Geophysicists study the interior of the Earth. They explore for natural resources such as minerals, oil, gas and groundwater, search for buried objects in archaeological and forensic investigations, and address environmental engineering matters, from natural hazards to underground carbon storage.
This highly comprehensive course is the only one of its kind in Western Australia, preparing you for a professional career in exploration geophysics and providing understanding and practical training in a wide range of geophysical exploration methods, including data acquisition, processing and interpretation.
As a geophysics graduate, you can work within a range of fields and industries, including groundwater monitoring and management, archaeological investigations, environmental investigations and planning, mining oil and gas, civil engineering site assessments, monitoring and detecting natural hazards like earthquakes and landslides, or assessing the feasibility of underground carbon storage. Alternatively, you may consider a career in teaching or research.
Units within this course comprise a comfortable mix of theoretical lectures and practical lab classes which feature authentic geophysical equipment.
The first year covers foundation knowledge of physics and mathematics. It also introduces you to geographic information systems, geoscientific communications, geology, scientific computing and data processing.
The second year introduces you to geophysical exploration methods, and looks at geology and the physical and mathematical principles behind geophysical processes. The course material is accompanied by practical sessions and strongly emphasises the physical properties of matter and the transmission and dissipation of energy.
The third year provides you with detailed knowledge of techniques used to analyse and image the Earth. Seismic, magnetics, gravity, electrical and electromagnetic methods are covered in detail and you will gain significant field experience in the operation of industry-standard equipment and computer software.