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:

• a broad introduction to geology and geophysics
• to cover subjects not previously experienced
• to 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 the core modules from the 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 your knowledge of core geophysical subjects
• Apply physical laws to geological questions
• Enhance your 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.

• 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 your 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 career intentions.

You choose four 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 six modules from the below group of over 20 modules.

The modules below are available to you in Years Three and Four (see Year 4 - Optional modules).

• Advanced Applied Geophysics
• Advanced Programming
• Biogeochemistry
• Dynamic stratigraphy
• Earth Systems
• Environmental and Engineering Geology
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Flow and Reactive Transport
• Geodesy and Geomagnetism
• Geodynamics
• Geohazards
• Geomorphology
• Hydrogeology & Fluid Flow 2
• Hyrdothermal and Ore Forming Processes
• Low Temperature Geochemistry
• Mechanics
• Minerals Processing
• Mining Water and Waste Management
• Palaeo and Environmental Magnetism
• Physical Oceanography
• Physics of Planet Earth
• Remote Sensing and GIS 2
• Thermodynamics

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

• Imperial Horizons
• Business for Professional Engineers and Scientists

• Independent Geophysics Project
• Earth Science Synthesis

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

• Enhance research skills by undertaking publishable research
• Combine field and class-based learning in unique basin analysis field course
• Specialise in your chosen area while maintaining breadth of options

For each of the MSci degrees, the first term of the fourth year is devoted to a publishable independent research project. This may involve a mixture of fieldwork, laboratory/computing analysis and literature review of a relevant specialist topic.

The rest of the year adds to the specialist modules relevant to the degree and may include various optional modules (see below for provisional list).

Most students undertake a field course in southern Europe as their final option, bringing together four years of study.

• Advanced Sedimentology; Structural Geology; Paleobiology; Remote Sensing Basin Analysis
• Environmental and Engineering Geology
• Geodynamics; Geohazards; Seismology; Impact Cratering
• Palaeoceanography and Oceanography
• Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow
• Hydrothermal and Ore Systems; Minerals Processing; Earth Systems
• Marine Geology and Geophysics; Biogeochemistry; Rock Mechanics; Solid Waste Management; Planetary Science

You complete an extensive project reliant upon significant research and independent study.

You take Science Communication and choose seven modules from the list below and the third year optional module list above.

• Advanced Exploration Seismology
• Applied Sedimentology
• Basin Analysis

• Earth Science General Paper
• Research Conference or Field Geology 5