ERB302 Applied Geophysics
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | ERB302 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (ERB204 and (SEB113 or MXB105 or MAB101 or MAB141 or MAB105)) or (ERB204 and admission to ST20) |
| Equivalent(s): | NQB513 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $5,664 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ERB302 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (ERB204 and (SEB113 or MXB105 or MAB101 or MAB141 or MAB105)) or (ERB204 and admission to ST20) |
| Equivalent: | NQB513 |
| Coordinator: | Craig O'Neill | craig.oneill@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Applied geophysics provides geoscientists with the tools to investigate the generally inaccessible subsurface. These tools enable us to detect temporal and spatial changes in the physical properties of Earth. Knowledge of material properties such as density, electrical resistivity, magnetisation, elasticity and natural radioactivity is essential for the exploration of minerals, hydrocarbons and groundwater. Beyond exploration geophysical methods are used in disciplines as diverse as plate tectonics, environmental geology, engineering geology, and seismic hazard assessment.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critical Thinking judgement of the strengths and limitations of several geophysical methods and their applicability to specific exploration targets.
- Scientific Knowledge and application of the physical properties of geo-materials.
- Analysis of the most common geophysical methods and instruments.
- Application of simple analytical and numerical methods to process, manipulate and interpret geophysical data.
Content
An introduction to the various methods of applied geophysics. These are grouped into three different categories: Potential Field Methods (gravity, magnetic, electrical resistivity techniques), Wave Field Methods (seismic refraction and reflection, ground penetrating radar and sonar) and Borehole Geophysics. Hands on problem solving tasks will introduce you to correction & processing of geophysical data and interpretation of geophysical data in geological terms. You will also learn how the interpretation process can be aided by simple forward computer modelling.
Learning Approaches
The unit will use an Intensive Mode of Delivery.
A significant amount of the unit content will be available as online resources such as video lectures and reading guides.
Week 1: 2 hours online Introduction Seminar to discuss unit structure and delivery mode.
Week 2: Total of 4 hours (in blocks of 2 hours) Workshop: Introduction to Computer Methods
Weeks 3, 5, 7 and 9: 2 hours online Seminar to discuss unit content.
Weeks 4, 6, 8 and 10: total 6 hours (in blocks of 2 hours) Workshop for problems solving tasks with integrated assessment.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback will include:
Oral formative feedback from peers and tutors on activities in workshops
Limited written feedback on problem solving tasks, where required
Assessment
Overview
All assessment contributes to your grade.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Seismic Module Workbook
A workbook containing worked examples from the seismic practical exercises and short answer questions.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Module 2 and 3 Report
A combined report from the worked exercises in modules 2 and 3, as well as short answers to questions on module 2 and 3 content.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Quiz/Test
A short answer quiz describing the content of module four and recapping previous modules.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
1. Reynolds (2011) An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics, 2nd Edition, Wiley
References:
2. Kearey, Brooks & Hill (2002) An introduction to Geophysical Exploration, Blackwell Science
3. Telford WM, Geldart LP, Sheriff RE & Keys DA (1990) Applied Geophysics, 2nd edition, Cambridge University Press
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.