Geophysics

Modules shown are for the current academic year, and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

All of our Geophysics degrees share a common programme of studies for the first two years, which is divided into 50% theoretical, 25% practical and 25% coursework.

In the first year, Geophysics students take advanced maths and physics classes with an emphasis on calculus, statistics and mensuration, as well as the subjects studied by Geoscience students with an introduction to programming in both Python and Matlab.

You can expect:

• Broad introduction to geology and geophysics
• Cover subjects not previously experienced
• Learn to study independently in a university environment

You will learn basic geological principles and go on field trips in the UK and a two-week Rio Tinto Urra field trip to Spain.

You complete all of the core modules from all four areas below.

• Dynamic Earth 1
• Earth Materials and Stratigraphy
• Maths Methods 1
• Physical Processes

• Maths Methods 2
• Igneous and Metamorphic Processes
• Surface Processes

You choose one of the following:

• Chemistry for Geoscientists
• Solid Earth Geochemistry

• Numerical Methods 1
• Programming for Geoscientists
• Structural Geology 1
• Graphics & Statistics for Geoscientists

• Earth Materials and Stratigraphy
• Introduction to Field Geology
• Field Geology 1
• Projects, Tutorials and Workshops 1

In your second year you can expect to:

• Deepen knowledge of core geophysical subjects
• Apply physical laws to geological questions
• Enhance written, analytical and research skills

You will gain advanced knowledge of geophysical methods and processing techniques, particularly seismic imaging.

You will continue to study and deepen your knowledge of major branches of geoscience, such as:

• Vibrations and Waves
• Earth Resources
• Global Geophysics, Earth Structure and Tectonics
• Advanced Maths courses, Time Series Analysis
• Applied Geophysics
• Remote Sensing and GIS
• Structural Geology, Geochemistry, Seismology

You study all of the core modules listed below in the four different groups.

• Applied Geophysics 1
• Global Geophysics
• Maths Methods 3
• Vibrations and Waves

• Earth Resources
• Maths Methods 4
• Seismology

You choose one of the following:

• Low Temperature Geochemistry
• Solid Earth Geochemistry

• Mechanics
• Numerical Methods 2
• Remote Sensing and GIS
• Structural Geology 2

• Data Processing, Modelling and Interpretation of Morocco Data
• Field Geophysics
• Projects, Tutorials and Workshops 2

In the third year you can expect to:

• Practise geophysical measuring techniques and interpretation of data set
• Enhance report writing and research skills

You will have the choice of a range of optional modules, with few core modules, allowing you to specialise in an area of geophysics suited to your interests, or perhaps future career intentions.

You choose 4 modules from the list below for the theory component of the third year.

• Basins and Tectonics
• Climate
• Ice and Fire
• Seismic Techniques
• Solar System Geoscience

You choose 6 modules in total from the below lists. The Department offers modules on a bi-annual alternating basis, which means that three-year degree students will have a different group of modules to choose from, based upon the year you start your course.

Four-year MSci students will complete one group of the alternating modules in the third-year, and the rest of the modules in the fourth year.

• Dynamic Stratigraphy
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Mining Water and Waste Management
• Thermodynamics

• Coastal Engineering
• Igneous 2
• Impact Cratering
• Marine Stratigraphy
• Minerals Processing
• Palaeoceanography

• Advanced Applied Geophysics
• Biogeochemistry
• Earth Systems
• Geodynamics
• Geohazards
• Geomorphology
• Hydrothermal and ore forming processes
• Palaeo and Environmental magnetism
• Physical Oceanography

You will have the choice of modules from Imperial Horizons and the Business School, which broaden your studies.

• Imperial Horizons
• Business for Professional Engineers and Scientists

• Independent Geology Project
• Earth Science Synthesis (ESS)

• Earth Science General Paper
• EPEX Business Simulation
• Hydrogeology & Fluid Flow 1