Entry requirements

General entry requirements and Biology 2, Physics 1a/1b1+1b2, Chemistry 2, Mathematics 4/Mathematics D. These prerequisites may be replaced by Bioscience, 30 credits, and Earth Science - Planet Earth, 30 credits. Mathematics, 10 credits, is recommended.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student shall be able to:

• describe theories and principles of different geophysical methods.
• account for what physical properties different geophysical techniques are sensitive to.
• make simple geological models based on geophysical data.
• independently apply different geophysical methods to geological problems related to natural resources and environment.

Content

The course provides a general introduction to common geophysical methods used for exploration of natural resources, and investigation of geological and geotechnical structures of the Earth. The methods include gravity, magnetics, seismics, electrics, electromagnetics and radiometry. Each method is explained by using the underlying physical principles and theories, by considering the physical properties they are sensitive to, and how measurements are used to derive information about the subsurface. The following physical principles are covered in the course: gravity field including Newton's law, gravimetric force field and centrifugal force; magnetic fields including Biot-Savart law, induced magnetism and remanent magnetism; seismic wave propagation including Huygen's principle, reflection and refraction; static electric fields including Ohm's law, current flow in homogeneous and inhomogeneous media and refraction; electromagnetism including Maxwell's equations, induction processes and primary and secondary fields; natural radioactivity including decay and radiation. Instrumentation, data acquisition and processing methods, and interpretation are illustrated with case studies. The strengths and limitations of each method is also discussed.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, computer exercises, field course and assignments.

Assessment

Written examination (8 credits) and assignments (2credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.