATLAB Assignment 10 N/A 2, 7 Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Theory Examination Theory Examination 1-6 August Ref/Def Period
Group Science - Communication Project Essay 1-7 August Ref/Def Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Essay (40%), and/or Exam (60%).

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic Reading:

Chapters of the books in the Reading List, which will be specified at the end of each lecture.

Web based and Electronic Resources:

ELE - http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Other Resources:

Background material from previous modules.

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Kearey, P., Brooks, M. and Hill, I. An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration 3rd Blackwell Publishing 2002 978-0632049295
Set Mussett, A. and Khan, A. Looking into the Earth: An Introduction to Geological Geophysics 1st Cambridge University Press 2000 978-0521785747
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES CSM1027, CSM1030
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 30th July 2019
KEY WORDS SEARCH Geophysics; Applied Geophysics; Pure Geophysics; Seismology; Volcano Geophysics; MATLAB; Programming; Computing; Science Communication

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.