Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Geophysics is an integral branch of geology, providing many of the most useful methods of imaging the subsurface of the earth. These methodologies are useful in disciplines as diverse as plate tectonics, oil and mineral exploration, hydrogeology, environmental geology, engineering geology, and seismic hazards.

Aims

The aim of the unit is to provide you with the core knowledge and skills of geophysical measurements, processing of data, and geological interpretation of geophysical data.

Objectives

Completion of this unit will:

1. Critical Thinking: Provide the ability to judge the strengths and limitations of several geophysical methods and their applicability to specific exploration targets, such as oil & gas, minerals and water.
2. Knowledge: Provide an understanding of the physical properties of geo-materials.
3. Knowledge: Provide an overview of the most common geophysical instruments.
4. Problem Solving: Provide the ability to use simple analytical and numerical methods to process, manipulate and interpret geophysical data.

Content

The unit includes:

An introduction to the various methods of applied geophysics.

Seismic refraction and reflection, gravity, magnetic, palaeomagnetic, radiometric, heatflow, electrical, borehole geophysics and ground penetrating radar techniques.

The reduction and manipulation of geophysical data and interpretation in geological terms; field data acquisition and computer modelling.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Class is completed in 12 weeks.

Lectures: 2 x 1 hour lectures per week discussing the physical properties of rocks and how they can be measured and imaged.

Practical: 1 x 2 hour practical per week involving interpretation and calculation. Practical sessions may include visits to processing centres.

Assessment

All assessment contributes to your grade.Feedback will be available on your progress.

Assessment name: Practical Assignments
Description: (Formative and summative) Problem solving tasks (pen & paper and computer based) and short written reports.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Mid-Term Review Test
Description: (Formative and summative) - Review knowledge and give students feedback on learning progress.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 4
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Final Examination
Description: (Summative) - Examination based on unit content from lectures and practicals.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Texts:
1. Reynolds (2011) An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics, 2nd Edition, Wiley

References:
1. Fowler CRM (1992) The Solid Earth, Cambridge University Press
2. Telford WM, Geldart LP, Sheriff RE & Keys DA (1990) Applied Geophysics, 2nd edition, Cambridge University Press
3. Kearey, Brooks & Hill (2002) An introduction to Geophysical Exploration, Blackwell Science
4. Lillie (1999) Whole Earth Geophysics, Prentice Hall

Risk assessment statement

The unit consists of classroom-based lectures, discussions and practicals, all of which are extremely low risk activities. No significant health and safety issues are raised by this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 21-Jan-2013