2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE2550 Applied Geophysics
30 creditsClass Size: 35
Module manager: Dr Jon Mound
Email: J.E.Mound@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2018/19
Pre-requisite qualifications
Successful completion of year 1 of the relevant programmes or equivalent for exchange studentsThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module combines one field trip with lectures and practical sessions to teach the fundamental skills of conducting and analysing geophysical surveys for a wide range of techniques. Practical sessions focus on the processing and interpretation of real data (where possible, that collected by the students in the field).Objectives
To teach the skills of geophysical surveying, field data recording, preparation and presentation of geophysical reports and maps.On completion of this module students will be able to understand and apply principles behind acquisition, processing and interpretation of gravity, magnetics, resistivity, electromagnetic, and seismic data as applied to geophysical exploration for earth resources and near-surface structure.
In order to pass the module overall students are required to pass each of the 3 projects (refraction & resistivity, gravity, and reflection), plus both of the exams, each with marks of at least 40%.
Learning outcomes
- Design (including safety measures), implementation, quality control, processing and interpretation of gravity, magnetic, EM, resistivity, topographic, refraction and reflection seismology surveys.
- Underlying physical principles of the geophysical techniques listed above.
Skills outcomes
Operation of modern field equipment for a variety of geophysical techniques.
Use of specialist software for the processing and interpretation of resistivity, gravity, magnetic and seismic data.
Syllabus
Field trip: Malham Tarn, 5 days (data collection using various geophysical techniques, e.g. gravity, magnetics, resistivity, refraction seismology).
Field trip: Lake District, 3.5 days (geological mapping).
Semester 1: Principles of Geophysical Modelling; Resistivity measurement, processing and interpretation; Principles of Seismic Refraction and Reflection, Time-Distance Relations, Time-Depth Method of Refraction Interpretation, 2D and 3D Seismic Reflection Acquisition, Seismic Reflection Processing (Theory), Migration, Rock Physics, Seismic Reflection Interpretation, Ground Penetrating Radar.
Semester 2: Seismic processing of 2D marine data; Gravity measurement, processing and Interpretation; Work and Potential; Magnetic measurement and interpretation.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Fieldwork | 2 | 48.00 | 48.00 |
| Lecture | 36 | 1.00 | 36.00 |
| Practical | 24 | 2.00 | 48.00 |
| Private study hours | 168.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 132.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 | ||
Private study
Background reading (40), completion of data processing and interpretation (28), literature review and reports (40), problem set assignments (20), exam revision (40).Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Continuous assessment during practical sessions. In semester 2, some practicals are linked to VLE formative assessments that reinforce knowledge of fundamentals.Practical sessions in semester 1 & 2 provide supervised sessions on data processing and interpretation in advance of the major reports.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Project | Refraction & Resistivity project - technical report | 15.00 |
| Project | Gravity project - technical report | 15.00 |
| Project | Reflection project - workbook and interpretation | 10.00 |
| Practical | Gravity and Magnetics | 10.00 |
| Practical | Seismology practical reports | 10.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 60.00 | |
Because of the importance of the skills covered in the module, students are required to pass each of the 3 projects, plus both exams, each with marks of at least 40%. If a student passes the module numerically (with a mark of 40+) but fails any of the 5 compulsory elements outlined above, a mark plus a 'V' code will be returned, e. g. 54V. The student will then have to pass the failed component(s) in August in order to pass the module overall. Once achieved the 'V 'will be removed and the mark returned (e.g. 54). If a student fails the module numerically, i.e. with a mark of less than 40, they will have to re-sit the failed components in August. A mark of 40 will be returned for the module overall if these are all passed successfully.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1) | 1 hr 30 mins | 20.00 |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S2) | 1 hr 30 mins | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 40.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 18/09/2018
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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