Sophomore Year:

Physics of the Earth (GPHY 2053) [Fall 2008]

Introduction to the study of the physics of the solid Earth, including the workings of both the Earth’s surface and its deep interior. The course will cover principles of seismology, gravity, magnetism and heat flow applied to whole earth structure and plate tectonics. Description of crust, mantle, and core of the earth as determined from geophysical methods.

Junior Year:

Applied Geophysics (GPHY 3053) [Spring 2010]

Survey of applied geophysics, describing the physical methods involved in exploration for hydrocarbons and minerals. The course will cover the applications of physics to measurements made for mapping near surface earth structure. Gravity, magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic, bore-hole logging, ground penetrating radar, seismic, and radioactivity methods for mapping sub-surface will be discussed. An introduction to data processing and interpretation with the objective of locating natural resources, and defining their geometrical shape will be covered.

Petroleum Seismology (GPHY 4003) [ Fall 2008]

This course will examine Techniques in exploration seismology applied to hydrocarbon exploration. This includes seismic reflection and refraction profiling. The underlying physical principles and practical aspects of field acquisition, processing and data interpretation will be considered. 

Provide training for future careers as geoscientists

To provide you with the knowledge to make use of seismic method for hydrocarbon exploration

To prepare you to speak knowledgeably to both your contractors and your managers, about seismic surveys

To lead you to be innovative while facing a new problem that might lend itself to geophysical methods. 

Senior Year:

Field Methods in Geophysics (GPHY 4023) [Spring 2009]

The application of geophysical field methods for delineating near-surface features and/or structures as applied to exploration, environmental, and engineering problems. Field design, ground positioning, instrumentation, practical field data acquisition with gravimeter, magnetometer, ground-penetrating radar, electrical resistivity, electromagnetic, and seismic equipment. Processing and interpreting acquired data.

Seismic Data Processing & Interpretation (GPHY 4033) [Spring 2009]

The course will focus on the multi channel seismic data processing techniques applied to raw data. The major processing steps that would be discussed are: Sorting, Field Statics, Filtering, Deconvolution, Velocity analysis, Residual Statics, Stacking, and Migration. Interpretation principles for deriving geological information from seismic sections will be discussed. Advantages of 3D data over 2D data and pitfalls in seismic data interpretation would be covered.