ObjectivesGeophysics is one of the most exciting sciences as it seeks to understand the Earth's interior - the physics of the Earth. It is an area of increasing importance, particularly in Australia. Graduates of this course can be found in very satisfying and well-paid jobs around the world, some looking for oil and gas, some for gold and other minerals and others using geophysics to solve environmental and engineering problems. There is an increasing demand for geophysicists, particularly in developing nations. The importance of geophysics relative to other exploration techniques will increase as oil and mineral deposits are sought at greater depths below the Earth's surface. More than one-third of this course is devoted to exploration geophysics. You will gain a thorough knowledge and practical skills in all aspects of oil and gas, minerals and groundwater exploration. In your first year you will gain a foundation of knowledge in areas of physics and mathematics and be introduced to the geophysical processes, geology, electronic measurement, experiment and survey design, and scientific computing or data processing. Your second year will provide you with a solid foundation in geology and the physical and mathematical principles behind geophysical processes. A strong emphasis will be placed on the understanding of physical properties of matter and the transmission of dissipation of energy in your second year geophysics units. You will also be introduced to various methods of analysing and imaging the Earth. In your third year you will develop a detailed knowledge of the techniques of analysing and imaging the Earth. You will explore geophysical methods such as seismic, magnetics, gravity, electrical and electromagnetic methods and undertake significant field experience in the operation of industry-standard equipment and computer software.
Entry requirementsTEE Applicable Mathematics. TEE Physics and Calculus desirable. Applicants without prerequisites may be considered. If accepted, they will be required to complete additional units which may extend the course duration by up to one year.
Academic titleBachelor of Science (Geophysics)
Course descriptionBachelor 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 preferred. TEE Physics and Calculus are desirable.
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
Three years' full-time or equivalent part-time study. Students at Miri campus can take first year at Miri, but will complete the second and third years of the course at the Bentley campus.
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. For further information contact staffin the Department of Exploration Geophysics. See also Applied Geology/Geophysics(double degree).
Combined Degree Information
Double degree options with Geophysics are available.
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 6.0 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 6.0 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 3.0 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
302652 v.1 Geophysics 315 - Seismic Acquisition 2.0 12.5
302654 v.2 Geophysics 318 - Environmental Geophysics 2.0 12.5
311770 v.1 Geophysics - Data Processing (Minerals/Petroleum) 312 6.0 25.0
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, 312 and 315 and Project Geophysics 390 in sixth semester will normally be taken concurrently
Availability
Year Location Period All* Internal
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y
2009 Miri Sarawak Campus Semester 1 Y
2009 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.