Geophysics
Professors Emeriti
Thomas L. Davis
Dave Hale
Alexander A. Kaufman
Kenneth L. Larner
Gary R. Olhoeft
Phillip R. Romig, Jr.
Terence K. Young
Emeritus Associate Professor
Thomas M. Boyd
University Distinguished Professors
Kamini Singha
Ilya D. Tsvankin
Professors
John H. Bradford, Vice President for Global Initiatives
Brandon Dugan, Associate Department Head, Baker Hughes Chair of Petrophysics and Borehole Geophysics
Yaoguo Li
Manika Prasad
Paul C. Sava, Department Head, C.H. Green Chair of Exploration Geophysics
Roelof K. Snieder, Keck Foundation Professor of Professional Development Education
Ilya D. Tsvankin
Ali Tura
Associate Professors
Jeffrey C. Shragge
Assistant Professors
Ge Jin
Eileen Martin
Matthew Siegfried
Bia Villas Bôas
Joint appointment with loci within Geophysics
Eileen Martin, Assistant Professor, Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Joint appointment with loci outside of Geophysics
Eric Anderson, Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Ebru Bozdag, Associate Professor, Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Elizabeth Reddy, Assistant Professor, Engineering, Design and Society
Danica Roth, Assistant Professor, Geology and Geological Engineering
Kamini Singhi, Professor, Geology and Geological Engineering
Research Professor
Jeffrey Lee
Research Associate Professors
Richard Krahenbuhl
James L. Simmons
Adjunct Faculty
Jyoti Behura, Founder & CEO, Seismic Science LLC
Timothy Collett, Senior Scientist, US Geological Survey
Morgan Moschetti, Research Geophysicist, US Geological Survey
Ryan North, Principal Geophysicist, ISC Geoscience
Nathaniel Putzig, Senior Scientist, Planetary Science Institute
Affiliate Faculty
Andrei Swidinsky, Associate Professor, University of Toronto
Whitney Trainor-Guitton, Geoscience Researcher, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
David Wald, Research Geophysicist, US Geological Survey
Joint Appointments
Fred Day-Lewis, Chief Geophysicist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Bachelor of Science Program in Geophysical Engineering
Geophysical Engineering undergraduates who may have an interest in professional registration as engineers are encouraged to take the Engineer in Training (EIT)/Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam as Seniors. The Geophysical Engineering Program has the following objectives and associated outcomes:
Program Educational Objective 1: Graduates will be competent professionals who are capable of independent and innovative problem solving, are skilled in scientific computing and are working to address important Earth, energy, and /or environmental problems.
Program Educational Objective 2: Graduates will be effective oral and written communicators with exceptional team skills which will allow them to grow in their careers and in professional societies.
Program Educational Objective 3: Graduates will recognize the economic and social impacts of their work and will have the ability to communicate this to a range of stakeholders (e.g., management, public, peers)
The Geophysical Engineering program also has the following Student Outcomes, which are the same as those required by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Graduates with a BS in Geophysical Engineering will demonstrate:
- An ability to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
Additionally, Geophysical Engineering graduates will demonstrate the following program specific outcomes:
- Expanded perspective of applied geophysics as a result of participating in employment or research
- An ability to quantitatively analyze the errors, limitations, and uncertainties in data
Geophysics Field Camp
Each summer, a base of field operations is set up for four weeks for students who have completed their junior year. Students prepare geological maps and subsurface models as the basis for applying their multidisciplinary knowledge to design and implement geophysical surveys and integrate and interpret geophysical and geological data to address geoscientific real-world problems. Most recently the Department has focused on the use of seismic, gravimetric, magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic, and distributed acoustic sensing surveys to understand geothermal systems and hot springs in Colorado. In addition to the required four-week program, students can also participate in other diverse field experiences. In recent years these have included participation on seismic acquisition ships in the Gulf of Mexico, studies at archeological sites, investigations at environmental sites, and surveys of an active volcano in Hawaii.
Study Abroad
The Department of Geophysics encourages its undergraduates to spend one or two semesters studying abroad. At some universities abroad, credits can be earned to substitute course requirements in the geophysical engineering program at Mines. Information on universities that have established formal exchange programs with Mines can be obtained from the Office of Global Education. Recent exchange programs in which our students have participated include Curtin University, Australia; University of Edinburgh, Scotland; University of Leeds, England; and Utrecht University in the Netherlands.
Combined BS/MS Program
Undergraduate students in the Geophysical Engineering program who are interested in continuing directly into the Master of Science program in Geophysics or Geophysical Engineering are encouraged to meet with their advisor or the department leadership as early as possible in their undergraduate program to outline a continuation program. Students enrolled in the Mines Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Program may double count up to six hours of credits which were used in fulfilling the requirements of their undergraduate degree at Mines towards their graduate program. Any courses that count towards the graduate degree requirements as either "Required Coursework" or "Elective Coursework", as defined below, may be used for the purposes of double counting at the discretion of the advisor (M.Sc. Non-Thesis) or thesis committee (M.Sc. Thesis or Ph.D.). These courses must have been passed with a "B-" or better and meet all other University, Department, Division, and Program requirements for graduate credit.
Summer Jobs in Geophysics
In addition to the summer field camp experience, many Geophysical Engineering students participate in summer internships or research activities in industry, at Mines, or with government agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey.
Undergraduate Research
Students are encouraged to try their hand at research by working on a project with a Mines faculty member, either during the semester or during the summer. This research is often supported by research grants or university funds through the Mines Undergraduate Research program (https://www.mines.edu/undergraduate-research). As an alternative to a summer internship, students may participate in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), either at Mines or at another university. REU's are typically sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and are listed on the NSF website (https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp).
The Cecil H. and Ida Green Graduate and Professional Center
The meeting rooms, laboratories, and computer-aided instruction areas of the Department of Geophysics are located in the Green Center. The Department also maintains equipment for conducting geophysical field measurements, including magnetometers, gravity meters, ground-penetrating radar, and instruments for recording seismic waves. Students may request access to the Department petrophysics laboratory for measuring properties of porous rocks, or study one of the world's largest repositories of core samples in the Core Lab. The Department also maintains the Ken Larner GeoMaker Space which is a collaborative, multidisciplinary workspace for students to design, build, and test their own novel hardware or instruments.
Curriculum
Geophysics is an applied and multidisciplinary science; therefore, students must have a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, geology, and computing. Included in this foundation are comprehensive courses on the theory and practice of geophysical methods. As geophysics and geophysical engineering involve the study and exploration of entire geologic bodies, our graduates have great opportunities to work anywhere on, and even off, planet Earth. The curriculum includes electives in the Culture and Society (CAS) that give students an understanding of international issues and cultures. Every student who obtains a Bachelor’s Degree in Geophysical Engineering completes the Mines Core Curriculum plus the program-specific courses, outlined below. We recommend students download the current curriculum flowchart (Undergrad Curriculum Flowchart) and work closely with their academic advisor to create an individualized pathway to their degree.
Degree Requirements (Geophysical Engineering)
| Freshman | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | lec | lab | sem.hrs | |
| MATH111 | CALCULUS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS I | 4.0 | 4.0 | |
| CHGN121 | PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY I | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| CSCI128 | COMPUTER SCIENCE FOR STEM | 3.0 | ||
| HASS100 | NATURE AND HUMAN VALUES | 3.0 | ||
| CSM101 | FRESHMAN SUCCESS SEMINAR | 1.0 | 1.0 | |
| 15.0 | ||||
| Spring | lec | lab | sem.hrs | |
| MATH112 | CALCULUS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS II | 4.0 | 4.0 | |
| PHGN100 | PHYSICS I - MECHANICS | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| EDNS151 | CORNERSTONE - DESIGN I | 3.0 | ||
| EBGN321 | ENGINEERING ECONOMICS*For the 2023 Catalog EBGN321 replaced EBGN201 as a Core requirement. EBGN321 was added to the core, but has a prerequisite of 60 credit hours. Students whose programs that required EBGN201 the sophomore year may need to wait to take EBGN321 until their junior year. For complete details, please visit: https://www.mines.edu/registrar/core-curriculum/ | 3.0 | ||
| S&W ELECTIVE | SUCCESS AND WELLNESS ELECTIVE | 1.0 | ||
| 15.0 | ||||
| Sophomore | ||||
| Fall | lec | lab | sem.hrs | |
| MATH213 | CALCULUS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS III | 4.0 | 4.0 | |
| CSCI250 | PYTHON-BASED COMPUTING: BUILDING A SENSOR SYSTEM | 3.0 | ||
| GEGN101 | EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS | 4.0 | ||
| GPGN228 | INTRODUCTION TO GEOPHYSICS | 3.0 | ||
| HASS200 | GLOBAL STUDIES | 3.0 | ||
| CSM202 | INTRODUCTION TO STUDENT WELL-BEING AT MINES | 1.0 | ||
| 18.0 | ||||
| Spring | lec | lab | sem.hrs | |
| PHGN200 | PHYSICS II-ELECTROMAGNETISM AND OPTICS | 4.0 | ||
| MATH225 | DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | 3.0 | 3.0 | |
| GPGN268 | GEOPHYSICAL DATA ANALYSIS | 3.0 | ||
| GEGN212 | THE ROCK CYCLE | 4.0 | ||
| GPGN229 | MATHEMATICAL GEOPHYSICS | 3.0 | ||
| 17.0 | ||||
| Junior | ||||
| Fall | lec | lab | sem.hrs | |
| MATH332 | LINEAR ALGEBRA | 3.0 | ||
| MATH201 | INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS | 3.0 | ||
| GPGN328 | PHYSICS OF THE EARTH - I | 3.0 | 3.0 | |
| GPGN318 | APPLIED GEOPHYSICS I | 3.0 | ||
| ELECTIVE | EARTH ELECTIVE | 3.0 | 3.0 | |
| 15.0 | ||||
| Spring | lec | lab | sem.hrs | |
| GPGN404 | DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING | 3.0 | ||
| CSCI303 | INTRODUCTION TO DATA SCIENCE | 3.0 | ||
| GPGN329 | PHYSICS OF THE EARTH - II | 3.0 | ||
| GPGN319 | APPLIED GEOPHYSICS II | 3.0 | ||
| FREE | FREE ELECTIVE | 3.0 | 3.0 | |
| ELECTIVE | CULTURE AND SOCIETY (CAS) Mid-Level Restricted Elective2 | 3.0 | ||
| 18.0 | ||||
| Summer | lec | lab | sem.hrs | |
| GPGN486 | GEOPHYSICS FIELD CAMP | 4.0 | 4.0 | |
| 4.0 | ||||
| Senior | ||||
| Fall | lec | lab | sem.hrs | |
| GPGN436 | GEOPHYSICAL COMPUTING | 3.0 | ||
| GPGN409 | INVERSION | 3.0 | ||
| GP ELECT | GPGN Advanced Elective3 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| GP ELECT | GPGN Advanced Elective3 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| ELECTIVE | CULTURE AND SOCIETY (CAS) 400-Level Restricted Elective2 | 3.0 | 3.0 | |
| 15.0 | ||||
| Spring | lec | lab | sem.hrs | |
| GPGN438 | GEOPHYSICS PROJECT DESIGN | 3.0 | ||
| GP ELECT | GPGN Advanced Elective3 | 3.0 | 3.0 | |
| GP ELECT | GPGN Advanced Elective3 | 3.0 | ||
| ELECTIVE | CULTURE AND SOCIETY (CAS) 400-Level Restricted Elective2 | 3.0 | 3.0 | |
| FREE | FREE ELECTIVE | 3.0 | 3.0 | |
| 15.0 | ||||
| Total Semester Hrs: 132.0 | ||||
- 1
Students must take at least 3 credits of GEGN or GEOL electives.
- 2
Within these 9 Culture and Society (CAS) electives, students must take at least 3 credits at the 400-level.
- 3
Students must take 12 credits of advanced GPGN elective courses at the 400- or 500-level. At least 6 of these credits must be from geophysical methods courses (GPGN411, GPGN420, GPGN461, and GPGN470).
Major GPA
During the 2016-2017 Academic Year, the Undergraduate Council considered the policy concerning required major GPAs and which courses are included in each degree’s GPA. While the GPA policy has not been officially updated, in order to provide transparency, council members agreed that publishing the courses included in each degree’s GPA is beneficial to students.
The following list details the courses that are included in the GPA for this degree:
- GPGN100 through GPGN599 inclusive
Geophysics Tracks
Beginning in the academic year 23-24, our undergraduate students will have the opportunity to delve deeper into various subjects within Geophysics without the need for additional coursework. Our faculty has approved the implementation of Geophysics tracks, which will provide students with a structured course selection path for gaining advanced knowledge in specific subdisciplines. These tracks include Climate, Energy, Hazards, Humanitarian, Minerals, and Space Geophysics. Many of the courses required for these tracks are already offered within our Geophysics Engineering or other programs, but the defined tracks provide a focused alignment of courses in these areas. It should be noted that participation in these tracks is optional and not required for undergraduate students. They are simply provided as a suggestion for students who wish to gain advanced knowledge in a specific subdiscipline.
Energy Geophysics
Energy GEOPHYSICS generates detailed high-resolution images of the Earth interior to access energy resources (hydrocarbons, geothermal, Hydrogen) and facilitate Carbon capture and storage.
| Geophysics Electives | ||
| GPGN411 | GRAVITY AND MAGNETIC METHODS | 3.0 |
| GPGN420 | ELECTRICAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC METHODS | 3.0 |
| GPGN461 | SEISMIC DATA PROCESSING | 3.0 |
| GPGN458 | SEISMIC INTERPRETATION | 3.0 |
| Earth Electives | ||
| GEOL308 | INTRODUCTORY APPLIED STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY | 3.0 |
| GEOL309 | STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY AND TECTONICS | 4.0 |
| GEOL314 | STRATIGRAPHY | 4.0 |
| GEOL315 | SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY | 3.0 |
| PEGN308 | RESERVOIR ROCK PROPERTIES | 3.0 |
| PEGN350 | SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS | 3.0 |
| PEGN419 | WELL LOG ANALYSIS AND FORMATION EVALUATION | 3.0 |
| CAS and Free Electives | ||
| EBGN201 | PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS | 3.0 |
| PEGN201 | PETROLEUM ENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS | 3.0 |
| EBGN310 | ENVIRONMENTAL AND RESOURCE ECONOMICS | 3.0 |
| EBGN340 | ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY | 3.0 |
| HASS360 | RESEARCH, VALUES, AND COMMUNICATION | 3.0 |
| MATH432 | SPATIAL STATISTICS | 3.0 |
Minerals Geophysics
Minerals GEOPHYSICS generates detailed high-resolution images of the Earth interior to give access critical minerals necessary to sustain our current and future critical technological and energy needs.
| Geophysics Electives | ||
| GPGN411 | GRAVITY AND MAGNETIC METHODS | 3.0 |
| GPGN420 | ELECTRICAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC METHODS | 3.0 |
| GPGN470 | APPLICATIONS OF SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING | 3.0 |
| GPGN461 | SEISMIC DATA PROCESSING | 4.0 |
| Earth Electives | ||
| GEOL310 | EARTH MATERIALS | 3.0 |
| GEOL311 | MINING GEOLOGY | 3.0 |
| GEGN401 | MINERAL DEPOSITS | 4.0 |
| GEGN432 | GEOLOGICAL DATA MANAGEMENT | 3.0 |
| PEGN419 | WELL LOG ANALYSIS AND FORMATION EVALUATION | 3.0 |
| CAS and Free Electives | ||
| EBGN201 | PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS | 3.0 |
| MNGN210 | INTRODUCTORY MINING | 3.0 |
| EBGN310 | ENVIRONMENTAL AND RESOURCE ECONOMICS | 3.0 |
| EBGN340 | ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY | 3.0 |
| HASS360 | RESEARCH, VALUES, AND COMMUNICATION | 3.0 |
| MATH432 | SPATIAL STATISTICS | 3.0 |
Hazard GEOPHYSICS
Hazards GEOPHYSICS monitors and quantifies with high temporal and spatial density the occurrence and distribution of destructive Earth hazards (earthquakes, volcano eruptions, tsunamis, landslides).
| Geophysics Electives | ||
| GPGN420 | ELECTRICAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC METHODS | 3.0 |
| GPGN470 | APPLICATIONS OF SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING | 3.0 |
| GPGN455 | EARTHQUAKE SEISMOLOGY | 3.0 |
| GPGN473 | CRYOSPHERE GEOPHYSICS | |
| Earth Electives | ||
| GEGN432 | GEOLOGICAL DATA MANAGEMENT | 3.0 |
| GEOL440 | PLATE TECTONICS | 3.0 |
| GEGN473 | GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING SITE INVESTIGATION | 3.0 |
| CEEN419 | RISK ASSESSMENT IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING | 3.0 |
| GEGN498A | SURFACE PROCESSES | 3.0 |
| CAS and Free Electives | ||
| HASS360 | RESEARCH, VALUES, AND COMMUNICATION | 3.0 |
| HASS427 | RISK COMMUNICATION | 3.0 |
| HASS467 | HISTORY OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES | 3.0 |
| MATH432 | SPATIAL STATISTICS | 3.0 |
Humanitarian Geophysics
Humanitarian GEOPHYSICS develops technology in support of human communities for cost effective access to water, safe construction, assessment of soil conditions and noninvasive subsurface archeology.
| Geophysics Electives | ||
| GPGN420 | ELECTRICAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC METHODS | 3.0 |
| GPGN455 | EARTHQUAKE SEISMOLOGY | 3.0 |
| GPGN470 | APPLICATIONS OF SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING | 3.0 |
| GPGN474 | HYDROGEOPHYSICS | 3.0 |
| GPGN461 | SEISMIC DATA PROCESSING | 3.0 |
| Earth Electives | ||
| GEOL308 | INTRODUCTORY APPLIED STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY | 3.0 |
| GEOL309 | STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY AND TECTONICS | 4.0 |
| GEOL314 | STRATIGRAPHY | 4.0 |
| GEOL315 | SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY | 3.0 |
| GEGN466 | GROUNDWATER ENGINEERING | 3.0 |
| GEGN475 | APPLICATIONS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS | 3.0 |
| CAS and Free Electives | ||
| EDNS192 | DESIGN AND HUMAN VALUES | 4.0 |
| EDNS315 | ENGINEERING FOR SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY | 3.0 |
| EDNS375 | ENGINEERING CULTURES | 3.0 |
| HASS360 | RESEARCH, VALUES, AND COMMUNICATION | 3.0 |
| MATH432 | SPATIAL STATISTICS | 3.0 |
Climate Geophysics
Climate GEOPHYSICS investigates dynamic processes at and near Earth’s surface to give insight on physical, thermal, and chemical properties revealing climate evolution affecting communities worldwide.
| Geophysics Electives | ||
| GPGN420 | ELECTRICAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC METHODS | 3.0 |
| GPGN470 | APPLICATIONS OF SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING | 3.0 |
| GPGN473 | CRYOSPHERE GEOPHYSICS | |
| GPGN474 | HYDROGEOPHYSICS | 3.0 |
| Earth Electives | ||
| GEGN466 | GROUNDWATER ENGINEERING | 3.0 |
| GEOL440 | PLATE TECTONICS | 3.0 |
| GEGN498A | SURFACE PROCESSES | 3.0 |
| CAS and Free Electives | ||
| HASS360 | RESEARCH, VALUES, AND COMMUNICATION | 3.0 |
| HASS427 | RISK COMMUNICATION | 3.0 |
| HASS448 | GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES | 3.0 |
| HASS484 | US WATER POLITICS AND POLICY | 3.0 |
| MATH432 | SPATIAL STATISTICS | 3.0 |
Space Geophysics
Space GEOPHYSICS investigates the surfaces and interiors of planetary bodies to give insight into the Solar System’s formation and evolution, provide access to natural resources, and enable planetary defense.
| Geophysics Electives | ||
| GPGN411 | GRAVITY AND MAGNETIC METHODS | 3.0 |
| GPGN420 | ELECTRICAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC METHODS | 3.0 |
| GPGN473 | CRYOSPHERE GEOPHYSICS | |
| GPGN455 | EARTHQUAKE SEISMOLOGY | 3.0 |
| GPGN470 | APPLICATIONS OF SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING | 3.0 |
| Earth Electives | ||
| GEOL410 | PLANETARY GEOLOGY | 3.0 |
| GEGN475 | APPLICATIONS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS | 3.0 |
| CAS and Free Electives | ||
| EBGN201 | PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS | 3.0 |
| EBGN310 | ENVIRONMENTAL AND RESOURCE ECONOMICS | 3.0 |
| HASS360 | RESEARCH, VALUES, AND COMMUNICATION | 3.0 |
| PHGN324 | INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS | 3.0 |
| HASS427 | RISK COMMUNICATION | 3.0 |
| MATH432 | SPATIAL STATISTICS | 3.0 |
The Mines guidelines for Minor/ASI can be found in the Undergraduate Information section of the Mines Catalog.
Minor in Geophysics/Geophysical Engineering
Geophysics plays an important role in many aspects of civil engineering, petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, and mining engineering, as well as mathematics, physics, geology, chemistry, hydrology, and computer science. Given the natural connections between these various fields and geophysics, it may be of interest for students in other majors to consider choosing to minor in geophysics, or to choose geophysics as an area of specialization. The core set of courses required for a GP minor are as follows:
| GPGN229 | MATHEMATICAL GEOPHYSICS | 3.0 |
| GPGN328 | PHYSICS OF THE EARTH - I | 3.0 |
| GPGN329 | PHYSICS OF THE EARTH - II | 3.0 |
| GPGN318 & GPGN319 | APPLIED GEOPHYSICS I and APPLIED GEOPHYSICS II | 6.0 |
The remaining 3 credits can be satisfied by a geophysics course or a course in geology, mathematics, or computer science depending on the student’s major. Students must consult with the Department of Geophysics to have the remaining course approved. Previous or concurrent experience in programming is strongly recommended but not required.
Courses
GPGN198. SPECIAL TOPICS. 1-6 Semester Hr.
(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.
GPGN199. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-6 Semester Hr.
(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.
GPGN228. INTRODUCTION TO GEOPHYSICS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
(I) Introduction to sediment, rock, and fluid properties, their measurements, and geophysical applications. Course will introduce physical and mathematical framework, quantitative interpretations, and provide framework for geophysical analyses, data interpretation, and data inversion to help us understand the physical and chemical properties of sediments, rocks, and fluids.
GPGN229. MATHEMATICAL GEOPHYSICS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
(II) This course will address how specific mathematical approaches are used to understand and to solve geophysical problems. Topics that will be used in a geophysical context include continuum mechanics, linear algebra, vector calculus, complex variables, Fourier series, partial differential equations, probability, the wave equation, and the heat equation. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: MATH213, PHGN200. Co-requisite: MATH225.
GPGN268. GEOPHYSICAL DATA ANALYSIS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
(II) Geophysical Data Analysis focuses on open-ended problem solving in which students integrate teamwork and communication with the use of computer software as tools to solve engineering problems. Computer applications emphasize information acquisition and processing based on knowing what new information is necessary to solve a problem and where to find the information efficiently. Students work on projects from the geophysical engineering practice in which they analyze (process, model, visualize) data. In their projects, students encounter limitations and uncertainties in data and learn quantitative means for handling them. They learn how to analyze errors in data, and their effects on data interpretation and decision making. 3 lecture hours; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: CSCI128.
GPGN298. SPECIAL TOPICS. 1-6 Semester Hr.
(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.
GPGN299. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-6 Semester Hr.
(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.
GPGN318. APPLIED GEOPHYSICS I. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
Applied Geophysics I is an introductory course on the application of static fields to image the Earth's subsurface. The static fields include electrostatics, magnetostatics, and gravitational field. These tools are employed in various geotechnical and environmental engineering problems, resource exploration and production monitoring, geothermal site characterization, hazards, and humanitarian efforts. Through the combination of three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab each week, the students are provided with the fundamental theory and hands-on field experiments for each of these techniques, including the principles, instrumentation, and procedures of data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation. Co-requisite: GPGN328.
GPGN319. APPLIED GEOPHYSICS II. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
Applied Geophysics II is an introductory course on the application of dynamic fields (electromagnetic and seismic) to image the Earth's subsurface. These tools are employed in various geotechnical and environmental engineering problems, resource exploration and production monitoring, geothermal site characterization, hazards, and humanitarian efforts. Through the combination of three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab each week, the students are provided with the fundamental theory and hands-on field experiments for each of these techniques, including the principles, instrumentation, and procedures of data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation. Co-requisite: GPGN329.
GPGN328. PHYSICS OF THE EARTH - I. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
(I) This course is the first part of a two-course sequence on Physics of the Earth and will introduce the static fields including the electrostatics, steady state current flow in conductive media, magnetostatics, and gravitational field as used in probing the interior of the Earth and physical processes therein. The spatial context will be earth's lithosphere and the associated geoscientific problems arise from a wide range of disciplines including environmental problems, hydrology, minerals and energy exploration, hydrology, tectonics, and climate science. The course will discuss static field theory, their interaction with different physical properties of earth materials, and the use of these fields in imaging, characterizing, and monitoring structures and processes in the earth lithosphere and on the interface between atmosphere and crust. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: GPGN229. Co-requisite: GPGN318.
GPGN329. PHYSICS OF THE EARTH - II. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
(II) The second half of Physics of the Earth will aim to give a global perspective to Earth's formation and evolution. Starting from conservation laws and continuum mechanics, Earth's dynamic fields (theory of seismic and electromagnetic wave propagation) will be covered in the context of solid-Earth geophysics and integrated with various geophysical observations & measurements; the Earth seen by the waves, inferring the structure and composition of the interior of planetary bodies from crust to core, physical & thermo-chemical processes in mantle and core shaping Earth's surface and magnetic field, planetary cooling, "hot topics" and current challenges in illuminating Earth's deep structure, modern computational techniques that are used to improve our understanding of Earth's interior and history. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: GPGN328. Co-requisite: GPGN319.
GPGN398. SPECIAL TOPICS. 1-6 Semester Hr.
(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.
GPGN399. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-6 Semester Hr.
(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.
GPGN404. DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
(II) The fundamentals of digital signal processing as applied to geophysical investigations are studied. Students explore the mathematical background and practical consequences of Fourier series and 1D/2D Fourier transforms, linear time-invariant (LTI) systems, convolution and deconvolution, properties of discrete systems, sampling theorem and signal reconstruction, Z-Transforms, discrete-time Fourier transform, discrete Fourier series and discrete Fourier transform, windowing and spectrograms, realization of digital filters, FIR filter design and IIR filter design. Emphasis is placed on applying the knowledge gained in lecture to exploring practical signal processing issues. This is done through homework and in-class practicum assignments requiring the programming and testing of algorithms discussed in lecture. 2 hours lecture; 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: GPGN268, CSCI250, MATH225, MATH332.
GPGN409. INVERSION. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
(I) This course provides an in-depth study of the fundamentals of inverse problem theory and its application to geophysics. Inversion technology is widely applicable in all areas of geophysical investigation, regardless of the physics employed, as well as in non-geophysical data analysis. The course will cover essential concepts of inversion in both probabilistic and deterministic frameworks and practical methods for solving discrete inverse problems. Specific topics to be explored include model and data discretization, Bayesian inversion, optimization criteria and methods, regularization techniques, and error and uncertainty analysis. Weekly homework assignments will require students to solve theoretical or numerical problems using programming assignments illustrating the concepts discussed in class. Knowledge of the Python programming language is assumed. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: GPGN329, GPGN404.
GPGN411. GRAVITY AND MAGNETIC METHODS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
Equivalent with GPGN414,
This course studies the theory and methods for processing and interpreting gravity and magnetic data acquired in geosciences and aims to enhance students' knowledge and skills in the application of gravity and magnetic methods. The course covers four major topic areas: (1) the data quantities measured in field surveys, (2) the methods for modeling, processing, and analyzing gravity and magnetic data; (3) 3D inversion of gravity, gravity gradient, and magnetic data; and (4) integrated interpretation of gravity and magnetic data through inversion and geology differentiation for extracting geology information. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: GPGN328, GPGN404.
GPGN420. ELECTRICAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC METHODS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
Equivalent with GPGN422,
(II) In-depth study of the application of electrical and electromagnetic methods to crustal studies, minerals exploration, oil and gas exploration, and groundwater. Laboratory work with mathematical models coupled with field work over areas of known geology. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: GPGN329, GPGN404.
GPGN436. GEOPHYSICAL COMPUTING. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
Equivalent with GPGN435,
This course develops the principles of geophysical computing in the context of simulating and validating numerical solutions to geophysical data processing challenges (e.g., interpolation, regression, and numerical differentiation) and partial differential equations commonly found in geophysical investigations (e.g., Laplace/Poisson equation, heat flow/diffusion equation, acoustic wave equation). Students learn how algorithms from applied linear algebra can be leveraged to efficiently generate numerical solutions to multidimensional geophysical problems using both self-developed and existing numerical libraries. Offered concurrently with GPGN536. Prerequisite: GPGN329, GPGN404.
GPGN438. GEOPHYSICS PROJECT DESIGN. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
(II) (WI) Complementary design course for geophysics restricted elective course(s). Application of engineering design principles to geophysics through advanced work, individual in character, leading to an engineering report or senior thesis and oral presentation thereof. Choice of design project is to be arranged between student and individual faculty member who will serve as an advisor, subject to department head approval. Prerequisites: GPGN314, GPGN329, GPGN404. 1 hour lecture; 6 hours lab; 3 semester hours.
GPGN455. EARTHQUAKE SEISMOLOGY. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
Equivalent with GPGN555,
(I) Earthquakes are amongst the most significant natural hazards faced by mankind, with millions of fatalities forecast this century. They are also our most accessible source of information on Earth's structure, rheology and tectonics, which are what ultimately govern the distribution of its natural resources. This course provides an overview of how earthquake seismology, complemented by geodesy and tectonic geomorphology, can be used to determine earthquake locations, depths and mechanisms; understand Earth's tectonics and rheology; establish long-term earthquake histories and forecast future recurrence; mitigate against seismic hazards; illuminate large- and fine-scale features of Earth's interior using earthquake data. Students will also cover the recent developments in 3D numerical earthquake source and wave propagation modelling as well as common & modern seismic data formats and processing/visualization tools and techniques used in earthquake seismology. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: PHGN200, GPGN229.
GPGN458. SEISMIC INTERPRETATION. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
(II) This course will give the participants a unique hands-on experience in seismic interpretation working with several sets of field data and industry standard interpretation software. The course will provide valuable knowledge and information in professional career development. The course involves lectures and labs on seismic interpretation on data sets from a variety of petroleum provinces from around the world. Potential projects for interpretation can be from Gulf of Mexico, North Sea and US land and can have time-lapse and multi-component data types. The class is based on completion and presentation of assignments, exams and final project. Final project will be presentation of the prospect as developed by a group of students. 2 hours lecture; 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.
GPGN461. SEISMIC DATA PROCESSING. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
Equivalent with GPGN452,
(I) This course covers the basic processing steps required to create images of the earth using 2D and 3D reflection seismic data. Topics include data organization and domains, signal processing to enhance temporal and spatial resolution, identification and suppression of incoherent and coherent noise, velocity analysis, near-surface statics, datuming, normal- and dip-moveout corrections, common-midpoint stacking, principles and methods used for poststack and prestack time and depth imaging, and post-imaging enhancement techniques. Field data are extensively used throughout the course. A three-hour lab introduces the student to hands-on data processing using a Seismic Unix software package. The final project consists of processing a 2D seismic line with oral presentation of the results. 3 hours lecture; 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours. Prerequisite: GPGN404, GPGN329.
GPGN470. APPLICATIONS OF SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
(I) An introduction to geoscience applications of satellite remote sensing of the Earth and planets. The lectures provide background on satellites, sensors, methodology, and diverse applications. Topics include visible, near infrared, and thermal infrared passive sensing, active microwave and radio sensing, and geodetic remote sensing. Lectures and labs involve use of data from a variety of instruments, as several applications to problems in the Earth and planetary sciences are presented. Students will complete independent term projects that are presented both written and orally at the end of the term. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: CSCI128.
GPGN474. HYDROGEOPHYSICS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.
(II) Application of geophysical methods to problems in hydrology. The course will consider both groundwater and surface water problems from the micro to basin scale. Topics may include characterizing groundwater surface water interaction, critical zone evaluation and weathering processes, snow and ice as a water resource, large scale imaging of aquifer systems, in situ estimation of aquifer parameters, evaluation of groundwater resources, delineation of thermal and chemical pollution of groundwater, and mapping of saltware intrusion. Readings and discussions will touch on social and political issues surrounding water use and the critical role that physical characterization plays in understanding water resources. Prerequisite: GPGN314. 2 hours lecture; 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.
GPGN486. GEOPHYSICS FIELD CAMP. 4.0 Semester Hrs.
(S) (WI) Introduction to geological and geophysical field methods. The program includes exercises in geological surveying, stratigraphic section measurements, geological mapping, and interpretation of geological observations. Students conduct geophysical surveys related to the acquisition of seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical observations. Students participate in designing the appropriate geophysical surveys, acquiring the observations, reducing the observations, and interpreting these observations in the context of the geological model defined from the geological surveys. 12 hours lab; 4 semester hours. Prerequisite: GPGN318,GPGN319, GPGN404, GEGN212.
GPGN498. SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOPHYSICS. 1-6 Semester Hr.
(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.
GPGN498. SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOPHYSICS. 1-6 Semester Hr.
(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.
GPGN498. SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOPHYSICS. 1-6 Semester Hr.
(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.
GPGN499. GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION. 1-6 Semester Hr.
(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.
SYGN498. SPECIAL TOPICS. 1-6 Semester Hr.
(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.