ERB332 Geophysics and Geodynamics
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: | ERB332 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | ERB204 or ERB223 or admission to ST20 or ((SEB113 or MXB105 or MZB125 or (MZB103 and MZB104) or (MZB103 and MZB105)) and admission to (SE20 or SE50 or SE80 or SE90 or IX80 or ID42 or IX23 or ID11 or SE07)) |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $5,364 |
| International unit fee | $5,952 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ERB332 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (MZB103 and MZB104) or (MZB103 and MZB105) or SEB113 or MXB105 or MZB125; OR Admission to ST20. |
| Equivalent: | ERB302 |
| Coordinator: | Craig O'Neill | craig.oneill@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Knowledge of the subsurface is essential for groundwater management, critical mineral exploration, natural hazard assessment, environmental studies, and civil engineering projects - including large-scale renewable resources like hydropower. Geophysics and geospatial science provides geoscientists and engineers with the tools to investigate the generally inaccessible subsurface. These tools enable us to detect temporal and spatial changes in the physical properties of the Earth, such as groundwater motion and seepage, contaminant plumes, mineralisation, or the strength and integrity of rockmasses. This unit covers the foundations of geophysics, seismology and geospatial data, with applications to the exploration, environmental and geotechnical sectors, including its importance to natural disaster risk management, such as landslide risk and seismic hazard assessment.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Assess the strengths and limitations of the subsurface geophysical imaging approaches in environmental, geotechnical, exploration, and renewable energy contexts.
- Evaluate the detectability of the subsurface features using geophysics, and knowledge of the physical properties of geomaterials.
- Process, manipulate and visualise geophysical scientific data.
- Assess and interpret subsurface geophysical models for geological, renewable energy and groundwater applications.
Content
The unit provides introduction to geospatial geophysical data and mapping, and basic techniques of subsurface imaging - including those related to seismology and geodynamics. We cover the basics of potential field methods (such as gravity and magnetics) for regional mapping and modelling, electrical resistivity techniques to groundwater and conductive ore-deposit imaging, ground-penetrating radar for engineering and environmental assessments, and seismic techniques for both large-scale geotechnical projects, such as pumped-hydroelectricity, and seismic hazard assessments.
The unit combines i) geophysical data acquisition and field techniques, ii) data processing and interpretation of geophysical data, iii) mapping and geospatial analysis of geophysical and digital elevation data, iv) computer modelling and inversion of geophysical data for subsurface imaging, and v) developing 3D models of geophysical data, and geological interpretations.
Learning Approaches
As a third year unit, you are expected to be an independent, self-directed learner and to take responsibility for your own learning. This unit is taught in and intensive mode using a combination of online resources, online seminars and face-to-face workshops.
A significant amount of the unit content will be available as online resources such as video lectures and reading guides. It is expected you spend on average 10-14 hours per week both in classes, preparing classes, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent study to consolidate your learning.
The unit implements real-world learning approaches in analysing real-world industry data, confuting industry-compliant assessments and analyses, acquiring geophysical data to industry specifications, applying cutting-edge digital technologies and industry approaches to 3D visualisation and modelling of subsurface data, and application of this data to large-scale renewable energy project development.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
There are multiple opportunities to receive feedback on your learning in this unit. Whole-of-class and individual feedback will be provided during workshops by tutors. Peer feedback will be provided during collaborative activities in workshops.
Summative assessment tasks with the exception of the quiz will be graded using a rubric. Personalised written feedback will be received on summative assessment tasks.
Assessment
Overview
All assessment contributes to your grade.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
The task consists of interpretation of geophysical data, and answers short-answer questions, to assess the subsurface conditions of a site for renewables development.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Project (applied)
Students will process, visualise, and interpret a variety of geophysical data relevant to geological, renewables, and groundwater assessments, and provide short answers to questions on the limitations, strengths, and applications of a variety of geophysical techniques.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Report
Students will acquire geophysical data from an on-campus site, process the data, and interpret it for subsurface information. A short report will be developed on the imaged subsurface, with interpretations.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
Nil
Costs
There are no additional costs associated with this unit.
Resources
All learning materials to support your learning in this unit will be available in your Canvas unit site. There is a prescribed textbook for this unit and some additional reference books listed below.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Reynolds (2011). An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics, 2nd Edition, Wiley
Recommended text(s)
Dentith and Mudge (2014). Geophysics for the mineral exploration geoscientist, Cambridge University Press
Reference book(s)
Kearey, Brooks & Hill (2002). An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration, Blackwell Science
Telford WM, Geldart LP, Sheriff RE & Keys DA (1990). Applied Geophysics, 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press
Risk Assessment Statement
The unit consists primarily of classroom-based lectures, discussions and practicals, all of which are extremely low risk activities.
There are two short (during class) field demonstrations on campus. One involves wheeling a cart-mounted GPR instrument. The second involves seismic data acquisition, which involves swinging a sledgehammer. Standard safe-work method statements, and risk assessments, will apply to these activities. These involve no heavy lifting or traffic management.
No significant health and safety issues are raised by this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Task, Project (applied) - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, Problem Solving Task, Project (applied), Report - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Problem Solving Task, Project (applied) - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Project (applied), Report
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Task, Project (applied) - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, Problem Solving Task, Project (applied), Report - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Problem Solving Task, Project (applied) - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Project (applied), Report