Geophysics

Overview

Geophysics is the application of physics to problems in Earth Science. Physics principles, mathematical concepts and are advanced technologies are used to study the properties, structure, composition and evolution of the Earth. The geophysics Honours course provides graduates with a sound theoretical base, training in applied geophysics and knowledge of how the Earth works. Successful completion of the Honours course is considered to be the minimum academic requirement for a professional southern African geophysicist.

Curriculum

The geophysics Honours course includes formal lectures and associated assignments, seminars and tutorials. There are five core theoretical topics (listed below), the AfricaArray Field School and an Honours project. The final mark is made up as follows: Core lecturing topics: 80 credits. Field School: 10 credits. Honours Project: 30 credits: TOTAL 120 credits

Examinations are held twice yearly, in June and November. To pass the year a minimum average of 50% is required, a subminimum of 35% is required for written examinations, and the candidate must achieve a minimum mark of 50% for the Honours project. An external examiner monitors the standard of the examinations and the marking of the scripts.

ORIENTATION PROGRAMME

All geophysics students are required to attend the orientation programme commencing on the date and time of which will be issued by email at the beginning of each year. The venue will be Room 121, Geosciences Building. Students will be provided with an introduction to University policies, research guides and the geophysics course. Students should refer to details regarding the programme that will have been distributed. 

LECTURING TOPICS

There are five core lecturing topics:

Mathematical and Computational Methods in Geophysics (GEOP4004A)

Fundamental mathematical and computational knowledge are required by geophysicists and this course provides important background in these areas and for most of the other geophysical courses. The course includes current theories of image processing, inverse theory, signal processing and wavelet theory, with applications to gravity, geomagnetism and resistivity. Students are introduced to computer hardware and operating systems and are taught programming.

Global Geophysics (GEOP4010A)

This course presents an introduction to planetary physics and the main branches of geophysics (including gravity and geodesy, geomagnetism, seismology, electrical and electromagnetic methods, heat flow and radiogenic isotope physics). It shows how these methods are employed to understand the physics and composition of the Earth’s interior and the process of plate tectonics.   

Advanced Potential Theory (GEOP4005A)

Gravity and geomagnetism are core topics in geophysical exploration. The course starts with a discussion of the fundamentals of potential field theory in two and three dimensions. This is followed with particulars of exploration methods employing the gravity and geomagnetic methods (including instrumentation, field procedures and data interpretation). More in-depth discussions of the applications of gravity and magnetism to the Earth as a whole are presented.

Seismology (GEOP4006A)

Seismology is fundamentally important for geophysical exploration and understanding the deep structure and workings of the Earth. The course covers important aspects of instrumentation, survey design, data collection and data interpretation in exploration using refraction and reflection seismology. Rock mechanics and mine seismology are particularly relevant to the mining industry in South Africa and this constitutes an important component of the course. Global seismicity and teleseismology are used to develop a more detailed knowledge of the Earth’s internal structure.

Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods (GEOP4006A)

These methods deal with the propagation of electrical currents and of electromagnetic fields within the Earth and its atmosphere. This course provides background in fundamentals of geo-electricity and electromagnetism. A strong emphasis is placed on geophysical applications in the mining, geo-hydrology, engineering and environmental disciplines.

AFRICAARRAY FIELD SCHOOL (GEOP4011A)

The AfricaArray Field School is a compulsory component of the Honours course and is also offered to selected international students. It involves training in survey design and tendering for contracts, extensive field work on an actual mine or exploration project, use of most modern geophysical methods, data interpretation and a project report. It provides hands-on training for practical geophysicists and consultants.

HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECT 

A research project, with a time commitment of roughly six weeks, is a compulsory component of the Honours course. It is considered to be essential in preparing the student for future independent research or project work, including planning of a project, conducting a literature survey, conducting scientific research, interpreting results, presenting the findings orally, and writing a research report. The subject of the research work is drawn from the wide range of research activities in the School. A list of projects is normally given to the students and a student is expected to pick a project of his/her own interest. Students are also encouraged to bring their own research projects.

Prescribed Reading

• Potential Theory in Gravity & Magnetic Applications. ISBN: 0521339383 (Pbk) Author: Blakely, RJ
• Encyclopedic Dictionary of Applied Geophysics. 4^th (2002 edition) ISBN: 1560801182 Author: Sheriff, RE
• Applied Geophysics. (1990 edition) ISBN: 0521339383 (Pbk) Author: Telford, WM; Geldart, CP & Sheriff, RE

Entry Requirements

Minimum pre-requisites are a BSc degree with passes in Geology I, Mathematics II and Physics II. In the third year of BSc an average of at least 60% must be achieved in any two of the following subjects: Geology III, Mathematics III, or Physics III. Subject to the approval of the Head of School, Geology I can be taken concurrently with the Honours course.

Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Application Process

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.