Applied Geophysics

Course goals

Content

Please note: Students are only allowed one MSc fieldwork / excursion (GEO4-1424a; 1430; 1431; 4418) during their MSc training. 

Geophysical techniques are widely used in civil engineering, in environmental monitoring and in subsurface prospecting. We will analyse the geophysical context of different industries, which methods they use, and give an overview of the geophysical methods such as potential fields, exploration seismic and ground penetrating radar. The course will cover geophysical techniques: from their underlying physical principles through to how field data are acquired, processed and interpreted. During practicals the students will either: i) perform group-based research/study on assigned topics and present/discuss their finding with their peers, or ii) solve a range of computer problems designed to provide insight into the geophysical method in question. Students will acquire an appreciation for which techniques are appropriate for which application.

Computer practicals will involve computational assignments both in Matlab and in Python.

This course contributes to the development of the following transferable professional traits & skills:

• Ability to work in a team: The computer practicals may be carried out in a team with shared responsibility
• Written communication skills: For each set of exercises, a written report is requested by the teams or individuals
• Verbal communication skills: During eventual presentations, special attention will be given on the quality of the delivery
• Problem-solving skills: The lectures provide several solutions to typical problems. The teams or individuals have to choose the best solution for each set of questions.
• Initiative: Discussions amongst students to solve the exercises are encouraged.
• Analytical/quantitative skills: mathematics, including fundamental analytical and quantitative skills.
• Technical skills: Matlab and Python programming, including Jupyter notebooks