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2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE1150 Fundamentals of Geophysics

10 creditsClass Size: 86

Module manager: Dr Jon Mound
Email: j.e.mound@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Pre-requisite qualifications

You must have A-level Maths or an equivalent Level 1 Maths module (eg SOEE1301)

This module is mutually exclusive with

SOEE2630Fundamentals of Geophysics
SOEE2631Introduction to Geophysics

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Learn how physics is used to study Earth structure and Earth processes. Techniques of seismology, gravity, geodesy, magnetics, and electromagnetism are used to understand and assess geological hazards, locate natural resources, and understand the structure and dynamics of the planet from an atomic to a global scale.

Objectives

To learn about geophysical analysis and develop quantitative problem-solving skills. To understand how the principles of physics are used to study physical properties and processes of the Earth. The goal is to have a basic overview of geophysics for interest and as the basis for further work, to be accustomed to approaching and solving problems, and to be able to make basic analyses of data from commonly used geophysical surveys.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Recall the definition of terms associated with geophysical theory and observations;
2. Use fundamental geophysical principles to perform simple analysis and interpretation of illustrative data;
3. Describe the physical principles underlying a range of geophysical techniques;
4. Solve quantitative problems relating to geophysical investigation of the Earth;


Syllabus

- Introduction to geophysics
- Seismology: origin and form of seismic waves; seismic refraction/reflection; earth structure; earthquakes
- Gravity: principles, practice and interpretation; isostasy
- Magnetics: magnetisation; geomagnetism and palaeomagnetism; magnetic surveys
- Geoelectric methods: principles of electrical and electromagnetic theory; electrical properties of Earth materials; SP, resistivity, EM, and GPR survey techniques
- Geodesy: stress and strain; measurement and applications
- Integrated case study


Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture201.0020.00
Tutorial91.009.00
Private study hours71.00
Total Contact hours29.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

- 3 hours per week follow-up and completion of problem sets: 30 hours
- 2 hours per week follow-up reading: 20 hours
- Revision: 21 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Practice MCQs and tutorial problems are integrated with instruction throughout the semester.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
In-course MCQSummative MCQ30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)30.00

The re-sit will consist of a single 48-hour open book exam worth 100% of the marks.


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Open Book exam48 hr 70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)70.00

The re-sit will consist of a single 48-hour open book exam worth 100% of the marks.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/08/2020 08:46:32

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