Exploration Geophysics
Postgraduate
In Leeds
Description
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Type
Postgraduate
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Location
Leeds
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Start date
Different dates available
Geophysics is the remote study of the Earth's interior through physical techniques – principally analysing seismic data, but also applying gravity, magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic methods.
It is a key element of oil, gas and mineral exploration, environmental and archaeological assessment, and engineering site investigation.
This course prepares you to embark on a career in resource exploration, environmental and engineering geophysics.
Running continuously for over 50 years it is very firmly established and has strong links to industry. It provides you with a broad range of practical skills, underpinned by a theoretical understanding that equips you to become a professional in your chosen field.
You will also undertake a four-month individual project, mostly in association with an external company or institute and often in their offices.
Demand for geophysicists continues to be high and this well-established course has an exceptionally good record of job placement for both UK/EU and overseas students.
Course highlights:
Network with energy, geophysical acquisition, processing and software companies, who visit regularly to engage and recruit our students.
Complete a 4 month individual project, mostly in association with an external company or institute and often in their offices.
Access our state-of-the-art computer suite that runs a comprehensive range of industry-standard software on hi-spec twin-screen workstations.
Develop your field skills with our sector-leading portfolio of field geophysical equipment.
Apply for a scholarship – we have a large number of School and dedicated external (industry) scholarships for UK/EU applicants.
Programme team
The course is delivered by a large pool of internationally recognised experts in geophysics and related subjects from the Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics (IGT) and the Institute of Applied Geoscience.
Dr Roger Clark is the Programme Manager for this course.
Accreditation
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About this course
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or above in geosciences (e.g. geology or geophysics) or a numerate discipline, such as physics or mathematics, although relevant and extensive industry experience can also be taken into account.
You should have mathematics to a good A-level grade (or equivalent) as a minimum. Your mathematical competence will be assessed prior to joining and additional training may be required.
The course is computer-intensive and we assume you have basic computer literacy including Windows and MS Office. is not your first language, you may be able to...
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Subjects
- Team Training
- Engineering
- Industry
- Project
- School
- Geophysics
- Environmental Engineering
- Teaching
- Access
- Interpretation
Course programme
You will study 8 taught modules and an individual project.
Taught modules cover a broad range of geophysical disciplines as applied to resource, environmental and engineering industries.
The individual project is the most challenging and exciting part of the course. It runs from May to September and tests your skills in applying the experiences acquired over the year to a specific problem.
Most projects have an association with an exploration company or other external organisation and you could work alongside geoscience professionals in the offices of industrial partners.
Projects typically include investigations of specific geological prospects, comparisons of novel seismic processing algorithms and integrated geophysical investigations from basin to quarry scale.
Course structureThese are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules Year 1Compulsory modules
- Exploration Geophysics: Project and Dissertation 60 credits
- Computational Inverse Theory 15 credits
- Petrophysics and Petroleum Geology 15 credits
- Geophysical Reservoir Evaluation 15 credits
- Geophysical and Geological Field Methods and Geological Interpretation 15 credits
- Gravity and Magnetic Methods 15 credits
- Seismic Fundamentals and Acquisition 15 credits
- Seismic Data Processing 15 credits
- Seismic Reflection Interpretation and Sequence Stratigraphy 15 credits
For more information on typical modules, read Exploration Geophysics MSc in the course catalogue
Learning and teachingBe taught by leading academic geoscientists, with input from industry experts throughout the course.
Learn through field-based and practical-based (individual and group) training, while your lectures and seminars are supplemented by desk-based and workstation-based practicals and fieldwork.
Facilities
The School's £23m building gives you access to world-class research, teaching and laboratory facilities.
As a Masters student you will have access to specific facilities as well as the general facilities available through the School and the University.
Ongoing investment in leading geophysical survey equipment means that you can effectively demonstrate and practise a range of techniques in the field including shooting seismic reflection surveys.
Equipment includes seismic, gravity, magnetics, GPR, resistivity/IP, EM, GPS/positioning. These datasets are subsequently used in your classroom/computer exercises to establish a practical link between field practice and data quality and interpretability.
A dedicated computer lab containing a suite of high-powered computers enhances your learning experience by providing you with access to a comprehensive range of industry-standard geophysical processing and interpretation software packages, e.g. MESA, SeisSpace/ProMAX®, KINGDOM, Petrel™, Geosoft, RokDoc, OpendTect and OpenCPS.
You can use these for individual projects, or in workstation-based teaching sessions. The software will also facilitate your individual and team-based exercises designed to simulate industry practice, e.g. processing a reflection seismic line, assessing a hydrocarbon prospect for a drilling/ license bid.
AssessmentYou will be assessed on your written exams, coursework (both in-class and independently completed), project report writing and group presentations.
Alumni profile
“The MSc Exploration Geophysics opened my eyes to the many applications of geophysics throughout a whole range of disciplines.” Read more
Dave Tierney, Geophysicist with GETECH
Exploration Geophysics