The curriculum within a geophysics program.
Geophysics is a discipline within science that uses quantitative observation and analysis to study the Earth and its physical properties. Data is collected and used to study the internal structure of the Earth and determine where potential mineral deposits, groundwater, archaeological findings and petroleum reservoirs are located. Graduates with a geophysics degree often work as geophysicists or in the engineering field. Most careers are available with private companies in the oil and mining industries. Other opportunities may be available with the government or with a college or university. The following are some courses in geophysics programs across the country.
Earth and Planetary Physics
This course combines lecture and laboratory work and covers topics in earth resources, weathering, landslides, shorelines, glaciers, earthquakes, geologic structures and streams. Time is also spent focusing on the earth's core, mantle and crust.
Earth Materials
The earth materials course helps students identify physical properties, structures and uses of the minerals and materials that make up earth. Students spend time in a laboratory inspecting and examining the origin and types of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
Environmental Geophysics
This course focuses on the fundamentals of interpretation and data reduction as it applies to environmental geophysics. Students learn how physics is used to study and investigate the Earth's structure and substance. This is an important foundational course for prospective geoscientists, civil engineers and environmental engineers.
Computational Geosciences
The computational geosciences course covers the programming and analysis of one- and two-dimensional data sets. Students learn to use Matlab and Excel to aid in the quantitative analysis of geologic data.
Field Geophysics
Students in the field geophysics course learn about basic land surveying and other geophysical techniques. The course also introduces students to recording, interpretation and presentation of gravity, electromagnetic and seismic data. Opportunities are available to learn about the equipment and calibration involved in collecting geophysical data.
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