Applied Geophysics

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours

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Subjects selected from

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The teaching of this subject follows these principles:

• The users of geophysical data (geologists, engineers, lawyers, accountants) need to know how geophysics should be done and what can be expected of the results. Geophysicists, in turn, need to know what the users will expect of them.

• The basis for a common understanding between geophysicists and the users of geophysical data lies in the formalisation of the exploration process, based on the scientific method, rather than a detailed understanding of the underlying mathematics.

• Modern computing technologies make it possible to use realistic modelling and simulation of the exploration process to teach by doing.

The subject is broken into modules, each dealing with one exploration method (gravity, magnetics, resistivity and seismic) while avoiding all but the most elementary mathematics. Students learn the relevant physics at an intuitive level with the aid of a series of forward-modelling exercises presented in the context of responding to client-specific problems in the form of 'requests for bid'. Students learn by designing, conducting and interpreting geophysical surveys that yield the greatest benefit-to-cost ratio.

The objective of this subject is to provide students with insights into how geophysicists think, what they do, and how much to trust their conclusions.

• Practical exercises totalling 2000 words, comprising:

Geophysical interpretation/modelling exercises and accompanying report due two weeks following the relevant practical class (30%),
assessment of selected practical exercises due two weeks following the relevant practical class (15%),

• practical assessment in the form of a short test during the semester (5%),

• a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (50%)

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This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.

Previously known as 625-304 Geophysics (prior to 2010)

Previously known as 625-304 Applied Geophysics (prior to 2009)